I am muslim because....

Re: I am muslim because....

From what I have read and understood, only those are blocked and sent astray who are already astray and are persistent in purposely rejecting the truth even when it has been presented to them out of arrogance and perhaps other reasons.

Those who wish to pursue the truth are further helped by Allah (SWT). In fact, here's a hadith Qudsi on it:

[quote]
Hadith Qudsi 15:
On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Allah the Almighty said:

I am as My servant thinks I am (1). I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.
[/quote]
As for those who have never heard about Islam or received the message of Islam, they will be judged based on what is good and bad according to their traditions and practices.

As for the devout people of the book, it has been stated in the Islamic traditions that they will be able to recognize Prophet Muhammad (SAW) better than their offsprings (or something to that effect) because of the signs mentioned in their books about Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Here's what I could find:

[quote]
"And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (this Qur'ân) from Allâh confirming what is with them [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injîl (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allâh (for coming of Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then when there came to them that which they had recognised, they disbelieved in it. So let the Curse of Allâh be on the disbelievers." [002.089]
[/quote]

[quote]
"Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam] or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recognize their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it – * which are written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injîl (Gospel)]." [002.146]
[/quote]

Therefore, the people of the book who accepted Islam will have a double reward for following both the previous prophet and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Those who rejected Islam purposely will meet their due recompense.

[quote]
"O you who believe [in Mûsâ (Moses) (i.e. Jews) and 'Îsâ (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)]! Fear Allâh, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."[057:028]
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And Allah (SWT) Knows Best.*