THE QUESTION:
Dear Muslim friends, I am a Christian man and have lived in the United States my entire life. I have always been fascinated with the subject of religion and have taken the time to study the Islamic faith somewhat.
As I write this, it is September 13, 2007, which is the first day of Ramadan this year. I pray that you have a blessed time of fasting and prayer unto God (Allah).
I have a question in regard to your position on salvation and the afterlife. Here is some background so that you will understand where I am coming from.
I personally believe in the Torah and the Gospels as do other Christians, but I do *not* in any fashion believe that there are “three gods” or anything of the sort. The Bible itself teaches that there is only *One God* and the belief in “three” is from sources other than the Bible. “One” by no means implies that there are really “three.” To this day, I still can’t really figure out where Christians have come up with the concept of “three in one.” There is only One God. And, like Muslims, I do not ascribe any “partners” with God - no humans, animals, etc. And neither do I worship his prophets or messengers as being equal with God, though I do acknowledge that they are sent from Him.
Of course, because I am a Christian, I do feel that Jesus -may peace be upon him - was the “Messiah,” just like other Christians believe (that he died on the cross, etc.) My question in regard to Islam, pertained to the fact that Muslims (as I understand them) deny the crucifixion of Christ, and accept the prophethood of Muhammad.
Although I am not a “Muslim,” I do most certainly worship only One God, Who I believe is the same as “Allah,” whom the Muslims worship. But because I am a Christian, I do not hold the same views as do Muslims in regard to the prophethood of Muhammad and the crucifixion of Jesus.
My question to you is: is it considered necessary in Islam for a man like myself to convert to Islam in order to go to Paradise (Heaven), even though I ascribe worship to only One God now as Christian? Is it acceptable to still be a “Christian” in the eyes of Allah, and go to Heaven?
I’m just curious, and perhaps the answer is not as cut and dry as I make it. I ask with an open mind and heart. Please get back to me when you can. And may Allah richly bless you for your work in spreading the glorious truth that He is One - and there is none before or after Him. Have a blessed Ramadan. - Jonathan
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