The two gardens: Assuming blessings will last

The Quran describes two people as an example. One was given two gardens with grapevines, surrounded by date palms, and crops between them. The gardens yielded their produce; a river was made to flow through them. While talking to his companion, the wealthy man asserts his wealth and his followers as a sign of superiority.

He enters his garden, claiming he does not believe it will ever perish. He expresses his doubt that the Day of Judgment will occur; he thinks that even if he were returned to his Lord, he would find something better. The blessing he possesses has turned in these words from a temporary opportunity into a definitive guarantee belonging to himself.

His companion reminds him of his creation and his Lord. He states that he does not associate anyone with God. He advises him to say words that connect the blessing to God's will when entering his garden. He reminds him that having less wealth is not the final verdict and that the garden could face a disaster or its water could run dry.

Then the produce of the garden is destroyed. The owner expresses his regret by wringing his hands over what he had spent. He finds no group to help him and cannot reverse his loss. The parable does not condemn the existence of wealth but questions the arrogance and the claim of permanence built upon it. It concludes with the emphasis that true support and the final outcome belong to God.