The Pride of Qarun: The Man Who Was Swallowed by the Earth

The Story of Qarun: The Man Who Was Swallowed by the Earth

BY: Ubaid

Long ago, during the time of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), there lived a man named Qarun. He belonged to the same community as Prophet Moses — the Children of Israel. Qarun was known far and wide for his unimaginable wealth. His riches were so vast that even the keys to his treasure chests were heavy enough to be carried only by a large group of strong men.

From the outside, Qarun appeared to have everything — gold, silver, jewels, land, and power. But deep inside, he was filled with arrogance, pride, and greed. Instead of using his wealth for good, he hoarded it and refused to help the poor. He neither spent his fortune on himself in gratitude nor shared it with anyone in need. He simply loved to count his gold and take pride in it.

Qarun often boasted to the people, saying,

> “This wealth is mine. I earned it through my knowledge and hard work. No one has helped me — I alone deserve it.”



His words showed his arrogance and his lack of faith in Allah, who is the true giver of all blessings.

The people of his community tried to advise him with kindness. They said,

> “O Qarun, do not be proud of your wealth. Remember that everything you have comes from Allah. Spend it in His way — help the poor, the needy, and the orphans. Be humble and grateful.”



But Qarun’s heart was hard and cold. He ignored their advice and continued to disobey Allah. Every day his pride grew larger, and his humility grew smaller. He thought his fortune made him powerful enough to do anything he wished.

Then one day, Qarun decided to show off. He dressed himself in glittering robes woven with gold and silver and decorated his horses and servants with jewels. With a long, shining procession, he marched out before the people, displaying his wealth like a king.

The lovers of this world — those whose hearts were filled with greed — looked at him in awe. They whispered among themselves, saying,

> “How lucky Qarun is! If only we had as much wealth as he has. What a life he must live — rich, comfortable, and respected!”



But the righteous believers, who feared Allah and valued goodness above gold, said,

> “Do not envy him. What Allah has prepared for good and humble people in the Hereafter is far greater than all the riches Qarun owns.”



They reminded each other that wealth without gratitude is a test, not a blessing.

However, Qarun only grew more arrogant. He began mocking the words of the wise and turned his back on every reminder. His pride had blinded him completely. He believed he was untouchable — that his fortune could save him from anything, even from the anger of Allah.

But one night, when Qarun was surrounded by his treasures, the command of Allah came. The earth began to tremble beneath his palace. Cracks opened under his feet. His servants screamed. His treasures rattled in their chests. Before he could even call for help, the earth swallowed him — his house, his gold, his servants, everything he owned.

The people who had once envied him stood frozen in terror. They could still see the ground shaking and closing over him. And then — silence. Qarun was gone. Not a single trace of his palace or treasure remained.

Those who had once wished to be like him now said with trembling voices,

> “Praise be to Allah, who saved us from this fate! If Allah had given us wealth like Qarun’s, we might have become arrogant too, and we would have been destroyed just like him.”



The story of Qarun spread across the lands as a lesson for all generations. His end became a symbol of what happens when pride and greed overpower faith and gratitude.

Qarun had forgotten a simple truth: wealth is not a sign of greatness; it is a test. When Allah gives someone wealth, He wants to see whether that person will be grateful and generous, or selfish and arrogant. Qarun failed that test — and his downfall became eternal.


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The Lesson

Dear children, and all who read this story — never be proud of what you have, no matter how big or small it may be. Everything we own — our home, our health, our success — is given to us by Allah. And just as He gives, He can take it away in a moment.

Never look at others with jealousy. Some people may seem rich and powerful, but their hearts are poor if they have forgotten Allah. True wealth is not gold or silver — it is a heart filled with faith, kindness, and gratitude.

If Allah blesses you with money, share it. If He blesses you with talent, use it for good. If He blesses you with knowledge, teach others. When we give for the sake of Allah, our blessings grow in this world and in the next.

Qarun’s story reminds us that pride always leads to destruction, but humility and thankfulness lead to peace.

So let us promise ourselves today — to never look down on anyone, to never boast about what we have, and to always thank Allah for every blessing, big or small.

For those who live humbly and do good, the reward waiting in the Hereafter is far greater than any treasure on Earth.


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Moral:
Pride destroys, but gratitude saves. Everything we have is a trust from Allah — so use it wisely, humbly, and for good.