Guess Who? 2008-6-05

Not who you'd think...

Bark from Skokie holds religious message, some Muslims say
Markings made by insects allegedly show 'Muhammad' in Arabic

By Deborah Horan | Tribune reporter
June 5, 2008

Something about the sound of the tree bark hitting the ground caught Assad Busool's attention, compelling the Islamic scholar to pluck the wood fragment from the pavement in front of his Skokie home.

What he found written on it has caused a minor stir among some members of his Muslim community, who view the engraving as a divine reminder of the existence of God.

The word "Muhammad"—or rather the Arabic for the Islamic prophet's name—had been carved into the bark by insects.

"I was astonished," said Busool, 69. "I said, 'What is the meaning of this?' I have a holy tree in my yard."