Parables, People of the garden

Indeed, We have tried them as We tried the companions of the garden, when they swore to cut its fruit in the [early] morning

Without making exception.¹

So there came upon it [i.e., the garden] an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep.

And it became as though reaped.

And they called one another at morning,

[Saying], "Go early to your crop if you would cut the fruit."

So they set out, while lowering their voices,

[Saying], "There will surely not enter it today upon you [any] poor person."

And they went early in determination, [assuming themselves] able.¹

But when they saw it, they said, "Indeed, we are lost;

Rather, we have been deprived."

The most moderate of them said, "Did I not say to you, 'Why do you not exalt [Allāh]?'"¹

They said, "Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, we were wrongdoers."

Then they approached one another, blaming each other.

They said, "O woe to us; indeed we were transgressors.

Perhaps our Lord will substitute for us [one] better than it. Indeed, we are toward our Lord desirous."¹

Such is the punishment [of this world]. And the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew.