The Garden That Disappeared

The Story

There was once a garden so heavy with fruit that its branches bent low to the ground.

Grapes, figs, and sweet dates — enough to feed a whole town. And then, in a single night, it was gone.

The garden belonged to a kind old man.

Every year, when the fruit was ripe, he would welcome the poor of the town to come and take a share. Whatever his family did not need, he gave away with a smile.

When the old man passed away, the garden went to his sons. They did not want to share it.

So they made a quiet plan — to slip out at first light and pick every fruit before any poor person could ask. They were so sure of themselves that they forgot to say insha’Allah.

But while the brothers slept, something happened to the garden.

When they crept out in the grey morning light, whispering so no one would hear, they stopped and stared. The trees stood dark and bare, still and quiet — like a garden that had gone to sleep and not woken up.

At first, they thought they had walked to the wrong place. Then they understood.

The wisest of the brothers said softly, “Did I not tell you to remember Allah?” And the brothers lowered their heads, sorry for what they had done, and turned their hearts back to their Lord.

Everything we have — every fruit, every gift, every good thing — comes from Allah.

When we remember to thank Him, to say insha’Allah, and to share what we have, our blessings grow. A garden that is shared is a garden full of blessing. 🌱

Dua of the Week: A Dua for Turning Back to Allah

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَالِمِينَ

Subhana Rabbina inna kunna zalimin

"Glory be to our Lord — indeed, we were wrongdoers."

These are words we can say whenever we are sorry for a mistake and want to turn our hearts back to Allah.

Quran Verse: Surah Al-Qalam 68:32

عَسَىٰ رَبُّنَا أَن يُبْدِلَنَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهَا إِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا رَاغِبُونَ

"Perhaps our Lord will give us something better than it — indeed, to our Lord we turn in hope."

Family Discussion

The brothers forgot to thank Allah and forgot to share. What is one blessing in your home that you could share with someone this week?

Good Deed Challenge

Before you eat your favourite snack this week, stop and say “Alhamdulillah” — thank you, Allah — then give one piece to someone in your family.

Sources: Qur’an 68:17-33 (Surah Al-Qalam)