The Parable of the Two Gardens – Arrogance in Wealth and the Reality of Loss

The Analogy in the Quran

Allah says:

"Give them an example of two men. To one We gave two gardens of grapevines, which We surrounded with palm trees and placed crops in between. Each garden yielded its produce, never falling short. And We caused a river to flow between them. And he had other resources. So he boasted to a companion of his, while conversing with him, 'I am greater than you in wealth and superior in manpower.' And he entered his property, while wronging his soul, saying, 'I do not think this will ever perish, nor do I think the Hour will come. And if in fact I am returned to my Lord, I will definitely get a far better outcome than this.' His companion replied, while conversing with him, 'Do you disbelieve in the One Who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then formed you into a man? But as for me: He is Allah, my Lord, and I will never associate anyone with my Lord. If only you had said, upon entering your property, ‘This is what Allah has willed! There is no power except with Allah!’ Even though you see me inferior to you in wealth and offspring, perhaps my Lord will grant me better than your garden, and send down upon your garden a thunderbolt from the sky, turning it into a barren waste. Or its water may sink, and then you will never be able to seek it out.' And so all his produce was ruined, so he started to wring his hands for all he had spent on it, while it had collapsed on its trellises. He cried, 'Alas! I wish I had never associated anyone with my Lord' And he had no manpower to help him against Allah, nor could he help himself. At this time, support comes ˹only˺ from Allah—the True ˹Lord˺. He is best in reward and best in outcome."

The Quran

| Chapter 18, Verses 32 to 44

Context of the Parable

This parable was revealed in a Makkan context, where many of the Quraysh elites equated wealth and status with divine approval. It serves to shatter this illusion by portraying the fall of a man who was once powerful and wealthy but arrogant and heedless of Allah. The story contrasts two individuals—one steeped in worldly pride, and the other grounded in faith and humility—reflecting the wider struggle between belief and disbelief during the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) mission.

Key Elements of the Analogy

Two Men, One Trial
- One man is blessed with lush gardens, flowing water, and ample resources.
- The other is poor in worldly terms but rich in faith.
Arrogance in Abundance
- The wealthy man boasts about his riches and social status.
- He believes his fortune is secure and doubts the coming of the Hour.
- He even assumes that if he were to return to Allah, he would be rewarded better still.
A Believer’s Reminder
- The believing companion reminds him of his origin from dust and a sperm-drop.
- He urges the arrogant man to recognise Allah’s will by saying: “This is what Allah has willed! There is no power except with Allah!”
- He warns of the fragility of material things, suggesting that even a single thunderbolt or hidden water source could bring complete ruin.
The Collapse of the Gardens
- Allah answers this arrogance with destruction—the gardens are ruined, the trellises fall, and the man is left with nothing.
- In regret, he wrings his hands, realising that associating worldly success with false pride was a grave mistake.
True Support Belongs to Allah
- In his loss, the man finds no helpers and no way to recover.
- The parable ends by affirming that true reward and the best outcome lie only with Allah.

The Warning in the Parable

This parable is a powerful caution to anyone who is dazzled by wealth or status. It warns against the delusion of permanence and the false confidence that often comes with material success. Those who forget their dependence on Allah and deny the Hereafter are at risk of total loss—not just in this life, but in the next.

Final Thoughts

The story of the two gardens shows that wealth is a test, not a guarantee of Allah’s favour. True security lies not in possessions, but in recognising the will and power of Allah. When we forget this, even the most flourishing gardens can turn into barren wastelands. It is through humility and remembrance of Allah that we preserve our blessings and prepare for the ultimate return.