How do Muslims get to heaven? (Jesus, priest, Earth, hell)

[natey]

So this is my question. Basically you're saying that for a Muslim to get into heaven you have to "be a good person" and then just hope that God has mercy on you?

If so, wow.

And are there any verses from the Qur'an to back this up?

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by SoyLeche

I was wondering specifically about things like money, television, an ipod, etc. Is "worshipping" any of these things unforgivable?

Worship, yes. I'm not sure if that would fall under idol worship according to Islamic law, though - but it was certainly run afoul of other Islamic teachings. God says it's okay to acquire wealth, it's not a bad thing, and a comfortable life in this world is not a sin - but you charity work would have to be proportionate and so on. So there's lots of cracks you can fall through.

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Djamila

Worship, yes. I'm not sure if that would fall under idol worship according to Islamic law, though - but it was certainly run afoul of other Islamic teachings. God says it's okay to acquire wealth, it's not a bad thing, and a comfortable life in this world is not a sin - but you charity work would have to be proportionate and so on. So there's lots of cracks you can fall through.

thanks

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by natey

So this is my question. Basically you're saying that for a Muslim to get into heaven you have to "be a good person" and then just hope that God has mercy on you?

If so, wow.

And are there any verses from the Qur'an to back this up?

No, you have to walk the straight path. The straight path is a term from the Koran that encompasses:

"Say: 'come let me recite to you what your Lord Has forbade for you:
that you should not set-up anything with Him.
And be kind to your parents;
and do not kill your unborn children for fear of poverty, We provide for you and for them;
and do not come near evil, what is openly of it, or secretly;
and do not kill the soul which GOD Has forbidden, except in justice. That is what He enjoined you that you may comprehend'.
'And do not come near the money of the orphan, except for what is best, until he reached his maturity;
and give honestly full measure and weight equitably. We do not burden a soul except by what it can bear.
And if you speak then be just even if against a relative;
and with pledges made to GOD you shall observe. This He Has enjoined you that you may remember'.
And this is *My path, a Straight One, so you shall follow it, and do not follow the other paths lest they divert you from His path. That is what He has enjoined you to that you may be righteous." (6:151-153)

[natey]

Basically that's saying, be good. However I fail to see where it says anything about entrance to paradise.

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by natey

Basically that's saying, be good. However I fail to see where it says anything about entrance to paradise.

That's the purpose of the whole Koran.

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by natey

So this is my question. Basically you're saying that for a Muslim to get into heaven you have to "be a good person" and then just hope that God has mercy on you?

Far be it from me to think I could answer better than a Muslim... but I just want to make sure one thing is clear. I was given this same answer on this question by a Muslim and missed something in the exchange.... I hope you're not missing it as well:

The Koran teaches:
"- all who believe in God and the Last Day and do righteous deeds - shall have their reward with their Sustainer; and no fewar need they have, and neither shall they grieve." Surah 2:62

So it's not just "be a good person".... the answers given are predicated upon living a life (in this case) as a Muslim believer... and following the Koran and the teachings of the faith etc. etc. It's not just live however the heck you want and do more good than bad and pray God is merciful.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by natey

This is something I've wondered for a vey long time and I've never really found an answer. How do Muslims know that they are going to heaven, how do they gain entrance to heaven etc?

I've heard the it's based totally on Allah's mercy and that Muhammad didn't even 100% know if he was going to heaven or not.

Natey,

You are assuming that Christianity is the road one must take to Heaven. Have you ever stopped to consider that somewhere there's a Muslim who may be wondering exactly the same thing about Christians -- i.e. how do Christians know that they are going to heaven? Unless you have had a person visit from your Savior, your certainly as to your own eventual reward is based on faith. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. On the contrary, I believe it to be essential. When it gets right down to it, nobody is 100% certain about what happens after death -- not Muhammad, not you, not I.

[natey]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Natey,

You are assuming that Christianity is the road one must take to Heaven. Have you ever stopped to consider that somewhere there's a Muslim who may be wondering exactly the same thing about Christians -- i.e. how do Christians know that they are going to heaven? Unless you have had a person visit from your Savior, your certainly as to your own eventual reward is based on faith. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. On the contrary, I believe it to be essential. When it gets right down to it, nobody is 100% certain about what happens after death -- not Huhammad, not you, not I.

I am 100% certain where I am going after death, and it doesn't involve fire and brimstone.

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me"
John 14:2-3
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

All of the other religions of the world are based on a do this do that system. Only Christianity is different. Isn't that surprising?

[gnostic]

Originally Posted by SoyLeche

What constitutes Idol worship? What sorts of things can be idols to be worshipped?

Someone said that if person revere a place so much, such as mosque, temple or church, then that building has become a giant idol. I don't remember who said this. Was it you, SoyLeche?

So in essence, all monotheists are idol-worshippers. They have made their buildings sacred.

Moses and Jesus did all their teaching outdoor, when they need to speak in public. And they only taught indoor, with only selected followers. There were no temple in Moses' time. And Jesus did a fair bit of travelling too, but he did do some teaching in the temple, but this temple wasn't his church. I think Muhammad did the same things too; if I recall it properly, there were no mosque built at that time.