The title of this thread has got me thinking.
It says, "The only acceptable religion to Allah is Islam"
This in fact is very false. Throughout the Quran one will find that it often talks about the 'people of the book', and how Muslims should have close relationships with them because of the fact they are also people of God. Islam is not a new religion. We believe that this is the same message of Adam, Lot, Job, Moses, and Jesus. It's just the fact it's last messenger was not an Isrealite makes it seems somewhat outlandish in my opinion. Islam just calls for the return to the belief in one true God and that no partners should be associated with him. Although Muslims believe that it is better for the people of the book convert, if they should believe that God has no partners or people that could be associated on an equal level with him, it should be sufficient for them, and the fact that this God not be an idol or something that is on the human level.
I'm not the most eloquent person (I can when I want to be), but I believe that I'm getting my point across, no?
Sega I think your point is very sound. But hear me out k.
The belief that Islam, Christianity and Judaism etc are different religions etc is a questionable theology. It is cited that Abraham called people Muslims.
And strive in the cause of God its truly deserved striving. He is the One who has chosen you, and He has made no hardship for you in the system, the creed of your father Abraham; He is the One who named you those who have submitted (Muslimeen) from before and in this. So let the messenger be witness over you and you be witness over the people. So hold the contact prayer and contribute towards purifi cation and hold tight to God, He is your patron. What an excellent Patron, and what an excellent Supporter. - Quran
22:78
See the following verses.
2:111 And they said: None shall enter the Paradise except those who are Jewish or Nazarenes; this is what they wish! Say: Bring forth your proof if you are truthful.
2:112 No; whoever submits (Aslamu) himself to God, while doing good, he will have his recompense with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve.
2:113 And the Jews say: The Nazarenes have no basis, and the Nazarenes say: The Jews have no basis, while they are both reciting the Book! Similarly, those who do not know have said the same thing. God will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection in what they dispute.
Thus it is evident that Christians (Nazarenes) and Jews also can submit to God will be saved and God will judge between them. It is not for us to judge. Which indicates that one who submits or Aslamu is a Muslim and even one who calls himself Nazarene also can be a Muslim.
2:135 And they said: Be Jewish or Nazarenes so that you may be guided! Say: No, rather the creed of Abraham, monotheism; for he was not of the polytheists.
2:136 Say: We believe in God and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs, and what was given to Moses and Jesus, and what was given to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make a distinction between any of them and to Him we submit.
We are required to tell those call themselves Jewish or Nazarenes that Millat Ibrahim or the creed or religion of Abraham will save us all. See, there was only one prophet called Muhammed born in Arabia but Muslims are divided into various sects. Shia, Sunni, Wahabbi etc. But what ever the division you call yourselves of, you are a segment of Islam. Same way if we believe that Islam or submission was the only system authorised by God, whatever name we call ourselves is just a concocted name, the origin is Islam.
But Christians and Jews etc are clearly differentiated from the Mumeens.
3:67 Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Nazarene, but he was a monotheist
who submitted; he was not of the polytheists.
3:68 The most legitimate people to Abraham are those who followed him; and this prophet, and those who believed (Amanu); and God is the supporter of the believers.
As you can see, if Abraham himself was a Muslim and he called his followers Muslim as said in the Quran, Amanu or believers are differentiated from them and called one of the legitimate people. There is a clear difference between a Muslim and an Amanu or one who has submitted and a believer. This is where the real difference between Christian, Jews and Mumeens is. Muslim is more generic.
Thus, when the Quran says that Islam is the only religion or system, you actually dont have to be one who in current context calls himself a Muslim.
3:85 And whoever follows other than submission (Islam) as a system, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he is of the losers.
See if Ahlil Kithab are clearly a different entity from Muslims, how can they be told that it will not be accepted from him while in so many other places the Quran says that people of the book can attain salvation.
So in the current world people do misunderstand misquote the Quran.
Peace