universal reality was already known to the worshippers of idols, as Allah Most High says:

“If you ask them who created the heavens and the earth, they will surely say, ‘Allah.’” (Luqmān 25)

And He says:

“Say, ‘To whom belong the earth and whoever is in it, if you know?’ They will say, ‘To Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you not then take heed?’” And the subsequent verses (al-Mu’minūn 84–85).

The polytheists who worshipped idols acknowledged that Allah is the Creator, Lord, and Sovereign of everything. Whoever reaches no further than this in his realization has, at best, become like the worshippers of idols.

The believer departs from disbelief only by believing in Allah and His messengers, accepting as true what they report, obeying what they command, and following what Allah approves of and loves—not the disbelief, wickedness, and disobedience that He decrees and ordains. Rather, he is content with the calamities that befall him, not with the wrongs he commits. He therefore seeks forgiveness for his sins and bears calamities patiently, as Allah Most High says:

“So be patient; surely Allah’s promise is true. And seek forgiveness for your sin.”