Q 23: What is the textual proof that acceptance (of the Message of Islam) is a precondition of faith in Allah from the Glorious Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah?
A--- Regarding those who did not accept it, Allah the Almighty says: {(It will be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship, instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell),. but stop them, verily they are to be questioned. What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)? Nay, but that Day they shall surrender. And they will turn to one another and question one another. They will say: It was you who used to come to us from the right side7. They will reply: Nay, you yourselves were not believers. And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were Taghun (transgressing) people. So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment). So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray. Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment. Certainly, that is how We deal with AI-Mujrimun8. Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illallah "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah?" They puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it). And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?}. ()