The story of the Owners of the Garden | Parable of Ashab al-Jannah in the Quran
A Lesson in Generosity, Gratitude, and Divine Justice | The Qur’an is filled with timeless stories—not for entertainment, but as reminders, warnings, and guidance for those who reflect. One such powerful parable is the story of Ashab al-Jannah (The Owners of the Garden), mentioned in Surah Al-Qalam (68:17–33).
In these verses, Allah ﷻ tells us of a people who were tested with wealth and responded with greed, who were blessed with abundance and responded with ingratitude. Their story is not named after their piety, like the Companions of the Cave or the People of the Ditch—it is marked by what they lost, and how they failed to uphold the rights of others.
Let us explore the narrative and what it teaches us about the human heart, the dangers of greed, and the mercy and justice of Allah ﷻ.
The Pious Father and His Garden
According to the Qur’anic account and classical tafsir (exegesis), there once lived a righteous man who owned a vast garden filled with fruitful trees and crops. This man was known not only for his wealth, but more so for his generosity. Every harvest season, the poor and needy of the town would gather at the edge of his land, knowing that they would be given a portion of the harvest—as was his tradition.
This charitable act became part of the culture of the town and an example of how wealth should be used for the sake of Allah ﷻ. His giving did not reduce his provision; rather, it was blessed and sustained by Allah ﷻ.
The Sons’ Plot Against the Poor
When the father passed away, his three sons inherited the garden. But unlike their father, they were not spiritually grounded. They saw their father’s generosity as a loss rather than a source of blessing. They conspired amongst themselves, saying:
“No needy person shall enter it today against you.”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:24)
فَلَا يَدْخُلَنَّهَا الْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكُم مِّسْكِينٌ
They decided to harvest the crops early in the morning, in secret, so that the poor would be unaware and receive nothing.
This plan was not just greed—it was an act of deception, an attempt to withhold the right of the needy, and to deny Allah ﷻ His due, for the poor have a share in the wealth Allah bestows upon the rich.
One Brother’s Conscience, Silenced by Complicity
Among them, one brother had reservations. His conscience was unsettled by the plan, but he lacked the strength to stop them. This detail, though subtle, is significant: even when we sense wrongdoing, if we do not speak up or act, we may become silent partners in sin.
The Qur’an alludes to this when it says:
“The best among them said, ‘Did I not tell you, why do you not glorify (Allah)?’”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:28)
قَالَ أَوْسَطُهُمْ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ لَوْلَا تُسَبِّحُونَ
The Divine Punishment: A Nighttime Fire
As they slept, thinking their plan would go unnoticed, Allah ﷻ sent a punishment. The Qur’an describes:
“So there came upon the garden a visitation from your Lord while they were asleep, and it became as though it had been harvested.”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:19–20)
فَطَافَ عَلَيْهَا طَائِفٌ مِّن رَّبِّكَ وَهُمْ نَائِمُونَ فَأَصْبَحَتْ كَالصَّرِيمِ
When they arrived in the morning, ready to enact their scheme, they were shocked to find the entire garden turned to ashes. It was stripped, barren, and lifeless—a clear sign of divine retribution.
Realization, Repentance, and Lessons for All Time
When the Harvest Turns to Ashes
Upon seeing the ruined garden, the brothers were struck by grief and regret. Their dreams of keeping everything for themselves had vanished overnight. They cried out:
“Indeed, we are deprived!”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:27)
إِنَّا لَمَحْرُومُونَ
This was not just a loss of crops, but a loss of barakah, a loss of their father’s legacy, and most importantly, a spiritual downfall that had real-world consequences.
The Turning Point: Recognizing Their Sin
The Qur’an tells us that one of them finally spoke up:
“Did I not tell you to glorify (Allah)?”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:28)
قَالَ أَوْسَطُهُمْ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ لَوْلَا تُسَبِّحُونَ
Here, tawbah (repentance) begins. They admitted their mistake:
“They said, ‘Glory be to our Lord! Indeed, we were wrongdoers.'”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:29)
قَالُوا سُبْحَانَ رَبِّنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَالِمِينَ
This recognition of sin and turning back to Allah ﷻ is crucial. They didn’t blame others. They took responsibility, acknowledging that their greed had caused their loss.
A Temporary Punishment with a Permanent Lesson
“Such is the punishment [in this world]. But the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if only they knew.”
Surah Al-Qalam (68:33)
كَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْعَذَابُ ۖ وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلْآخِرَةِ أَكْبَرُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ
The Qur’an makes it clear: this was a wake-up call, not destruction for its own sake. The loss they faced was a mercy in disguise—a worldly reminder that could save them from the far greater loss of the Hereafter.
Key Lessons from the Story of the Owners of the Garden
1. Wealth Is a Test, Not a Guarantee of Blessing
Wealth must be used according to the commands of Allah ﷻ. What seems like “our own” is actually an amanah (trust). The poor have a share in it.
2. Generosity Sustains Barakah
The father’s garden thrived when he gave generously. His sons lost everything when they became selfish. Charity doesn’t reduce wealth—it protects and multiplies it.
3. Greed and Secrecy Lead to Destruction
The brothers’ plot was secretive, selfish, and based on denying the rights of others. This is a formula for divine anger, not success.
4. One Voice of Truth Can Make a Difference
The “middle brother” who urged remembrance may have spoken too late, but his role is a reminder: always speak up for truth, even if you’re alone.
5. True Loss Is Spiritual, Not Material
The loss of the garden was painful—but more painful is the loss of guidance, integrity, and the chance to earn Allah’s pleasure.
Will We Heed the Warning?
The story of Ashab al-Jannah is short but profound. It is not just about three brothers and a garden, but about the inner battle within all of us—between gratitude and greed, between sharing and hoarding, between remembering Allah ﷻ and forgetting Him.
Today, we too are blessed with resources: jobs, homes, land, food, income. What are we doing with it? Are we following the path of the father—or his sons?
Let this parable be a mirror, and let the ashes of their garden remind us: everything can be taken in a moment, but the mercy of Allah ﷻ remains open—if we turn back in time.
Reference: Surah Al-Qalam (68:17–33) — Read on Quran.com
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