۞ And set forth to them a parable of two men; for one of them We made two gardens of grape vines, and We surrounded them both with palms, and in the midst of them We made cornfields. 32 Each of the gardens yielded its fruit and did not withhold the least; and We made a stream flow in between them. 33 And he had fruit; he therefore said to his companion – and he used to debate with him – “I exceed you in wealth, and am more powerful in respect of men.” 34 He went into his garden and wronging himself said, “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 Said his fellow, as he was conversing with him, 'What, disbelievest thou in Him who created thee of dust, then of a sperm-drop, then shaped thee as a man? 37 I believe that He is God my Lord and I do not consider anything equal to Him." 38 Wherefore saidst thou not, when thou enteredest thy garden: whatsoever Allah may will! there is no power save in Allah! If thou beholdest I am inferior to thee in substance and offspring. 39 perhaps my Lord will give me a garden better than yours and strike your garden with a thunderbolt from the sky to turn it into a barren ground, 40 or the water of your vineyard will be drained deep into the ground so that you will not be able to seek it out." 41 So his fruits were encircled (with ruin). And he remained clapping his hands with sorrow over what he had spent upon it, while it was all destroyed on its trellises, he could only say: "Would I had ascribed no partners to my Lord!" [Tafsir Ibn Kathir] 42 And he had no troop of men to help him as against Allah, nor could he save himself. 43 For thus it is: all protective power belongs to God alone, the True One. He is the best to grant recompense, and the best to determine what is to be. 44