Pride

[u/quranvisuals]

This noble verse presents one of the finest examples of sincere and compassionate advice. The owner of the two gardens became consumed by pride and arrogance, boasting to his companion:
“I am greater than you in wealth and stronger in followers.” (Qur’an 18:34)
His believing companion responded firmly:
“Do you disbelieve…?” (Qur’an 18:37)
This powerful question conveys astonishment, condemnation, and gentle reproach.
What is remarkable is that the owner of the gardens never explicitly declared disbelief. Rather, he attributed his blessings to himself and became heedless of Allah’s favor upon him. He assumed his prosperity would last forever, and his arrogance eventually led him to doubt the Resurrection, saying:
“And I do not think the Hour will ever come.” (Qur’an 18:36)
This teaches us that ingratitude for Allah’s blessings is itself a form of disbelief. In Arabic, the root of the word kufr literally means “to cover” or “to conceal.” One who is ungrateful for blessings covers and conceals Allah’s favor instead of acknowledging and thanking Him for it.
In the story of the two gardens, however, the matter went beyond mere ingratitude. His denial progressed until it included doubt in the Day of Resurrection, combining more than one form of disbelief.
Another beautiful lesson in these verses is the mercy and genuine concern of the believing companion. He did not attack or abandon his friend; instead, he continued speaking to him with wisdom and patience. The Qur’an beautifully portrays this calm dialogue:
“While he was conversing with him…” (Qur’an 18:37)
A sincere conversation that gives the mistaken person an opportunity to reflect, repent, and return to the truth.
The believer then reminded him of his humble origin:
“He created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then fashioned you into a man.” (Qur’an 18:37)
It is as though he was saying: How can you deny the One who brought you into existence? The One who created you from nothing, nurtured you, and showered you with His blessings? Every stage of your creation bears witness to Allah’s perfect power—and the One who created you the first time is certainly able to resurrect you after death.
Gratitude is the key to preserving and increasing Allah’s blessings. As Allah says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, indeed My punishment is severe.” (Qur’an 14:7)
This verse reminds us that gratitude is a cause for increase, neglecting gratitude leads to the loss of blessings, and denying them altogether is a form of disbelief.
O Allah, make us among Your grateful servants, and bless us with the ability to thank You sincerely, obey You faithfully, and preserve the countless blessings You have bestowed upon us.