Q: There are millions of people around the world whom the Da`wah of Islam does not reach: what is the religious ruling on them? Will their fate be Hellfire? If the answer is yes, what is their guilt if the Message of Islam did not reach them? Will they enter Paradise? How could they enter into it while they did not perform the obligations imposed on them in this worldly life by their Lord? I hope you could explain this matter to me. May Allah reward you the best.
A: The most preponderant opinion regarding this category of people is that they will be tested on the Day of Judgment; those who follow the command will enter Paradise while those who disobey it will enter the Hell fire, as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).
The eminent scholar Ibn AlQayyim (may Allah be merciful with him) expatiated upon this category in the last chapter of his book, Tareeq AlHijratayn [The Way of the Two Hijrahs] within a discussion on the Categories of the Mukallafs (persons meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions). For more information, you can refer to it, since it includes a comprehensive answer to the question. Allah Alone guides to success.