Dear brother Iftekhar,

Please beware of your major downfall! Trying to be all-inclusive or pluralistic can throw one into blatant SHIRK.

Look at verse 2:62 again.

2:62 Those who believe (in the Qur’an), and those who are Jews, and the Christians and the Sabians; whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does beneficial works, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they suffer from depression.

[Sabians = Nature worshipers. Note: The author of this rendition is not aware of any instance in the Qur’an where the use of Tasreef, that is, looking at the related verses, is more crucial than in the understanding of this verse.

Some great commentators have misunderstood this verse for missing related verses such as these:

2:135 They say, “Be Jews or Christians, then you will be rightly guided.” Say, “Nay, we follow the Creed of Abraham the upright. He associated none with God.”

2:136 Say, “We believe in God and what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among them. And for Him, we are Muslims."

2:137 Thus, if they come to believe AS YOU BELIEVE, then they are rightly guided. But if they turn away, they will be falling into opposition and God will be Sufficient for you against them. He is the Hearer, the Knower.

5:69 Those who believe (in the Qur’an) and those who are Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians; whoever believes in God and the Last Day, and does works that benefit humanity, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 7:157 The non-Israelite Prophet liberates the People of the Book from the shackles of their manmade dogmas and brings them from darkness to light.

98:1 It is inconceivable that the opponents of the truth, whether they are the People of the Book, or the idolaters, could get out of error until the clear proof, Al-Qur’an, comes to them. .............

O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! = O You who acknowledge the Qur’an! Reflecting on the above verses makes it clear that the belief in God and the Last Day must be in accordance with the Qur’an. Verses 2:62 and 5:69 emphasize that mere giving of a name to one’s religion or creed carries no importance]

Best regards.