Stories from the Quran: The Story of Qarun

The purpose behind the stories that Allah mentioned in the Noble Quran is to narrate to people the stories of previous nations so that they can take lessons from their predecessors, as Allah says in the Quran, Surah Yusuf, Ayah 1: “We relate to you, [O Muhammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur’an, although you were, before it, among the unaware” (نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ أَحْسَنَ الْقَصَصِ بِمَا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ وَإِن كُنتَ مِن قَبْلِهِ لَمِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ). Thus, people can better understand the consequences of their actions and that goodness comes alongside obeying Allah, while distress comes with disobeying Allah. The story of Qarun is a manifestation of good and evil and their outcomes. It is a story about arrogance, its roots, manifestations, and consequences.

Qarun’s Arrogance and Ungratefulness

Qarun was from the nation of Moses; he was from the Children of Israel. Allah said in His Holy Quran that Qarun transgressed; he was evil and arrogant. He disobeyed his Lord, the Most High, and paraded through the land in a boastful manner, thinking that he was better than others. He showed off as he walked.

And We gave him treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men. The believers reminded him of Allah, gave him sincere advice, and told him, “Do not exult. Verily, Allah likes not those who exult. But seek, with that which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the mischief makers.” Surah Al-Qasas, Ayahs 76 and 77.

He became so arrogant and unjust. His lust for wealth made him forget who the real Provider of these blessings was and made him think that he was the one who had acquired them through his own efforts. The believers told him that he was being corruptive. They reminded him of the reality of this life and that he would be judged before Allah in the Hereafter. Despite all the sincere advice, he rejected it all and increased in his ungratefulness to Allah. He said, “This has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess.”

The Test of Qarun’s Wealth

His wealth and power were not only a test for him but also a test for the people around him. When he went out among his people, surrounded by his guards and adorned with his wealth, the people were divided into two groups. Allah said, “So, he went forth before his people in his finery” (فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فِي زِينَتِهِ). He was surrounded by his guards, horses, and servants while wearing fine clothes. When those who were desirous of the life of this world saw him, they said: “Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun has been given! Verily, he is the owner of a great fortune.”

But those who believed in Allah and believed in reward and punishment said: “But those who had been given knowledge said: ‘Woe to you! The reward of Allah is better for those who believe and do righteous deeds, and this none shall attain except the patient.’” When Qarun reached the peak of arrogance, injustice, and ungratefulness, Allah sent His punishment upon him that suited his deeds. Allah caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save himself.

The power and wealth that he used to show off were now swallowed into the earth, and no one could save him from the Will of Allah. Those who had desired his position the day before began to say: “Know you not that it is Allah Who expands the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases of His servants. Had it not been that Allah was Gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us.” When they saw his punishment, they realised the truth about the life of this world and the Hereafter.

Understanding the nature of this life and the purpose of our existence is the key to overcoming its tests and desires. When you understand that Allah has given you power and wealth as a test, not as a privilege, you will ultimately choose the path of Allah. Remember that whoever brings good will have the better reward for it, while those who do evil deeds will only be requited for what they used to do.