The Inevitable Test
[9:16] Did you think that you will be left alone without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and never ally themselves with GOD’s enemies, or the enemies of His messenger, or the enemies of the believers? GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
[9:17] The idol worshipers are not to frequent the masjids of GOD, while confessing their disbelief. These have nullified their works, and they will abide forever in Hell.
[9:18] The only people to frequent GOD’s masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones.
9:18 shows that the criteria for someone who believes in God and the Last Day, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), yet some submitters want to expand the criteria as beyond this.
Saudi’s use the verse in 9:17 to stop non-Muslims from entering Mecca.
Quran Talk Blog 