Thus, if a servant acknowledges that Allah is his Lord and Creator, and that he is dependent upon Him and in need of Him, he understands servitude as it relates to Allah’s lordship. This servant asks his Lord, humbly implores Him, and relies upon Him. Yet he may obey His command or disobey it; despite this acknowledgment, he may worship Him, or he may worship Satan and idols. Such servitude does not distinguish the people of Paradise from the people of Hell, nor does it make a person a believer. As He Most High says:

“Most of them do not believe in Allah without associating partners with Him.”

The polytheists acknowledged that Allah was their Creator and Provider, yet they worshipped others besides Him. He Most High says:

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

He Most High also says:

“Say, ‘To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you know?’ They will say, ‘To Allah.’ Say, ‘Will you not then take heed?’”

And so on, until His words:

“Say, ‘How, then, are you deluded?’”

Many of those who speak of reality and witness it are witnessing this reality, namely the “reality of the created order.” Believers and disbelievers, the righteous and the wicked, alike share in this reality, in witnessing it, and in knowing it. Iblīs acknowledges this reality, as do the people of Hell. Iblīs said:

“My Lord, then grant me respite until the Day they are resurrected.”

He also said:

“My Lord, because You have led me astray, I will surely make evil appealing to them on earth, and I will surely lead them all astray.”

And he said:

“By Your might, I will surely lead them all astray.”

And he said:

“Do You see this one whom You have honoured above me?”

He made other such statements in which he acknowledged that Allah was his Lord and Creator, and the Creator of others. Likewise, the people of Hell said:

“Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were