39
Wealth can be a cause of decline
Wealth is a blessing from Allah as it enables you to satisfy your needs and live in comfort. Wealth, however, is also a great trial as it brings with it the added responsibility to share your blessings with others, while remaining humble and thankful. Qarun was an extremely wealthy, yet miserly, Israelite at the time of Musa (AS). He oppressed his own tribe, and refused to help the needy or recognize Allah’s favour upon him, proudly declaring, 'This wealth was given to me on account of the knowledge I possess.' (28:78) Due to his sheer arrogance and excessive love of riches, Allah 'caused the earth to swallow him and his home' (28:81), bringing about his eternal downfall.