FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE

FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE There is a tree beside my house. I call it the 'Spiritual Tree'. I derive spiritual inspiration from it. A tree is an evergrowing being that was initially a seed possessing the potential of becoming a full-grown tree. A seed takes food from the universe around it and then grows into a tree. The same is true with spirituality, the desire for which is intrinsic to, and an integral part of, the very nature of every human being. To realize this spirituality, man must derive spiritual food from the universe around him. A tree converts carbon-dioxide into oxygen; a spiritual person is one who can take positive lessons from negative situations. From this perspective, a tree is an embodiment of a spiritual personality. —Maulana Wahiduddin Khan MAGIC AND MIRACLE I N THE TIME of Moses, the Pharaoh yielded so much power that it struck terror into the hearts of everyone who came within its reach. The Quran shows, however, that even such a power as the Pharaoh’s was as nothing compared to the power of truth. The Quran tells the story of how the Lord commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh “for he has transgressed all bounds. Speak to him with gentle words; he may yet take heed and fear Our punishment.” (20: 45-46) When Moses expressed his fear of the Pharaoh’s “malevolence and tyranny,” God told him to “have no fear. I shall be with you. I see all and hear all.” (20: 47) Moses did as God commanded, but when he conveyed God’s message to Pharaoh, the latter denied it and asked Moses, “Have you come to drive us from our land with your sorcery? Know that we will confront you with a magic as powerful as yours.” (20: 57-58) A day was then fixed for this confrontation, and all of the Pharaoh’s magicians were assembled so that they should overwhelm Moses. At the Pharaoh’s command, they threw their wands and ropes on the ground, whereupon they turned into writhing serpents. Moses felt