* In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
Those who disbelieve among the People of the Book and the idolaters were not about to change their ways until they were sent clear evidence*, a messenger from God, reading out pages [blessed with] purity, containing true scriptures. [Yet] those who were given the Scripture became divided only after they were sent clear evidence though all they are odered to do is worship god alone, sincerely devoting their religion to Him as people of true faith, keep up the prayer, and pay the prescribed alms, for that is the true religion. Those who disbelieve among the People of the Book and the idolaters will have the Fire of Hell, there to remain. They are the worst of creation.
Those who believe and do good deeds are the best of creation. Their reward with their Lord is everlasting Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will stay forever. God is well pleased with them and they with Him. All this is for those who stand in awe of their Lord.
* a friend of mine was once assigned to read the Qur'an in a weekend. I have no such grand ambition, but I do intend to pick up the pace significantly.
* for Christians, faith is famously hope in things not seen, trust that God will fulfill God's promises. Do Muslims frame faith any differently? I also am curious if the people of the book who do not believe (those referred to here) are Christians and Jews, or if they are anyone who refuses to believe in or submit to God at all, in spite of exposure to religious teachings.
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It is not what you call yourself (Christian, Jew, European...etc) that matters. In God's eyes, ALL human beings are equal. What matters is our conduct (moral/ethical) because it is our conduct as human beings that effects our souls. People (mankind) has been given guidance---at its core--all guidance points to living upto our potential as human beings---which is basically --conducting our lives in a God-conscious manner to benefit all of God's creations.
According to muslim belief, our existence here on earth is a test (for our souls) Both the benefits and suffering test our conduct and our faith. Some may feel that they have "knowledge", "wealth" ...etc and might think of themselves as "self-sufficent"---why do we need God?---Some may suffer and feel anger that they do not deserve to suffer or otherwise lose faith.
People of the Book---The Quran is not a text of "sound-bytes" so when reading should be aware of/sensitive to nuance. "People of the Book" refers to those people to whom revelation has been sent--Such as Torah, Zabur(Pslams), Injil (Gospel)etc. However, it can be generally understood to refer to Jews and Christians. Notice---"Those who disbelieve among the people of the book"---is referring SOME people who use relgious labels (for the sake of convenience) but do not bother following the (criteria/demands)religion itself.
Thus "disbeliever" would be someone who has been given guidance but after understanding it--has refused/rejected it.
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