Who has not heard the name of Qarun, who possessed a lot of wealth? However, his wealth could not protect him; rather, it destroyed him. His story is mentioned in verses 76 to 84 of Surah Qasas in the Quran in detail. His name is mentioned in some other places in the Quran too.

Qarun was an affluent person among the tribe of Musa (peace be upon him). The condition of his immense wealth was such that he needed a group of strong people to carry the keys to the treasures. After acquiring wealth, he forgot Allah and disobeyed Him. Moreover, he persecuted Allah's servants.

The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) advised him in various ways, but he didn't listen to him. Qarun used to refuse Allah's grace and mercy upon him. He said,

'إِنَّمَاۤ أُوتِيتُهُ عَلٰي عِلْمٍ عِنْدِيْ,'

'All this wealth I have acquired because of my knowledge.'

He arrogantly believed that his wealth was solely the result of his own talent and knowledge. He did not admit Allah's grace and mercy. He did not reflect on his predecessors—how mighty they once were, but where are they now. They were once wealthy, but their existence has faded away now.

Allah eloquently says in the Quran:

أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِن قَبْلِهِ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا

'Did he not know that Allah had destroyed many generations before him who were stronger than him and had a greater number of people?' (Quran, Surah Qasas 28:78)

Qarun was too greedy, sinful, and oppressive. However, within his society, there were those who admired the luxurious lifestyle of Qarun and aspired to be like him. On one occasion, when Qarun appeared in public with all his grandeur, those who desired worldly possessions exclaimed:

فَخَرَجَ عَلٰى قَوْمِهِ فِىۡ زُىٍّهٖ ۙ قَالَ الَّذِيۡنَ يُرِيدُوۡنَ الۡحَيٰوةَ الدُّنۡيَا يٰلَيۡتَ لَنَا مِثۡلَ مَآ اُوۡتِىَ قَارُوۡنُ اِنَّهٗ لَذُوۡ حَظٍّ عَظِيۡمٍۙ‏

'Then (once) he came out before his people in his embellishment, said those who are desirous of the worldly life, “Would that we had the like of what Qarun has been given! He is a man of great fortune indeed.” (Quran, Surah Qasas 28:79)"

Those who were given ilm and knowledge did not aspire for the acquisition of the wealth like Qarun. They did not make it the object of their life. They always keep their eyes toward the lasting benefit of the Hereafter.

They said to those foolish people, who are the desirous of the worldly life-

وَيْلَكُمْ ثَوَابُ اللهِ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنْ اٰمَنَ وَ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَ لَا يُلَقّٰىهَاۤ اِلَّا الصّٰبِرُوْنَ.

Woe to you! You are saying such things! Allah’s reward is much better for him who believes and acts righteously. And this is given to none but to those who observe restraint. – (Sura Qasas 25: 1)

However, Qarun did not listen to this beautiful advice. Then Allah destroyed both Qarun and his palace. He made him along with his splendid palace, the vast treasures vanish into the ground. In the words of the Qur'an-

فَخَسَفْنَا بِهٖ وَ بِدَارِهِ الْاَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهٗ مِنْ فِئَةٍ يَّنْصُرُوْنَهٗ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللهِ وَ مَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُنْتَصِرِيْنَ.

Then we made him and his home sink into the earth. So there was no group for him who could help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could defend themselves. -Sura Qasas 25: 1

We can learn many lessons from the incident of Qarun described in the Quran:

1. It doesn't matter which clan one belongs to; what matters is one's actions. Qarun wouldn't have faced this situation if family nobility were important.

2. Avoid pride, as ego is the root of downfall. Allah dislikes arrogance.

3. Allah destroys those who spread terror and mischief in the land. Sometimes He punishes them in this world.

4. When Allah seizes someone, there is no one to protect them. The wealth and power that had blinded them were of no use.

5. Wealth isn't the ultimate measure of success. True success lies in receiving Allah's blessings and becoming His devoted servant.

6. Don't boast about power or talent; focus on devotion to the One who granted these blessings.

7. Be kind to God's servants as He has been gracious to you and avoid tyranny.

8. It's unwise to forget history after gaining wealth. Many rich people in history have come and gone; wisdom lies in learning from history.

9. You should not be influenced by luxury and glitz of wealthy individuals. Real success is in the hereafter. The temporary allurement of worldly life is deceptive.

10. Enlighten your life through the light of Iman and ilm so that you will be granted tawfiq to take the path of truth and justice.