Parables of the QuranA parable of the Quran · Al-Baqara 2:266

The garden burnt in old age

مثل الجنة التي أصابها إعصار

A good deed spoilt afterwards is like an orchard burnt down just when its old owner needs it most.

Quran

What it means

Would any of you like to own an orchard of palms and vines with rivers beneath it and every fruit, then grow old with weak children, and see it struck by a fiery whirlwind and burnt (2:266)?

As-Sa'di explains that this is the one who did a deed for Allah and then cancelled it by what contradicts it, such as reproaching people for charity given: the loss comes at once, after the trees had flourished, and at the very time its owner, old and with dependants, needs it most.

Evidence

QuranAl-Baqara (The Cow)Quran 2:266

أَيَوَدُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن تَكُونَ لَهُۥ جَنَّةٌ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ وَأَعْنَابٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ لَهُۥ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ وَأَصَابَهُ ٱلْكِبَرُ وَلَهُۥ ذُرِّيَّةٌ ضُعَفَآءُ فَأَصَابَهَآ إِعْصَارٌ فِيهِ نَارٌ فَٱحْتَرَقَتْ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَفَكَّرُونَ ٢٦٦

Would one of you like to have a garden of palm trees and grapevines underneath which rivers flow in which he has from every fruit? But he is afflicted with old age and has weak [i.e., immature] offspring, and it is hit by a whirlwind containing fire and is burned. Thus does Allāh make clear to you [His] verses that you might give thought.

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

266. Would any of you wish to have a garden with date-palms and vines, with rivers flowing underneath, and all kinds of fruits for him therein, while he is striken with old age, and his children are weak (not able to look after themselves), then it is struck with a fiery whirlwind, so that it is burnt? Thus does Allâh make clear His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses) to you that you may give thought.[70]

[70] (V.2:266) ‘Umar رضي الله عنه said, "This is an example for a rich man who does good deeds out of obedience to Allâh, and then Allâh sends him Satan whereupon he commits sins till all his good deeds are lost." (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol. 6, Hadîth No.62).

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