❖ The Deceptive Narrative of "Unity of Religions" ❖
The "Unity of Religions" movement is an ideological initiative that seeks to eliminate the distinctions between different faiths, promoting the idea that all religions are equally valid. At its core, this movement aims to alter the fundamental beliefs of Islam, such as removing terms like "Kāfir" from the Muslim lexicon, in order to equate all religions with Islam.While seemingly advocating peaceful coexistence, this notion clashes directly with the clear directives of the Qur'an and the foundational beliefs of Islam.
✿ Misinterpretation of the Qur'an
One commonly misused verse is:Sūrat al-Baqarah (2:62), which is cited to argue that Jews, Christians, and others can enter Paradise if they believe in God and the Last Day and perform good deeds.
However, this interpretation ignores the actual context of the verse, which was revealed to refute the exclusivist claim of the Jews that only they would attain salvation. The verse emphasizes that salvation is based on faith and righteous action, not lineage or ethnicity.
✦ The Clear Commands of the Qur'an
Other verses in the Qur'an unambiguously declare that no religion other than Islam will be accepted:﴿وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ﴾ (Āl ʿImrān: 85)
"Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him."
Belief in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mandatory for all after his advent.
✿ Understanding from the Pious Predecessors (Salaf al-Ṣāliḥīn)
Classical scholars clarified that Sūrat al-Baqarah (2:62) refers to those Jews, Christians, and Sabians who believed in the truth and performed righteous deeds before the advent of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.After his prophethood, it is obligatory upon all people to believe in him. The other Qur'anic verses reinforce this, and no one can claim salvation without belief in the final Messenger ﷺ.
✦ Questions for the Advocates of "Religious Unity"
➤ Why not leave Islam?If belief in the Prophet ﷺ is unnecessary for salvation, why maintain the label of "Muslim"? If his message is optional, why not join another religion?
➤ What becomes of Islamic daʿwah?
If Jews and Christians can attain Paradise through their own doctrines, what is the purpose of inviting them to Islam?
➤ Why does the Qur'an call them to faith?
Why does the Qur'an repeatedly call the People of the Book to believe if their own faiths suffice for salvation?
✔ Summary
➤ Islam is the final and complete religion, and salvation requires belief in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.➤ The “Unity of Religions” ideology is a distortion of Qur'anic teachings and misleads by misinterpreting specific verses.
➤ The firm position of the Salaf confirms that post-prophethood, belief in Muhammad ﷺ is essential.
➤ We must uphold the core beliefs of Islam and interpret the Qur'an through the methodology of the righteous predecessors.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
