(111–112) “They say, ‘None will enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.’ These are merely their wishes. Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.’ * Rather, whoever submits himself wholly to Allah and does good will have his reward with his Lord. They will have no fear, nor will they grieve.”

That is, the Jews said, “None will enter Paradise unless he is a Jew,” while the Christians said, “None will enter Paradise unless he is a Christian.” Thus, each group claimed Paradise exclusively for itself. Yet these are merely unacceptable wishes unless supported by evidence and proof. So produce that proof, if you are truthful.

Likewise, anyone who makes a claim must establish proof of its validity. Otherwise, if his claim were turned against him and someone asserted the opposite without proof ⦗63⦘, there would be no difference between the two. Proof is what establishes whether claims are true or false. Since they possessed no proof, the falsity of their claim became evident.

Allah Most High then mentioned the clear, universally applicable proof, saying: “Rather”—that is, the matter is not determined by your wishes and claims. Instead, “whoever submits himself wholly to Allah”—that is, devotes his deeds sincerely to Allah and turns to Him with his heart—“and does good” while maintaining that sincerity in worshipping his Lord by worshipping Him in accordance with His revealed law: these alone are the people of Paradise.

“He will have his reward with his Lord”—namely, Paradise and all the bliss it contains—“They will have no fear, nor will they grieve.” Thus, they attain what they desire and are delivered from what they fear.

This also indicates that anyone who is not so characterized is among the doomed inhabitants of the Fire. There is no salvation except for those who worship Allah sincerely and follow the Messenger.