QAROON

"It is a fact that Quroon was one of Musa's people but he rebelled against them. we had given him such treasures that their very keys were a heavy burden to a band of strong men. When his people said to him, "Do not exult, for Allah does love the exultant. Rather seek by means of what Allah has given you, to attain the abode of the hereafter, while not neglecting your share in this world. Be good to others as Allah has been good to you, and do not seek mischief in the land, for Allah does not love the mischief mongers." He replied, "All that I have been given is by virtue of the knowledge that I possess." Did he not know that Allah has destroyed many people before, who were mightier in strength and greater in riches than him? But the criminals will not be asked about their sins because Allah knows them well. One day he come out before his people in his worldly glitter, those who sought the life of this world said, "Ah! Would that we had the like of Qaroon's fortune! He is indeed a very lucky man." But those who were endowed with knowledge said, "Alas for you! Better is the reward of Allah for him who has faith and does good deeds; but none shall attain it except those who endured with fortitude." Then We caused the earth to swallow him, together with his dwellings, and he had no host to help him against Allah, nor was he able to defend himself. Now the very people who wished for a position like him, the day before, began to say, "Alas! We had forgotten that it is indeed Allah Who enlarges the provisions of whom He wills of His servants and restricts it for whom He pleases. If Allah had not been gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. Alas! We did not remember that the disbelievers never attain facility."  Quran, Al-Qasas, 28: 76-82