Sequoias In Their Midst

Muhammad is the apostle of Allah. And those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward. (48:29)

I sometimes hunt for blog posts about Islam, but - all too often - come across those of the Islamophobic variety. But this ayah and its similitude refreshes me. Islam sprouted 1400 years ago, grew strong, and now stands tall like a tree: like the enormous Banyan in Asia, like the strong and enduring Oak in Europe, like the tall (and stately) palm-trees in the Middle East, like the Giant Sequoia in the U.S. And like John Muir beholding the Sequoia ("Do behold the King Sequoia! Behold! Behold! seems all I can say."), we Muslims do indeed look upon Islam with wonder and delight. And the Unbelievers can only sputter helplessly, raging at us, hoping blindly that their vain desires will come true.

Sputter on, Unbelievers, for all the good it will do you! Your words, filled with hate, will only come to be used as evidence against you in the Hereafter, insha'allah. And in the meantime, your thoughts are only like an unpleasant odor, lingering for a moment before being swept away by the fresh air of Islam.