How can those born into Islam be equal to those born into Hinduism or Buddhism, in light of Allah's justice, especially since many Muslims have not contemplated the truth of their religion and were born into it?

Allah does not punish anyone except after the establishment of proof against them. And whoever has not received the call to Islam or is not prepared for religious obligations is excused. Ignorance of that which invalidates one's faith is of two types:

1. An ignorant non-Muslim: In this world, they are treated according to the apparent rulings (of disbelief), and their affair in the Hereafter is with Allah. The most preponderant view is that they will be tested.

2. An ignorant Muslim: In this world, they are treated according to the rulings of Islam, and their affair in the Hereafter is with Allah. The texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah indicate that proof is not established except after knowledge and clarification, such as His Almighty's saying: "And never would We punish until We had sent a messenger."