And Allah never praises anyone but such people, for He, the Exalted, says:
“Indeed, those who believe, those who are Jews, the Christians, and the Sabeans—whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and acts righteously—will have their reward with their Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran 2:62)
He also says:
“They say, ‘No one will enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.’ Those are their wishful claims. Say, ‘Bring your proof if you are truthful.’ Rather, whoever submits his whole being to Allah while excelling in good—his reward is with his Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran 2:111–112)
And He says:
“Who is better in religion than one who submits his face to Allah, excelling in good, and follows the creed of Abraham, the upright? For Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.” (Quran 4:125)
Allah has likewise stated that the prophets and their followers—from Noah to the disciples of Jesus—were Muslim believers. He says:
“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.” (Quran 3:85)
This verdict applies equally to earlier and later peoples. He also says:
“Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.” (Quran 3:19)
And He says:
“We certainly sent to every nation a messenger [proclaiming], ‘Worship Allah and shun false gods.’ Among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom misguidance became inevitable.” (Quran 16:36)
Concerning His words, “submits his face to Allah while excelling in good,” this means that one purifies both intention and action for Allah alone while performing righteous deeds. That is Islam: to do righteous work and to do it solely for the sake of Allah. This is the worship of Allah without partner, and with that message Allah sent all of the messengers.
Reason for the revelation of His statement,
“Indeed, those who believe, those who are Jews…” (Quran 2:62):
When He mentioned the four religious communities, among whom there are some who are praised and destined for happiness, He said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and acts righteously—his reward is with his Lord; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran 2:62)
Transmitters such as Ibn Abi Hatim and others have related, with sound chains, from Sufyan, from Ibn Abi Najih, from Mujahid, that Salman said, “I asked the Prophet…"