Question 2

"Is it true that non-muslims who are not bad human beings will go to hell? If yes, why?"

An interesting question indeed, yet it implicitly insinuates as though Islam is exclusivist in its teachings, and Muslims are conceited people. This is far from the truth.

Yet, a simple “No!” or” Yes!” response may not be satisfactory, in this web-site addressing a constituency of highly educated intellectuals.

My initial response is to invite us to ponder:

The phrase “not a bad human beings” in the question is ambiguous. Yes, many would say that it mean “a good person”! Still, the “good or bad” are relative terms to be understood in a certain context, depending upon what ethical principle one holds viz. secular or religious.

And when your question is then linked to “hell,” it begs the question, as to whether that “non-Muslim” person do believe in ‘paradise and hell’ or not? If he does not, then the question is irrelevant to him.

But if a person do believe in after-life – in reward and punishment in the Hereafter; in Paradise and Hell (as amongst those who still adhere to past revelations ) – then they would still have to adhere (comply) to certain concept or criteria (i.e. what kind of “goodness”) that the person should possess that can qualify his entrance into either of these two domains (Paradise or Hell).

RE-PHRASE

So if we are to re-phrase the question to this:

“Does Islam believe that a non-Muslim person will still go to hell, although he/she has been a good person in this life?”

And the answer is:

“No! A non-Muslim person will neither go to hell (nor to Paradise) because of the ‘good’ the person has done. It depends.

CLARIFICATION

From the Islamic point of view, Hell and Paradise is to be understood in the context of life and the purpose of human existence. This worldly life is a temporary place for man to be tested.

“Blessed be He (Allah) in Whose hands is Dominion: and He over all things Hath Power― He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving―”

(Qur’an: Mulk: 67: 1-2)

CONCEPT OF GOOD (RIGHTEOUNESS)

The most crucial test is in acknowledgement of truth the Allah is God our Creator and Sustainer; who grants us life and showed us the ‘good’ and the promise of eternal of Paradise in the Hereafter; as well warning us of the ‘bad’ (or what is termed ‘sin, sinful’) and it consequence for indulging in such with the torments of Hell. Still, every sin can be forgiven by Allah in this world and the message of Mercy has been proclaimed by Allah through His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w.:

Say (tell them of my message O Muhammad): "O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

"Turn ye to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped."

(Qur’an: Zumar: 39: 53-54)

Those who believe and are conscious of this, directs their life towards this goal, guided by the rules or ways which Allah has revealed (Shari’ah). ‘Bad’ (sinful) deeds are to be totally shunned, and cannot be justified merely by having good intent. Whereas the actions in doing ‘good’, would be weighted by the doers intention accordingly because Prophet Muhammad said:

“Action (deeds) are by intention, and verily the worth of the deeds is based upon what is intended.”

(Hadith reported by Muslim)

As to those who do not believe in the One God and the Hereafter, their ‘goodness or good actions’ will still receive reward good consequences here in this world, but has no merit in the hereafter.

The most crucial message is: if any person who knows about the message and Truth of the One God (Allah) and His Prophets, but do not acknowledge but reject it, and ascribe others as their ‘gods’ and worship them (and even their desires can be regarded as their ‘gods’), and persist in this till his death, although many opportunity for him to be forgiven have been given but were ignored, then he has lost his very worth for being created. He is said to be one ‘unjust to himself’, or ‘to be most ungrateful’ or ‘kafir’ (deniers of truth and favour of Allah, his creator and bestower of every favours), etc.

It is for such people that Hell has been created:

“Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet Allah,― until on a sudden the hour is on them, and they say: "Ah! woe unto us that we took no thought of it"; for they bear their burdens on their backs; and evil indeed are the burdens that they bear!.

What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will ye not then understand?”

(Qur’an: An-‘am: 6: 31-32)

Say (O Muhammad): "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner."

(Qur'an: Kahfi: 18: 110)

WaAllaahu a’lam