In Which Surah is the Story of the Owners of the Garden Mentioned?
The story of the Owners of the Garden is detailed in the Holy Quran, providing valuable lessons and moral guidance. Their narrative is found in Surah Al-Qalam, specifically from Allah’s statement: (Indeed, We tested them as We tested the Owners of the Garden when they swore to harvest its produce in the morning), up to the verse: (Such is the punishment, and the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew).
What is the Garden and Who are Its Owners?
The Garden referred to is one of the earthly paradises, believed to be located in Yemen. Some sources suggest its owners may have been from Abyssinia and that they were people of the Book. The garden was owned by a pious man who had children. The verses indicate that Allah tested the people of Makkah with His blessings, just as He did with the children of this righteous man—who are known as the Owners of the Garden.
How Did the Story Begin?
The narrative commences upon the death of their father, from whom they inherited the garden he owned. The father was a righteous individual who distributed his harvest into three parts: one for himself and his children to sustain them, another for the poor and needy, and the third to plant for the following year’s produce.
What Did They Conclude After Their Father’s Death?
After the righteous father’s passing, his children gathered to discuss the matter. They unanimously reached a conclusion, except for one brother who was the most rational among them and opposed their thoughts. However, the majority overruled his voice. They claimed that their father wasted their wealth by giving to the poor and that they, and their descendants, were more deserving of the garden’s bounty. They forgot that Allah multiplies sustenance manifold when Muslims give to the needy and that their garden had flourished due to the blessings of their father’s righteous deeds.
What Plan Did They Decide to Execute?
The brothers agreed to pick the fruits from their garden before dawn and to share the yield among themselves, ensuring that they would not give anything to the poor. The context of the verses indicates that the needy were accustomed to gathering during the harvest season in their father’s time, receiving their share. They altered the timing to implement their plan unnoticed by anyone.
What Was Allah’s Punishment for Them?
Allah, blessed be He, knew the intentions of the Owners of the Garden and sought to teach them a lesson they would remember for the rest of their lives. When the appointed time for harvesting arrived and they reached the garden, they were astonished by what they saw; everything had turned to blackened ashes, devoid of value, as if a fire had destroyed it. Allah sent upon their garden a calamity that obliterated their crops, with none surviving.
Did They Learn from the Lesson?
The verses related to their account demonstrate that they deeply regretted their actions, with each blaming the others for not advising them. The brother who had opposed their plans said: “Did I not tell you of the error of your ways and that you must show gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon you by giving a portion to charity, just as our father used to do?”
They acknowledged their sin and sought forgiveness from their Lord, imploring Him to grant them better than what they lost and vowed never to return to their previous actions. Allah, the Exalted, stated: (And they approached one another blaming themselves. They said, ‘Woe to us! Indeed, we were transgressors. Perhaps our Lord will give us in place of it something better; indeed, we are towards our Lord hopeful.’)