What is the fate of those who died before the Prophet's mission?

Scholars have differed concerning the ruling on the-People-of-the-Interval (Ahl al-Fatra). Some have gone to the extent of saying that they are excused, based on the words of the Almighty: "And We do not punish until We have sent a messenger." Others have gone to the extent of saying that they are in the Fire, based on the words of the Almighty: "Nor those who die while they are disbelievers – for those We have prepared a painful punishment," and based on the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Indeed, my father and your father are in the Fire." Some scholars have gone to the extent of saying that Allah will test them on the Day of Judgment with a fire into which He will command them to enter. Whoever obeys will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys will enter the Fire. This statement combines the narrated evidences and is the soundest of opinions.