faith and reward. Rather, it is necessary knowledge, to which he turns in times of distress. Allah Most High says:

“Then, when hardship touches you, to Him you cry for help.”

He has stated that the unbelievers know Him despite their rejection of His messengers. Allah Most High says:

“If you ask them who created the heavens and the earth, they will surely say, ‘Allah.’”

And He, glorified is He, says:

“If you ask them who created them, they will surely say, ‘Allah.’”

There are many other verses to this effect. This knowledge is necessarily present in them. Even in the age of ignorance, they knew Him and did not deny Him. They would say, “Our eternal and ancient God,” “the God of gods,” “the Lord of lords,” and other such expressions, despite their unbelief.

This shows that such knowledge is necessary and has been imposed upon them. This is the meaning of His words, Most High:

“To Him submits whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly.”

And His words:

“The natural disposition upon which Allah created mankind.”

That is, knowledge of His lordship.

A report states that Allah Most High says: “I created My creatures inclining to the truth and acknowledging Me.” That is, they knew Him in His oneness and acknowledged His lordship. They denied only the knowledge of divine oneness that He enjoined upon them through His messengers. This is the meaning of His words, Most High:

“We never punish until We have sent a messenger.”

And the Prophet’s statement: “I have been commanded to fight the people until they say, ‘There is no