Paradise Is Not for One Group Alone, Scholar Says, Citing Quranic Verse
In his latest Quran interpretation session on Saturday, Ayatollah Abolqasem Alidoust, a senior seminary scholar, discussed verses 111–113 of Surah al-Baqarah, which address claims by Jews and Christians that paradise belongs only to them.
He said these verses deliver a unified message worthy of deeper academic study, suggesting that researchers should consider them as topics for their theses.
Quoting verse 111, he noted, “And they say, ‘No one will enter paradise except one who is a Jew or Christian.’ Those are their false hopes! Say, ‘Produce your evidence, should you be truthful.’” He said the verse teaches that bold claims must be backed by reason or authentic scripture, not by self-assumed privilege.
“The Quran calls this mindset narcissistic and exclusionary,” Alidoust said. “It reminds us that even when faced with irrational claims, we should respond with reason and composure.”
Read More:
Referring to verse 112, he explained that God’s standard is sincerity of purpose and good deeds: “Whoever submits his will to Allah and is virtuous, he shall have his reward from his Lord, and they will have no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
Alidoust said the phrase ‘aslama wajhahu lillah’ refers not to mere religious identity but to acting for God’s sake and accepting His commands with humility.
He added that the Quran mentions faith and righteous action over 300 times, underscoring that divine reward is reserved for those whose belief and conduct align with virtue.
Read More:
He cautioned that the same spirit of self-righteousness criticized in the verses can also appear among followers of Islam.
4308765
