According to Imaam Abu Hanifa, people must at least believe in the oneness of Allah Ta’ala. Insha Allah, that will be sufficient for their salvation.
Allah Taala says in the Quran, ‘Verily (the accepted) religion in the sight
of Allah is Islam’. In another verse, He says, ‘And whosoever follows (and
religion) besides Islam, it will not be accepted’. The Shariah that was
given to the Jews through Musa (Alayhis Salaam) was confined to that time.
It was abrogated when Easa (Alayhis Salaam) was appointed as the prophet of
Allah. The Jews were required to submit to the Shariah (way) given to Easa
(Alayhis Salaam) which was finally abrogated by the Shariah given to
Rasulullah.
The salvation of every person depends upon submitting to the religion of
Islam according to the Shariah of Rasulullah. Merely believing in the
Oneness of Allah is not sufficient. The opinion of Imam Abu Hanifa is for
people who did not get the message of Islam.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.