A common question posed to Muslims particularly by Christian missionaries, is: “How do you know for sure that you will end up in Heaven?” In Christianity, the belief that Jesus died for the sins of humanity provides assurance of salvation for believers.
This article seeks to address such questions by highlighting the numerous verses in the Qur’an that offer good news to all believers who have faith in Allah and perform righteous deeds. These verses emphasize that those who follow God’s guidance and act with compassion and generosity will have nothing to fear, neither in this world nor in the hereafter.
I also want to correct another misconception. The same missionaries and others claim that Islam is a work theology. You go to Heaven based on good work. This is false. Prophet Muhammad himself explained that we only go to heaven based on Allah’s grace and mercy.
Narrated by Abu Huraira, in Al Bukhari 5673, that the Prophet pbuh said: “Strive for perfection, and be hopeful, for no one will enter Paradise because of their deeds alone.” They asked, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Not even me, unless Allah envelops me in His mercy. And know that the most beloved deed to Allah is the one done consistently, even if it is small.”
This Hadith emphasizes that no one, not even Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) can rely solely on his deeds for salvation. Instead, it is Allah’s grace and mercy that ultimately determine one’s entry into Heaven.
This underscores the Islamic belief that while good deeds are important, they are not the sole criteria for salvation. It is Allah’s grace that is paramount.
The good news in the Qur’an
{لهم البشرى في الحياة الدنيا وفي الآخرة}.( يونس 64)
there is good news in the life of this world and the life to come. (10:64)
وأما {البشرى} في الآخرة، فنحو تلقي الملائكة بالسلام، وإخبارهم إياهم بما أعد الله لهم في الاخره، وإلى هذا يشير قوله عز وجل: {لا يحزنهم الفزع الأكبر وتتلقاهم الملائكة هذا يومكم الذي كنتم توعدون} (الأنبياء:103).
As for “The Good News” in the Hereafter, it is about the angels receiving them with greetings and informing them of what God has prepared for them in the eternal abode, and this is what the Almighty’s saying:
The ultimate horror will not grieve them, and the angels will greet them, [saying], “This is your Day which you have been promised”— (21:103)
{وبشر الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات أن لهم جنات} (البقرة:25)
Give good news to the believers who do virtuous deeds; they will have Heavenly Gardens with flowing rivers. (02:25)
{وعد الله الذين آمنوا منكم وعملوا الصالحات ليستخلفنهم في الأرض كما استخلف الذين من قبلهم وليمكنن لهم دينهم الذي ارتضى لهم وليبدلنهم من بعد خوفهم أمنا} (النور:55).
God has promised those among you who have believed and done righteous deeds that He will make them successors upon the Earth just as He did those before them and that He will establish for them the faith that He has chosen for them. He will exchange the fear they have experienced with security, (24:55)
{وبشر المؤمنين بأن لهم من الله فضلا كبيرا} (الأحزاب:47)
Give good news to the believers that they will have great favor from God. (33:47)
وقوله تعالى: {يبشرهم ربهم برحمة منه ورضوان وجنات لهم فيها نعيم مقيم} (التوبة:21).
Their Lord brings them the good news of the grace that flows from Him and His approval, and of Gardens that await them, full of everlasting pleasure, (9:21) where they will live forever. God has a tremendous reward [for them]. (9:22)
Those who will have no fear nor grieve
«لا خوفٌ عليهم ولا هم يحزنون»، هذه العبارة تكررت في 14 موضعًا من القرآن الكريم، منها 6 في سورة البقرة وحدها، جاءت على النحو التالي:
“They will not have fear or grieve” This good news was repeated forteen times in the Qur’an in different chapters, out of which six times in the second chapter alone stated as follows:
«قُلْنَا اهْبِطُوا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًا فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ مِنِّي هُدًى فَمَنْ تَبِعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ» البقرة: 38.
We said, “All of you go down from it [the Garden]. When my guidance comes to you, whoever follows my guidance will not have fear or grieve” (02:38)
«إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالنَّصَارَى وَالصَّابِئِينَ مَنْ آَمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآَخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ» البقرة: 62
Truly those believers (in this message), as well as the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabeans, whoever believes in God and in the Last Day and does righteous deeds will have their reward from their Lord, and will not have fear, nor will they grieve. (02:62)
«بَلَى مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون» البقرة: 112.
Rather, whoever turns his face in submission towards God while acting with utmost generosity has their reward from their Lord and will neither fear nor grieve. (02:112)
«الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ لَا يُتْبِعُونَ مَا أَنْفَقُوا مَنًّا وَلَا أَذًى لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون» البقرة: 262.
Those who spend their money in God’s way and then do not follow what they spend with reproach or harm will be rewarded by their Lord. They will neither fear nor grieve. (02:262)
«الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون» البقرة: 274.
All those who contribute their money at night or during the day, both secretly and publicly, will receive a reward from their Lord. They will not be afraid, nor will they grieve. (02:274)
«إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآَتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون» البقرة: 277.
Those who believe and do righteous deeds and perform their prayers and give the purifying alms have their reward from their Lord, and they will not fear nor grieve. (02:277)
وفي سورة آل عمران
“وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ (169) فَرِحِينَ بِمَا آَتَاهُمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ وَيَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِالَّذِينَ لَمْ يَلْحَقُوا بِهِمْ مِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ أَلَّا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون”(170)
Never think of those who are killed in God’s path as dead, but alive and provided for with their Lord, (03:169) rejoicing in what God has bestowed upon them of His favor, and they receive good news about those who remained behind who have not yet joined them – that there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve. (03:170)
في سورة المائدة
«إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالصَّابِئُونَ وَالنَّصَارَى مَنْ آَمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآَخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون 69»
The believers, as well as the Jews, the Sabeans, and the Christians: all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds, will have nothing to fear, and they will not grieve. (5:69)
وفي سورة الأنعام
«وَمَا نُرْسِلُ الْمُرْسَلِينَ إِلَّا مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنْذِرِينَ فَمَنْ آَمَنَ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ»: 48.
We send Our Messengers only to give good news and to warn. All who believe and live righteously do not need to fear, nor will they grieve. (6:48)
وفي سورة الأعراف
«يَا بَنِي آَدَمَ إِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِنْكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ آَيَاتِي فَمَنِ اتَّقَى وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ»: 35.
Children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among yourselves, conveying My messages to you, then all who are mindful of Me and live righteously don’t need to fear not will they grieve, (7:35)
وفي سورة يونس
{ألا إن أولياء الله لا خوف عليهم ولا هم يحزنون * الذين آمنوا وكانوا يتقون * لهم البشرى في الحياة الدنيا وفي الآخرة لا تبديل لكلمات الله ذلك هو الفوز العظيم} (يونس:62-64)
Those who took God as their true protector should have no fear, and they will not grieve. (10:62) [For] those who believe and are ever mindful of God, (10:63) there is good news in the life of this world and the life to come. There is no changing the words of God; this is truly the supreme triumph. (10:64)
وفي سورة الزخرف
«يَا عِبَادِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ وَلَا أَنْتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ (68) الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا بِآَيَاتِنَا وَكَانُوا مُسْلِمِينَ».
“My worshipers, you have nothing to fear on that Day, nor will you grieve, (43:68) those who believed in Our revelations and were submissive. (43:69) Enter the Garden, you and your spouses, filled with Joy.” (43:70)
وفي سورة الأحقاف
«إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ (13) أُولَئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ»: 14.
Those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and then remained on a straight path, they will have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve. (46:13) Those are destined for Paradise, where they will dwell forever, a reward for what they used to do. (46:14)
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ (سورة فصلت 30)
Those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and then stay consistently on the right path, the angels will descend on them and say, “Do not fear or grieve, but [rather] rejoice in the news of Paradise, which you have been promised (41:30)
Based on the verses above, here are the groups of people who will have no fear nor grief on the Day of Judgement:
- Those who follow God’s guidance (2:38)
- Believers in God and the Last Day who do righteous deeds (2:62)
- Those who submit to God and act with utmost generosity (2:112)
- Those who spend their money in God’s way without reproach or harm (2:262)
- Those who contribute their money both secretly and publicly (2:274)
- Those who believe, do righteous deeds, perform prayers, and give alms (2:277)
- Those killed in God’s path, rejoicing in God’s favor (3:169-170)
- Believers, Jews, Sabeans, and Christians who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds (5:69)
- Those who believe and live righteously (6:48)
- Those who are mindful of God and live righteously (7:35)
- Friends (Awliya’) of God who believe and are ever mindful of God (10:62-64)
- God’s worshipers who believed in His revelations and were submissive (43:68-70)
- Those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and remain on a straight path (46:13-14)
- Those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and stay consistently on the right path (41:30)
These groups are highlighted for their faith, righteous actions, and adherence to God’s guidance.
The verses highlighted in this article, and the groups who are promised no fear nor grief on The Day of Judgement, clearly demonstrate that Islam offers abundant good news to all who believe in God and perform righteous deeds. This good news is not limited to Muslims alone but extends to all people who believe in the Creator of this Universe, and are kind to their neighbors, and the world they live in, emphasizing the inclusive and compassionate nature of The Qur’an. The repeated assurance that those who follow God’s guidance will have nothing to fear and will not grieve serves as a powerful reminder of the love, mercy and justice of Allah.
We can further conclude from the above verses the following key points:
- Inclusivity in Faith: The Qur’an mentions that believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabeans who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds will be rewarded and have no fear nor grief (2:62, 5:69).
- Ultimate Judgment by Allah: The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that Allah alone knows the hearts and deeds of all His servants and is the ultimate judge (2:112, 46:13-14).
- Promotion of Understanding and Compassion: By recognizing the shared values and beliefs across different faiths, we can foster a more peaceful and harmonious world, which is in line with the true spirit of Islam.
- Emphasis on Righteous Deeds: The verses consistently highlight the importance of righteous actions alongside faith. This underscores that belief alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by good deeds (2:62, 2:277, 5:69).
- Equality and Justice: The inclusion of various religious groups (believers, Jews, Christians, Sabeans) who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds suggests a principle of equality and justice in the eyes of Allah. This can be seen as a call for mutual respect and understanding among different faith communities (2:62, 5:69).
- Generosity and Charity: Several verses emphasize the importance of spending in the way of Allah, both secretly and publicly, and without reproach or harm. This highlights the value of generosity and charity in Islam (2:262, 2:274).
- Steadfastness and Submission: The verses also stress the importance of steadfastness in faith and submission to Allah. Those who remain on a straight path and submit to Allah are promised rewards and freedom from fear and grief (2:112, 46:13-14, 41:30).
- Divine Reward and Assurance: The repeated assurance that those who follow these principles will have no fear nor grief serves as a powerful motivator for believers to adhere to these values. It reflects Allah’s mercy and the promise of divine reward for those who are faithful and righteous (2:38, 10:62-64).
These insights collectively emphasize a holistic approach to faith that includes belief, righteous actions, generosity, steadfastness, and submission to Allah. They also promote a message of inclusivity, equality, and compassion, which are central to the true spirit of Islam.
These key conclusions encourage a message of unity and compassion, which is essential for promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Hence, extremists who claim that non-Muslims are excluded from Paradise are not supported by the Qur’an or the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is essential to recognize that the ultimate judgment belongs to Allah alone, who knows the hearts and deeds of all His servants. By promoting understanding and compassion, we can work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world, reflecting the true spirit of Islam.