Qarun (Korah)

Qarun (identified with Korah in the Biblical tradition) was an Israelite who lived during the time of Musa AS and became one of the most spectacularly wealthy individuals in human history. The Quran describes his treasury keys as requiring a group of strong men just to carry them (Surah al-Qasas 28:76). Despite being from the people of Musa, he became arrogant in his wealth and rejected the message. When the people of Musa urged him to seek the reward of the Next World and not forget his share of this world, he replied with the quintessential statement of arrogance: 'I have been given this only because of knowledge I possess' (Surah al-Qasas 28:78) — attributing his wealth entirely to his own intelligence and skill, with no acknowledgment of Allah's gift. He displayed his wealth ostentatiously to the people. Some of the worldly-minded said: 'If only we had what Qarun has been given — he is indeed one of great fortune.' But those with wisdom replied: 'Woe to you! The reward of Allah is better for one who believes and does righteousness.' When Musa commanded Qarun to give the obligatory charity, Qarun attempted to falsely accuse Musa of a moral crime to undermine him. Musa prayed to Allah, and the earth swallowed Qarun along with his home and all his wealth. The same people who had envied him now said: 'It is Allah who extends provision to whom He wills and restricts it.' His story in the Quran is the definitive parable about the arrogance of wealth and the danger of attributing success entirely to one's own ability.