Dr. Bilal A Bhat / Intizar Ahmad
The story of Qārūn and Mūsā is a fascinating narrative in Islamic history that highlights the consequences of arrogance, greed, and the importance of humility. This tale is derived from the Quran and provides valuable insights into the lives of two prominent figures during the time of Prophet Mūsā (Moses). In Holy Quran, the story of Qārūn and Mūsā is mentioned in Surah Al-Qasas (Chapter 28), verses 76-82.The story of Prophet Musa (Moses) is among the most detailed narratives in the Qur’an, highlighting his role as a prophet, leader, and reformer. From his miraculous survival as an infant against Pharaoh’s decree to his upbringing in the palace and eventual confrontation with Pharaoh, the Qur’an presents Musa’s journey as a symbol of Allah’s protection and purpose (Surah Al-Qasas 28:3–14, Surah Ta-Ha 20:37–40). His mission to free the Israelites, supported by miracles such as the staff turning into a serpent and the parting of the sea, underscores the triumph of faith and divine power over arrogance and oppression (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:10–68).Beyond his struggle with Pharaoh, Musa(alayhis salam) is honored as the receiver of the Tawrat (Torah), guiding his people with revelation and divine law (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:145, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:44). His leadership through trials and the Israelites’ deliverance serves as a timeless lesson in patience, justice, and trust in Allah. The Qur’an repeatedly invokes Musa’s story to remind believers of the certainty of divine intervention and the moral responsibility to stand against tyranny.Prophet Musa (Moses) is one of the most significant figures in Islamic tradition, mentioned more than 130 times in the Qur’an, making him the most frequently referenced prophet.The Qur’an presents Musa as a prophet, messenger, and leader chosen by Allah.Prophet Musa’s early life was marked by divine protection and exile. Born during Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Israelite male infants, his mother placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered by Pharaoh’s wife, Asiya, who raised him in the palace despite Pharaoh’s cruelty toward the Israelites.As an adult, Musa accidentally killed an Egyptian man while defending an Israelite, forcing him to flee to Midian. There, he helped two women water their flock, married one of them, and worked for her father for ten years. This period of exile prepared him for his later mission as a prophet.His early survival and upbringing in Pharaoh’s palace, his years in exile in Midian, and his eventual return to confront Pharaoh are central narratives that demonstrate divine wisdom and protection (Surah Al-Qasas 28:7–28). Through miracles such as the transformation of his staff and the parting of the Red Sea (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:63–67), Allah supported Musa(alayhis salam) in affirming truth over falsehood. His life and mission continue to serve as a timeless lesson in faith, justice, and steadfastness.He(alayhis salam) is remembered for leading the Israelites out of Pharaoh’s oppression and for being entrusted with the Tawrat (Torah), a scripture of divine guidance and law. His mission emphasized the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), patience in the face of adversity, and unwavering obedience to divine command.Prophet Mūsā(radhiAllahu anhu), who was sent by Allah to guide the Children of Israel, advised Qārūn to use his wealth wisely and to remember the blessings of Allah. However, Qārūn refused to listen and instead, he became more arrogant and oppressive.Ibn Abbas (radhiAllahu anhu) says that Qarun was the cousin of Musa (alayhis salam). Qatadah said: He was called “An-Nur” (the light) for he had a beautiful voice while reciting the Torah, but he became a hypocrite and rejected Musa (alayhis salam) and disobeyed him.
Thus, Qarun was destroyed because of his transgression due to the wealth and riches he had. Shahr Ibn Haushab said: he used to drag his garments on the ground out of pride and arrogance. Allah Ta`ala has mentioned his story in detail in Surah Qasas. It has been mentioned that his wealth and riches was so much that its keys would have been too heavy for even a group of strong men to carry. It was also said: the keys of his treasures were so many that they used to be carried on sixty mules! However, he was advised by the pious men from among his people saying: do not be arrogant or conceited with riches, being ungrateful to Allah Ta`ala. Enjoy your halal and good earnings but don’t forget about the poor and needed. Share your wealth with them also. And do not harm the people regarding whom you were commanded to do good. If you harm them, He will punish you and take back what He has granted you. Verily, Allah likes not the mischief makers and bullies. His answer to this good advice of his people was nothing but: “All these riches have been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess!” In other words, “I do not need what you have said or referred to, as Allah only gave me this for He knew that I deserve it. Also, if He did not love me, He would not grant or give me this!” However, Allah the Almighty rejected his statement saying: Does he not know that Allah destroyed before him generations because of their sins and bad deeds and they were stronger than Qarun and they had more riches and children than him. So, if what he said was true, We would not punish anyone of those who had more riches than him and his wealth and riches would not be a proof of Our love or care for him. Allah Ta`ala says: So he went forth before his people showing himself off with all his wealth and riches. Many interpreters mention that he went forth before his people in great luxuries (servants, clothes and riding animals). When those who were desirous of the life of the world saw him, they wished to have the same and thought to themselves “what a great fortune he has!” When their statement reached the ears of the godly righteous men they said to them: Woe to you! The Reward of Allah is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, i.e. the Reward of Allah in the Hereafter is better and higher than this. Ibn Abbas said (radhiAllahu anhu) that Qarun gave an evil woman a sum of money to accuse Musa (alayhis salam) of doing evil actions while he was in front of his people. It is said that she did it and consequently, Musa (alayhis salam) fell into sajdah and sought Allah’s help and then said to her: By Allah! Tell me, who hired you to do this? She said: It was Qarun who hired me to do that. Then, she asked Allah’s Forgiveness and repented to Him. Upon that, Musa (alayhis salam) cursed Qarun.
“The story of Qārūn and Mūsā is a significant Islamic narrative emphasizing humility, gratitude, and charity, while serving as a warning against arrogance and oppression. It offers valuable insights into the lives of these two figures, highlighting the dangers of arrogance, the importance of charity, and the consequences of oppression. Believers are encouraged to learn from this powerful story and live according to Islamic teachings.”
Allah the Almighty revealed to him that He has subjugated the earth to obey him. Prophet Musa (alayhis salam) commanded the earth to swallow up Qarun and his mansion saying: “O earth! Take them! And it took them to their feet. Then again he said: Take them! And it took them to their knees. Then again he said: Take them! And it took them to their shoulders. Then again he said: O earth! Bring their riches and treasures! They were brought till they saw them, then Musa (Peace be upon him) pointed with his hand and they also sank into the earth. Allah Ta`ala says: So, We caused the earth to swallow him up and his mansion. Then, he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves. Imam Bukhari narrates the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “While a man was walking, wearing a two-piece garment and proud of himself (showing-off) with his hair well-combed, suddenly Allah made him sink into the earth and he will go on sinking into it till the Day of Resurrection. ” (Sahih Bukhari) It was narrated from Qatadah that he said: “They would sink into the earth till the Day of Resurrection.” Ibn Abbas (radhiAllahu anhu) said: “They sank into the earth till they reached the the lowest portion of the earth.” When the people saw what happened to Qarun and his treasures of sinking into the earth and complete destruction, those who had desired for money and position like his position the day before, felt bad and thanked Allah Ta`ala and they said: “Had it not been that Allah was kind to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up (also)! Know you not that the disbelievers will never be successful? Then, Allah the Almighty informs us that {That home of the Hereafter}, i.e. Paradise is prepared only for those {who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes} and then He says: {And the good end is for the Muttaqun (the pious and righteous persons)}. Imam Ahmad, in his Musnad, reported that once the Prophet (alayhis salam) remembered the prayer and said: “He who observes it regularly and properly, it will be light, evidence and salvation for him on the Day of Judgment. And, he who does not observe it regularly and properly, there will neither be -for him -light, nor evidence, nor salvation. And, on the Day of Resurrection, he will be (gathered) with Qarun, Fir`aun , Haman and Ubaiy Ibn Khalaf”. Allah Ta`ala says: Verily, Qarun was of Musa’s people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him so much treasures and wealth, that the keys would have been difficult to carry by even a group of strong men. Remember when his people said to him: “Do not become arrogant (with riches, being ungrateful to Allah). Verily Allah likes not those who are arrogant (with riches, being ungrateful to Allah). But seek with that (wealth) 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 Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters).” He answered: “This has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than him in might and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? But the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) will not be questioned of their sins (because Allah knows them well, so they will be punished without being called to account). So he went forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world, 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 had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The Reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are patient in following the truth. So we caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves. And those who had desired (for a position like) his position the day before, began to say: “Don’t you know that it is Allah Who increases provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases of His slaves. Had it not been that Allah was Gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up also! Don’t you know that the disbelievers will never be successful?” That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall grant it to those who do not go against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the pious and righteous persons. (Surah Qasas; 76-83)The story of Qārūn and Mūsā provides valuable lessons for believers. Some of the key takeaways include:
(a) The Dangers Of Arrogance: Qārūn’s arrogance and pride led to his downfall. Believers are advised to remain humble and grateful for the blessings of Allah.
(b) The importance Of Charity: Qārūn’s refusal to spend his wealth in the way of Allah led to his punishment. Believers are encouraged to use their wealth wisely and to give charity to those in need.
(c) The Consequences Of Oppression: Qārūn’s oppression of his people led to his punishment. Believers are advised to treat others with kindness and justice.
The story of Qārūn and Mūsā is significant in Islamic history because it highlights the importance of humility, gratitude, and charity. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and oppression. In conclusion, the story of Qārūn and Mūsā is a powerful narrative that provides valuable insights into the lives of two prominent figures during the time of Prophet Mūsā. The story highlights the dangers of arrogance, the importance of charity, and the consequences of oppression. As believers, we can learn valuable lessons from this story and strive to live our lives according to the teachings of Islam.
(The authors write regularly on “Islamic Topics” exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
