What is the fate of a non-Muslim who has not received the true call of Islam, or to whom it has been distorted, so he strayed from the path of truth, believing himself to be guided, unaware of the reality concealed from him by his religious leaders? Is he destined for Hellfire despite his misunderstanding of the call of Islam?

Whoever did not know the reality of Islam, but was keen to know the truth, and was prevented from knowing it, his disbelief is one of ignorance, and his fate in the afterlife is that he will be tested on the Day of Judgment. As for whoever heard of Islam but turned away from it and did not wish to know it, his disbelief is one of turning away, and he deserves punishment. The matter is detailed between the follower (muqallid) who was able to seek knowledge but turned away, and the follower who was not able. The former has had the proof established against him. Those unable to acquire knowledge are of two types: one who desires guidance but is unable to attain it, and his ruling is that of the people of the fatrah (interim period) and those to whom the call did not reach. The other is one who turns away and has no desire. It is believed that whoever embraces a religion other than Islam is a disbeliever, and that Allah does not punish anyone except after the proof has been established against them through a messenger. The specific determination is left to Allah's knowledge. Worldly rulings are based on outward appearances. This issue is based on four principles:

1. That Allah does not punish except after the proof has been established: As in His saying, the Most High: "And We would not punish until We had sent a messenger."

2. That punishment is deserved for two reasons: Turning away from the proof, or obstinacy towards it after it has been established.

3. That the establishment of proof varies according to times, places, and individuals: Such as a child, an insane person, and someone who does not understand discourse; these will be tested on the Day of Judgment.

4. That Allah's actions follow His wisdom: And He knows best who deserves punishment and is most merciful to His servants.