19:39 hence, warn them of [the coming of] the Day of Regrets, when everything will have been decided-for as yet they are heedless, and they do not believe [in it].
A story is narrated of a country which would annually elect a ruler granting him or her absolute powers, with the caveat that at the end of the annual tenure, they would have to be exiled to a chosen deserted island. Upon completion of their tenure, they would be dressed up in the finest raiment made of silk and brocade, made to tour the kingdom to bid farewell, however sorrowfully, and embark in a boat journey to be marooned at that island to fend for themselves, never to return. Despite the obvious brevity of the tenure, the allure of absolute powers made sure that there was never any shortage of applicants.
Once it happened that the one nominated was a bright young fellow, who was curious and thoughtful by nature. Few days after coronation, he requested to be taken to the island for a visit. Although it was taboo for the people, they could not turn down the request of their absolute monarch.
No sooner that he had started exploring the island, he saw the place strewn with skeletons, possibly former rulers, some showing signs of having been savagely devoured by wild beasts. He saw the former king on the brink of starvation, struggling with whatever the island had to offer. The former king told him of attacks by wild beasts and the inhospitable terrain of the island. The new king gave all his provisions to the erstwhile king and returned, remaining silent for most of the journey back, thoughtful, contemplating.
Upon his return he asked for hundreds of able bodied men, together with tools, provisions, saplings etc to accompany him for another visit to the island. He instructed them to clear the terrain, plant fruit bearing trees, make gardens and in other ways make it more hospitable. Also, he instructed them to create a beautiful palace. He would regularly visit this island whenever he would get a break from his busy schedule to monitor the progress. Since he led a simple life, whatever was bestowed upon him as a king, he would set aside and hence all his savings he invested in the island also, making a dock and some sailboats and trading boats, all in a span of a year.
At the end of the year, unlike other kings who were full of grief while touring the country, he embraced this farewell and was truly happy to be leaving, for he knew he was going to a comfortable place. And so he went joyfully, without any regrets, never to come back.
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