Qarun lived among the people of Prophet Musa, and God gave him such treasure that the keys to his storehouses alone were a heavy burden to carry. Yet instead of thanking God for this blessing, he grew boastful, strutting before his people in his finest clothes and richest ornaments.

Some righteous people among his community advised him, «Do not exult — God does not love the exultant. Seek instead, through what God has given you, the home of the Hereafter, and do good as God has done good to you.» But Qarun answered proudly, «I was only given this because of knowledge I possess,» forgetting that every blessing comes from God alone, not from cleverness.

One day Qarun went out among his people in all his splendor, and some wished they had what he had — but those with understanding said God's reward is far better for those who believe and do good. Then, in a single moment, God caused the earth to swallow him and his home, and no one could help him at all. Those who had envied him the day before said, «Had God not been gracious to us, we too would have been swallowed,» and everyone learned that wealth is a blessing calling for gratitude, never pride.