Who was Qarun?
The Quran introduces him in 28:76. The meaning of the verse is that Qarun was from the people of Musa, but he oppressed them. Allah had given him treasures so great that their keys alone would burden a group of strong men.
The Quran does not say how he oppressed his people, what his work was or where his wealth came from. It tells us only what matters for the lesson: he had great wealth, and he treated his own people unjustly.
The advice of his people
His people spoke to him with care. They said, in meaning, "Do not exult, for Allah does not like those who exult."
Then they gave him four pieces of advice (28:77):
- Seek the home of the Hereafter through what Allah has given you.
- Do not forget your share of this world.
- Do good to others as Allah has done good to you.
- Do not seek corruption in the land, for Allah does not like the corrupters.
This was a balanced and kind advice. It did not tell him to give up his wealth or to stop enjoying lawful things. It told him to use what he had to prepare for the Hereafter and to be good to people.
"I was given it because of my knowledge"
Qarun refused the advice. His answer, in meaning, was that he was given this wealth only because of knowledge that he had (28:78). He gave the credit to himself, and not to Allah.
The Quran replies with a question: did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him generations that were stronger than him and had gathered more wealth? The verse adds that the criminals will not be asked about their sins, which commentators explain as meaning that Allah already knows them. The Quran does not explain what knowledge Qarun was talking about.
Then he came out before his people in his splendor. Those who wanted the life of this world said, "If only we had what Qarun was given. He is truly a man of great fortune" (28:79). It is a clear picture of how the glitter of wealth can fill the eyes.
The reply of those who had knowledge
Another group answered. They are described as those who had been given knowledge, and the meaning of their words is: "Woe to you! The reward of Allah is better for the one who believes and does good, and only the patient are given it" (28:80).
The Quran uses the same word, knowledge, for two very different people. Qarun used it as a reason for pride. The believers used it to see what is truly valuable.
The end of Qarun
Then Allah caused the earth to swallow him and his home. He had no group to help him against Allah, and he could not defend himself (28:81).
The people who had wished for his position the day before woke up with a different view. They said, in meaning, that Allah gives plentiful provision to whom He wills and restricts it, and that if Allah had not been gracious to them, He could have caused the earth to swallow them as well. They ended with the words that the disbelievers do not succeed (28:82).
Qarun is mentioned again briefly. In 29:39 he is named with Pharaoh and Haman as those who were arrogant in the land even though Musa came to them with clear proofs, and in 29:40 Allah says that some of those who were punished were those whom He caused the earth to swallow. In 40:23-24, Musa was sent with Allah's signs to Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun, and they said that he was a magician and a liar.
What the Quran does not tell us
The Quran does not say when Qarun lived or the exact amount of his wealth. It does not give the details of his oppression, the place where the earth swallowed him, or his family. We should limit ourselves to what Allah has told us, and the important points are clear: wealth is a trial, pride and denial bring ruin, and the believers who stayed patient were right.
Lessons from this story
- Wealth is a blessing from Allah and a test, and it is never a sign that its owner is better than others.
- Whoever says that his success is only because of himself forgets the One who gave it to him.
- Islam teaches balance: seek the Hereafter with what you have, enjoy your lawful share of this world, and do good to others.
- Be careful of looking at the glitter of other people's wealth. The reward of Allah is better.
- Real knowledge brings humility and a better sense of what is valuable, and only the patient are given that vision.
- Allah's help for the oppressed may come suddenly, and no wealth or power can protect from Him.
General information for learning, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.