The Garden of Paradise
The Islamic Life
~ 34 ~
THE ISLAMIC LIFE
An Islamic life comes into being like a tree. A
verdant tree can only grow when it has learned to
blend with the terrestrial and celestial orders of
nature; likewise a person becomes Islamic by
deriving spiritual nourishment from the whole of
God’s universe.
Ritual practices and revolutionary slogans do not go
to make an Islamic life. One can only become a true
Muslim when one begins to receive the light of
God. God has provided a world of nourishment for
trees; in like manner, spiritual nourishment is
always available to man. Just as the mighty oak
springs from the acorn buried deep in the womb of
nature, so an Islamic life grows from deeply-rooted
faith. Be it man or tree, both have to attach
themselves to vaster orders if they are to reach
perfection. The difference is that trees come into
existence involuntarily, whereas man can only
develop of his own free will.
Those who thrive on God’s spiritual provision in
this world will flourish in the hereafter. Those who
