Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 42-44

His fruit was destroyed. Wringing his hands for what he had spent on it, and seeing it had collapsed on its trellises, he said, ‘I wish I had not worshipped any one besides my Lord.’

He had no company to help him other than Allah, nor could he defend himself.

In such a situation, support comes only from Allah, the true God. He is the best giver of reward, the best end for the obedient. 

[Surah al-Kahf: 42-44]

Ingratitude demonstrated by the owner of the two gardens for the blessings of Allah resulted in the destruction of his gardens and wealth. Thus, he remorsefully wrung his hands because he spent great wealth and put a lot effort to build and take care of the gardens, which all were in vain. 

His fruit was destroyed. Wringing his hands for what he had spent on it, and seeing it had collapsed on its trellises, he said, ‘I wish I had not worshipped any one besides my Lord.’ [42]

The expectations of the righteous believer realized. The gardens’ fruits were destroyed. At that time, the owner of the gardens hoped that he had not worshipped any one besides Allah. This is the case of most people. They remember Allah at times of afflictions, and forget Him at times of comfort and health. 

The ayah eloquently depicts the reaction of the owner of the two gardens. Usually, when affliction befalls someone, he will be astonished, shocked, and become speechless. Then, when he regains his consciousness, he will begin to speak and express his feelings, which is the case of the owner of the gardens as narrated in the Quran. When he saw the destruction of his gardens, he remorsefully wrung his hands and became speechless. Then when he recovered from his shock, he began to speak and hoped that he had not worshipped any one besides Allah. 

 It is totally a striking scene. The entire crops were destroyed as if the calamity engulfed them from all sides so nothing was left. The two gardens had completely been ruined and their owner was regretfully wringing his hands, grieving his wasted wealth and labor. He regretted that he had worshipped other gods besides Allah, and acknowledged Allah’s Oneness though he did not explicitly say so. However, being proud of other earthly values other than belief in Allah served as a form of Shirk, which he denied and regretted now though it was too late.  

Then, the story was concluded with showing Allah’s Omnipotence, and His enforceable will.

He had no company to help him other than Allah, nor could he defend himself. [43]

This ungrateful, conceited person did not find supporters, who could help, protect, or defend him when he lost his gardens. Only Allah is the giver of help and support. He was also unable to protect himself as he was prevented from all means of help by preferring disbelief to belief. 

 The ayah clearly shows the inability of all powers to help that deserted man except the power of Allah and the inability of that man to help himself, and prevent the punishment of Allah.

In such a situation, support comes only from Allah, the true God. He is the best giver of reward, the best end for the obedient. [44]

In such a situation and case, support and help is sought only from Allah, the only true God. Indeed, He is the best giver of reward to His obedient slaves, and the best end to which they return. 

 The example of the owner of the two gardens and his poor fellow is an example of the righteous and the disobedient. It eloquently describes the evil end of the conceited people, and the happy end of the thankful and humble ones. It also shows the good effects of belief in the Oneness of Allah and performance of righteous deeds, and the evil effects of disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, and bad deeds. It clearly states that Allah is the only Owner of power and support, and the only One who deservers worship. No reward for the obedient is better than His reward, and no end for them is better than returning to Him. 

Tafsir of Surah al-Kahf: Ayah 37-41

English Translation of Surah al-Kahf