۞ 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 gave its fruit and withheld naught thereof. And We caused a river to gush forth therein. 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 think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return." 36 His companion said to him while disputing with him: Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you from dust, then from a small seed, then He made you a perfect man? 37 "But as for my part (I believe) that He is Allah, my Lord and none shall I associate as partner 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 It may be that my Lord will give me [something] better than your garden and will send upon it a calamity from the sky, and it will become a smooth, dusty ground, 40 or its water sinks deep into the ground, so that thou wilt never be able to find it again!" 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 for now he had nought to succour him in God's stead, nor could he succour himself. 43 In this case is protection only from Allah, the True, He is Best for reward, and best for consequence. 44