The Garden That Was Burned: How Greed Erased a Blessing
In his moving lecture, Dr. Khaled Al-Houli explores one of the most profound parables in the Qur’an, the story of the People of the Garden in Surah Al-Qalam. This tale, often read yet easily overlooked, serves as a powerful reminder of how wealth, when stripped of gratitude and generosity, becomes a source of ruin rather than blessing.
A Garden of Blessings and a Test of Gratitude
The story begins with a righteous man from Yemen who owned abundant gardens full of fruits, crops, and greenery. He was known for his generosity, regularly giving to the poor and needy from his harvest. This act of charity brought blessing and growth to his wealth. When he passed away, however, his children inherited the garden but not his values. They plotted among themselves to harvest the garden early in the morning so that no poor person could approach them. They made firm oaths to deny any share of the harvest to the needy, forgetting the very source of their prosperity, the mercy of Allah and their father’s compassion.
A Plan Without InshaAllah and a Night of Loss
As Dr. Al-Houli explains, the sons made plans without any exception or remembrance of Allah. They did not say “InshaAllah” and had no humility in their intention. During the night, a divine punishment struck. The entire garden was destroyed by a heavenly affliction. What was once green and fruitful became a burnt wasteland. In the morning, unaware of what had happened, the brothers set out confidently to carry out their selfish plan. Upon arrival, they were shocked. Their garden was completely unrecognizable. At first, they thought they had lost their way. But as they realized the truth, their confidence turned to despair. They said, “Indeed, we are deprived.”
The Awakening of the Conscience
At this moment of loss, their conscience began to awaken. One of them, the most reasonable among them, reminded the others, “Did I not tell you to glorify Allah?” This moment of self-reflection led them to repent. They admitted, “Indeed, we were wrongdoers,” and turned back to Allah hoping for His mercy and replacement of what was lost. Dr. Khaled Al-Houli highlights the central message here. Wealth is protected not by force, but by gratitude and giving. True preservation of blessings comes through obeying the commands of Allah and caring for the vulnerable. Denying the poor and ignoring divine law invites consequences, both in this life and the next.
A Warning to the People of Makkah and All Who Follow
The Qur’an uses this story not just as a lesson for individuals, but also as a warning to entire communities. The scholars of tafsir mention that this parable served as a warning to the Quraysh, who had been granted immense blessings in Makkah but responded with denial and arrogance when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ brought the message of Islam. The message is timeless. Whenever people are blessed with wealth, security, or influence but respond with selfishness and rejection of divine guidance, they are setting themselves on a path of destruction, just like the People of the Garden.
The Quran as a Light for the Heart
Dr. Al-Houli concludes by praying that the Qur’an becomes the spring of our hearts and the light of our souls. He reminds us that what happened to the People of the Garden was not just a story of the past but a living lesson. We are all stewards of what Allah has given us. The way we use our blessings will shape our outcome in this life and the next. Reflect on the story. Renew your gratitude. Share your blessings.
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