while the hypocrite is like the cedar tree: it stays rigid upon its trunk until it is felled all at once.”

Thus, even if a lying, impious man is granted a period of dominion, that dominion is bound to disappear completely, while his disgrace remains and a tongue of reproach pursues him throughout the world. His power flashes into view quickly and vanishes just as quickly—exactly like the brief reigns of al-Aswad al-ʿAnsī, Musaylimah the Liar, al-Hārith of Damascus, Baba the Roman, and others of their kind.

As for the prophets, they are subjected to many trials so that they may be purified by tribulation; for Allah only grants a servant firm footing after He has tested him. Their mission unfolds little by little, like a crop that steadily grows.

Allah the Exalted says:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are stern toward the disbelievers, compassionate among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking bounty from Allah and His good pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. Such is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is like a cultivated field that puts forth its shoot, then strengthens it, so it thickens and rises firmly on its stalk, delighting the farmers—so that through them He may infuriate the disbelievers. Allah has promised those of them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness and a tremendous reward.” ⦗Al-Fath 48:29⦘