not receive the call of the true Islam fall into two categories:

• A group that still follows its former religion and clings to it; for them applies the verse, “no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.”

• A group that has deviated from that religion—as is the case with many Muslims today—and the proof stands against them.

As for those to whom the call of Islam never reached at all—whether after the advent of Islam or before—they will be dealt with in a special manner in the Hereafter: Allah, exalted is He, will send them a messenger to test them, just as people were tested in worldly life. Whoever responds to that messenger on the plains of the Day of Resurrection and obeys him will enter Paradise, whereas whoever disobeys him will enter the Fire.1