These people ultimately cease to distinguish between what is commanded and what is forbidden, between Allah’s allies and His enemies, and between the prophets and the God-fearing. They treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like those who spread corruption on earth, the God-fearing like the wicked, and Muslims like criminals. They nullify commands and prohibitions, promises and warnings, and religious laws. They may even call this “reality.” By my life, it is indeed a reality concerning creation, but even the idol worshippers recognized this reality, as Allah says:

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

And the Most High says:

“Say, ‘To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you know?’”

“They will say, ‘To Allah.’ Say, ‘Then will you not take heed?’”

And so the verses continue. The polytheists who worshipped idols acknowledged that Allah is the Creator, Lord, and Sovereign of everything. Anyone whose realization reaches no further than this is more likely to resemble the idol worshippers.

The “believer” leaves disbelief behind only through faith in Allah and His messengers, believing what they report, obeying what they command, and following what Allah approves of and loves—not the disbelief, wickedness, and disobedience that He ordains and decrees. Rather, he is content with the afflictions that befall him, not with the misdeeds he commits. He seeks forgiveness for his sins and bears afflictions patiently. He thus follows the words of the Most High:

“So be patient; indeed, Allah’s promise is true, and seek forgiveness for your sin.”

He therefore combines obedience to the command with patience in affliction, just as