The referred verses have compared the arrogance of the people of Qureish, due to which they were turning a deaf ear to the call of the Prophet (pbuh), with a people, who, deceived by their wealth and well being, forgot that the Almighty has complete control over them and that God's punishment could strike them at any time, from over their heads or from under their feet. The referred verses start with the words: "We have tested them [i.e. the Qureish], as We had tested the people of the Garden". According to the information given in these verses, these were a people, whom God had bestowed with wealth and fertile land. However, rather being thankful to God for His favors and rather than recognizing the rights of the poor and the deprived in their wealth, they became arrogant and selfish, forgetting that the stacks of their wealth and crop cannot save them from the wrath of God. Thus, on the day, when they had planned to reap the fruits of their investments, all their crop was ruined by fiery winds and they were left empty handed. After seeing the ruination of their dreams, they realized the wrong that they had done. At this, each one of them started blaming the other for his transgressions. They repented, they expressed their sorrow and shame and they made commitments to correct their behavior, but none of this could bring their garden back. At the end of this parable, the Qur'an warns the Qureish that like the people of the Garden, they too shall suddenly be faced with the grievous punishment of God and when that time comes, all their wealth, their horses, their armies - and all those things, which had made them unmindful of God - would be rendered useless. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad April 2, 2002 Answer published by Moiz Amjad Discussion(s) regarding this Question The Story Of the Keepers Of The Garden In Surah Al Qalam