In many Christian sects there is a concept/notion usually labeled the "virtuous pagan". That is, those who were not evangelized in life, yet lived beneficent and virtuous lives, can receive salvation come judgement-day.
For instance Pope John Paul II wrote:
The universality of salvation means that it is granted not only to those who explicitly believe in Christ and have entered the Church. Since salvation is offered to all, it must be made concretely available to all. But it is clear that today, as in the past, many people do not have an opportunity to come to know or accept the Gospel revelation or to enter the Church. The social and cultural conditions in which they live do not permit this, and frequently they have been brought up in other religious traditions. For such people salvation in Christ is accessible by virtue of a grace which, while having a mysterious relationship to the Church, does not make them formally part of the Church but enlightens them in a way which is accommodated to their spiritual and material situation. This grace comes from Christ; it is the result of his Sacrifice and is communicated by the Holy Spirit. It enables each person to attain salvation through his or her free cooperation.
Is there such a concept in Islam? And if there is, is it likely that the historical Gautama Buddha would take residence in Jannah after judgment?
I'm a not so recent convert to Buddhism from my familially ingrained lukewarm Baptist Christianity. However, I have been reading about Islamic eschatology. From what I've read... I can say with certainty that I'm not not very interested in further conversions. But I'm still interested hearing what you all have to say.
