The Cursed Billionaire: Who Refused to Pay Zakat
- Umm-e-Sidrah
- Nov 10, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Stories like Qarun’s have been part of childhood lessons, tales of wealth, pride, and downfall.
We’ve all heard how a man who once seemed humble and respected became a cursed billionaire, swallowed by the earth because of his greed and arrogance.
But in this insightful blog, we don’t just retell the story.
We dive into Qarun's three hidden knowledge traits, the consequences of ignoring Zakat, psychological traps, and spiritual lessons behind his rise and shocking collapse, offering a wake-up call that today’s dreamers and aspiring billionaires can truly relate to.
Qarun (Korah) Among the Israelites in Egypt: A Scholar Blessed With Knowledge and Honor
Long before, there lived a man named Qarun among the Israelites in Egypt. His father, Yashar, was the paternal uncle of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), placing him within a noble lineage.
During the reign of Pharaoh, Allah blessed Qarun with extraordinary gifts: a voice so captivating it could melt hearts, and a depth of knowledge that made him one of the greatest scholars of his time.
He was the most gifted reciter of the Torah, and wherever he recited, people listened in awe and reverence. His presence carried a quiet dignity, and his face radiated such light that people called him “Munawar,” the radiant one. Without effort, he drew hearts toward him.
From Knowledge to Fortune: Qarun’s Rise
In his early days, Qarun lived simply. He embodied humility and generosity, known for his kindness, warmth, and approachability.
People admired him not only for his learning but also for his integrity and compassion.
Then, by Allah’s will, wealth began to pour into his life. His riches grew beyond imagination until he became one of the most powerful and wealthy men among the Israelites.
He was even appointed as a ruler, his influence inspiring admiration in some and fear in others.
Slowly, Qarun’s riches began to consume him, just as pride once overtook Samiri, the deceiver. The qualities that once made him beloved, wisdom, faith, and humility, started to fade. Gratitude turned into arrogance, and generosity gave way to vanity.
How Rich Was Qarun? The Treasure Keys of Qarun in the Qur’an
Wealth often reveals what lies hidden in the heart. In Qarun’s case, his riches reached a level that few could even imagine.
His fortune was so vast that he rarely touched the ground himself. The keys to his treasure were so heavy that between sixty and three hundred mules were needed to carry them, and even teams of heavily-built men could barely lift a single key.
This staggering display of opulence is mentioned by classical scholars.
In financial terms, Qarun’s wealth was so immense that he could be considered one of history’s earliest billionaires, even by Qur’anic standards.
Seeing this, the faithful among the Israelites offered sincere advice:
“O Qarun! Do not boast about your wealth, for Allah does not love those who are arrogant. The wealth Allah has granted you is a blessing, and through it, you should give thanks, spend in the way of Allah, and seek the eternal home in the Hereafter. Remember your duty to act in this world while preparing for the next. True success lies in using your wealth for charity, maintaining family ties, and doing good deeds. Do not commit sins, oppress others, rebel, or spread corruption on the earth, for Allah does not love those who cause disorder.”
(Madārik, Al-Qasas, Abu Saud, Khāzin, Al-Qasas Ayah 76–77)
Qarun and His Wealth: 3 Traits of Qarun’s Arrogance of Power
Qarun responded with pride:
“This wealth has come to me as a result of the knowledge I possess.”
His statement has been interpreted in multiple ways, revealing both his exceptional skills and the arrogance that accompanied his power.
Scholars highlight three key types of knowledge behind Qarun’s remarkable wealth and the arrogance it fueled:
1. Torah Knowledge: Mastery of Divine Wisdom
Some scholars suggest that Qarun’s wealth stemmed from his deep understanding of the Torah, which he had mastered. This intellectual mastery enabled him to manage resources effectively and make strategic decisions that set him apart from ordinary people.
2. Alchemy: Transforming Base Metals into Precious Ones
Others believe that Qarun acquired alchemy skills from Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). Enabling him to transform ordinary metals into silver and gold. This mystical knowledge amplified his riches and contributed to his legendary reputation.
3. Expertise in Commerce, Agriculture, and Finance
Another interpretation is that Qarun’s wealth reflected his expertise in business, agriculture, and financial management. By systematically applying these skills, he was able to accumulate riches on a scale far beyond his contemporaries.
(References: Ruh al-Bayan, Khazin, Al-Qasas, under Ayah 78)
Financial Jealousy and Envy: The Real Reason Behind Qarun’s Downfall
On one remarkable day, a Saturday, according to tradition, Qarun rode out on a white mule with a gold-adorned saddle, dressed in luxurious garments.
Thousands of slaves and attendants, adorned in silk and jewelry, followed him, alongside finely decorated horses.
Those among the Israelites with worldly desires whispered in awe:
“If only we could possess such wealth and grandeur in this world as Qarun does! Truly, he is a man of great fortune.”
Scholars note that this admiration was human curiosity, not sin or disbelief. It reflects a natural inclination to notice and appreciate extraordinary finance and worldly success.
Explore our guide on the→ 5 Signs of Envy vs Jealousy guide, backed by Qur’anic insights and modern research.
(Ruh al-Bayan, Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Al-Qasas, under Ayah 79)
Why Qarun Could Not Accept Prophet Harun’s God-Given Role
Islamic scholars recount that after Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) led the Israelites across the river, he entrusted the management of sacrifices to Prophet Harun (Peace be upon him).
The Israelites would bring their offerings to Harun, who would place them on the altar, where fire from heaven would descend to consume them.
Qarun, however, grew jealous of Harun’s position. He complained to Prophet Musa (Peace be upon him)
“The message of prophethood is yours, and the leadership of sacrifices is with Harun. I have nothing, despite being the finest reciter of the Torah. I cannot bear this!”
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) replied:
“This position was not given to Harun by me personally, but by the command of Allah.”
Qarun, defiant, said:
“By God! I will not accept this until you prove it to me.”
In response, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) gathered the leaders of the Israelites and asked them to bring their staffs.
They complied, and throughout the night, the Israelites guarded the staffs in the Prophet’s tent.
By morning, Harun’s staff had miraculously sprouted leaves and become lush and green, a divine sign for Qarun.
Yet, Qarun dismissed it, claiming:
“This is nothing but your magic.”
Despite Prophet Musa’s patience, Qarun continued to insult, oppose, and act arrogantly, displaying ever-increasing rebellion.
Why Allah Showed Acceptance Through Fire on Sacrifices and Offerings
In the time of the Israelites, Allah made His acceptance of sincere sacrifices visible to guide hearts and strengthen faith. When an offering was truly accepted, fire from the heavens would descend and consume it, clearly showing which sacrifices were pleasing to Allah and which were rejected.
This miraculous sign served three main purposes:
Test of sincerity: Only offerings made with true devotion were accepted.
Guidance for the community: It taught the Israelites that obedience and intention matter more than form or quantity.
Spiritual lesson: Pride, envy, and worldly ambition could never replace sincerity before Allah.
Qur’an & Hadith Reference
They both offered a sacrifice, and it was accepted from one, but not from the other.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:27)
Tafsir Sources:
Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 27
Tafsir Al-Qurtubi
Later, during the era of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Allah emphasized intention over visible miracles:
“Allah does not look at your forms and possessions, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.”
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Zuhd, Hadith 6220)
The Sinister Plot of Qarun: False Accusations Against Prophet Musa
Qarun’s envy and arrogance had reached new heights. He no longer considered himself beneath anyone. Pride and greed consumed him, and he openly denied the words of Allah’s Prophet, flaunting his wealth to impress the people.
The Zakat Dilemma: Greed Revealed
Qarun had built a magnificent mansion, its doors shining with gold and walls covered in gilded metal plates. Every day, the Israelites gathered there, marveling at his splendor and wealth.
When Allah’s command of Zakat was revealed, Qarun pretended to agree. The instruction was simple: one dinar for every thousand units of wealth, whether gold, silver, or livestock.
But when the final calculation was made, his smile vanished. The amount was far too large. Greed surfaced, and he refused to part with even a fraction of his fortune.
Instead, Qarun plotted against Prophet Musa (Peace be upon Him). He gathered the people of Bani Israel and declared:
“Until now, you have obeyed Musa. But now he wants your wealth. He is after your money.”
Blinded by Qarun’s charisma and opulence, the people replied,
“You are our leader. Whatever you say, we will follow.”
With cold calculation, Qarun revealed his plan:
“Nearby lives a notorious woman. We will pay her to accuse Musa of a shameful act. Once she speaks against him publicly, his reputation will be destroyed.”
The Woman’s Confession Against Qarun
The woman was summoned and offered a large sum of money for her false testimony.
But when she stood before the crowd in front of Prophet Musa(peace be upon him), her heart trembled.
The weight of truth pressed on her soul.
Tears streaming down her face, she confessed:
“I cannot lie. I was paid to slander Musa. Qarun planned everything.”
Silence fell. The people stared at Qarun in shock and disbelief.
His treachery was exposed, and the power of wealth could not hide his arrogance any longer.
The Wrath of Allah: The Cursed Billionaire vs Prophet Musa Dua
Prophet Musa(Peace be upon Him) prayed to Allah:
“O Lord, if I am truly Your Messenger, let Your wrath descend upon Qarun.”
Allah commanded the earth to obey the Prophet. Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) instructed the Israelites:
“Whoever is Qarun’s companion, stay with him; whoever is mine, stay with me.”
The Earth Swallowed Him: How Allah Destroyed Qarun and His Treasures
On one side stood those who had faith in Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), who had no desire for worldly wealth, luxury, or grandeur, while Qarun’s companions flaunted his riches, blinded by greed and forgetting that ultimate authority belongs only to Allah.
Then, by Allah’s command, the earth began to swallow him slowly. At first, up to his knees, then his waist, and finally, his neck.
The Qur’an narrates: “Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his house.”
(Surah Al‑Qasas 28:81, Kanzul Iman).
Qarun collapsed to the ground, and whispers spread that Musa (peace be upon him) desired his wealth. But Musa (peace be upon him), free from worldly desire, prayed again, and the earth engulfed the remainder of Qarun’s treasure along with those who had supported him.
Wealth Without Zakat Becomes a Serpent: Islamic Insight
Scholars explain that Qarun and his fellows remain buried until the Day of Judgment, serving as a timeless warning for every generation.
Qarun’s story stands as a cautionary tale: wealth, knowledge, and influence can turn into a curse when misused.
Wealth is a trust from Allah, meant to purify the soul and uplift others. Zakat is a divine obligation that ensures spiritual cleansing and social justice. Refusing it reflects a deep moral and ethical failure, with consequences that extend far beyond material loss.
Prophetic Guidance on Withholding Wealth
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever Allah has granted wealth, and he does not pay its zakat, on the Day of Resurrection that wealth will appear to him as a serpent, coiling around him like a collar, and will bite him, saying: ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.”
(Bukhari, Book of Zakat, 1/474, Hadith 1403)
The Psychology of Arrogance and Greed
From Qarun’s downfall, we see how unchecked desire distorts both faith and perception. What begins as confidence slowly transforms into entitlement, comparison, and spiritual blindness.
Dispositional greed → a persistent craving for more wealth, power, or status; it fuels envy, comparison, and self-centered behavior (Kaur et al., 2024).
Malicious envy → resentment toward others’ success; closely linked to inner distress, insecurity, and damaged relationships (Smith & Kim, 2007).
Qarun’s Net Worth Today: Legacy of the Lost
Reflect on the description where Allah highlights the sheer weight of Qarun’s treasure keys as an example of his vast fortune.
Even dozens of strong men struggled to lift a single key.
Today, we carry house or locker keys effortlessly in our pockets, but Qarun’s keys required groups of men or even animals. If the keys alone were this heavy, imagine the doors they unlocked and the unimaginable riches hidden behind them.
In modern terms, Qarun’s net worth would eclipse today’s richest figures. Even Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Bill Gates would pale in comparison.
Some narrations suggest that despite the passage of time, Qarun’s treasures were never fully recovered, adding to their mystery and magnitude.
Qarun’s fortune warns us: riches come from Allah alone 👉 Discover how divine wealth shaped civilization 50,000 years ago here in our detailed guide.
Conclusion: Fame to Cursed Billionaire- A Wake-Up Call
What do we truly learn from Qarun’s story? He rose from humble beginnings to unimaginable wealth, yet lost it all.
Three traits: Knowledge, skill, and riches alone could not save him; his heart, blinded by pride and greed, turned blessings into a curse.
True success lies in humility, faith, and gratitude, lessons from Qarun, the cursed billionaire, that resonate even today.
May Allah reward you for reading! How do you use your blessings wisely? Reflect and share your thoughts below.
جزاكم اللهُ خيرًا