The Two Men and Their Gardens

Reflection:

This parable tells of two men, one wealthy and arrogant, the other humble and mindful of Allah. The proud man boasts of his lush gardens and denies that they could ever perish, while his companion reminds him that all blessings come only by Allah’s will. His pride is shattered when his gardens are suddenly destroyed. The story illustrates the illusion of worldly security — how wealth and status can blind a person to gratitude and truth. It teaches that what is rooted in faith endures, while what rests on arrogance fades overnight.

Qur’anic Reference:

• Al-Kahf 18:32–44 – “And present to them the example of two men: We gave one of them two gardens of grapevines, surrounded them with palm trees, and placed crops between them... His companion said to him, ‘Do you disbelieve in the One who created you from dust?...’ And his fruits were destroyed, so he began wringing his hands for what he had spent on it... There is no power except with Allah.”

Notes:

• The arrogant man represents those deceived by wealth and self-reliance, forgetting that provision is from Allah alone.
• The humble companion embodies faith, humility, and gratitude, reminding that success without remembrance is loss.
• The garden’s sudden destruction reflects the fragility of worldly blessings — possessions vanish, but deeds remain.
• The phrase “There is no power except with Allah” captures the essence of true reliance and humility before the Creator.
• This parable warns against pride in dunya and calls believers to anchor joy in faith, not fortune.