۞ And present to them an example of two men: We granted to one of them two gardens of grapevines, and We bordered them with palm trees and placed between them [fields of] crops. 32 Each of the two gardens yielded its produce and never failed therein in any way, for We had caused a stream to gush forth in the midst of each of them. 33 And so [the man] had fruit in abundance. And [one day] he said to his friend, bandying words with him, "More wealth have I than thou, and mightier am I as regards [the number and power of my] followers!" 34 And having [thus] sinned against himself, he entered his garden, saying, "I do not think that this will ever perish! 35 and I do not believe that the Hour will ever come. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I shall surely find a better place than this." 36 His companion said, during his conversation with him: 'What, do you disbelieve in Him who created you from dust, then from a sperm drop, and then fashioned you into a man! 37 He is Allah, my Lord, and I will not associate anyone with My Lord. 38 When you entered your garden, why did you not say, "That which God wills [will surely come to pass], there is no power save with God?" Although you see I have less wealth and offspring than you, 39 Yet, my Lord may haply give me a garden better than yours, and He may send a thunder-bolt, from the skies and in the morning it will be a barren plain; 40 or in the morning the water of it will be sunk into the earth, so that thou wilt not be able to seek it out.' 41 And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, "Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone." 42 And there could be no party suceouring him as against Allah, nor could he himself be an avenger. 43 There, the (only) protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success. 44