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The Cedar Tree of the End
According to the myths of some indigenous African peoples, an enchanted tree called the Cedar Tree of the End grows somewhere in Paradise. It is a beautiful plant containing millions of golden leaves attached to emerald branches. The names of all living human beings are written on the leaves, with one name on each leaf. When a leaf falls from the tree, the person whose name is on it dies, and his or her soul either rises to Paradise or falls into Hell. And when a baby is born on the earth, a new leaf inscribed with its name sprouts on the tree.
Islamic traditions speak of a similar plant called the Lote Tree, which grows in the seventh heaven. Leaves fall from this tree during the month of Ramadan, and each falling leaf contains the name of someone who will die during the coming year. As these leaves fall, new leaves appear on the tree with names of children who will be born within the next twelve months. The prophet Muhammad reportedly saw this tree during his legendary night journey to heaven.
Religious Police
The government of Saudi Arabia currently employs more than three thousand "religious police", whose job is to ensure the proper moral conduct of all citizens. These police have the power to arrest anyone who dresses improperly, listens to the wrong kind of music, eats prohibited foods such as pork, or improperly socializes with members of the opposite sex. They also have the authority to shut down businesses that sell unsuitable merchandise, and to close theaters that show banned movies. Foreign visitors are not exempt from the prohibitions, and can be arrested for violations.
These religious police are employees of a government agency known as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Within the country they are called Mutaween. To help them perform their duties, thousands of unpaid volunteers watch for improper behavior and
