۞ (O Muhammad), propound a parable to them. There were two men of whom We bestowed upon one of the two vineyards, surrounding both of them with date-palms and putting a tillage in between. 32 each garden produced its fruit and did not fail to yield its best; We even caused a river to gush forth in the midst of them, 33 and so he had fruit in abundance. While conversing with his companion, he said, "I am wealthier than you are, and have a bigger following!" 34 And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, "I do not think that this will perish - ever. 35 "Nor do I deem that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) come: Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange." 36 And his friend answered him in the course of their argument: "Wilt thou blaspheme against Him who has created thee out of dust, and then out of a drop of sperm, and in the end has fashioned thee into a [complete] man? 37 "But (I think) for my part that He is Allah, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord. 38 When you entered your garden why did you not say: "If Allah wills; there is no power except by Allah." Though you see me lesser than yourself in wealth and children, 39 “So it is likely that my Lord will give me a garden better than yours, and send bolts of lightning from the skies on your garden – it therefore turns into a barren plain.” 40 "Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that thou wilt never be able to find it." 41 And [thus it happened:] his fruitful gardens were encompassed [by ruin,] and there he was, wringing his hands over all that he had spent on that which now lay waste, with its trellises caved in; and he could but say: "Oh, would that I had not attributed divine powers to any but my Sustainer!" 42 He had no party to help him against God, nor was he able to defend himself. 43 Here is protection only Allah's, the True One; He is best in (the giving of) reward and best in requiting. 44