The Cursed Billionaire: Who Refused to Pay Zakat
- Umm-e-Sidrah
- Nov 10
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 30
Qarun, the Cursed Billionaire, isn’t just a story from the Qur’an; it’s a warning that still resonates today.
He was a man so rich that even hundreds of strong men couldn’t lift the keys to his treasure chests.
But why did his unimaginable wealth turn into a curse?
How did arrogance, envy, and refusal to give Zakat set the stage for his downfall?
The answer lies in a remarkable hidden secret: the three knowledge traits that fueled Qarun’s arrogance and power.
In this blog, the tale of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) versus Qarun holds powerful psychological and spiritual insights for anyone chasing wealth or power, lessons about pride, greed, and the hidden soul disease that can destroy even the greatest fortunes.
Read on to discover why Qarun’s rise and fall is still a wake-up call for today’s billionaire entrepreneurs and anyone pursuing riches without faith.
Qarun (Korah) Among The Israelites in Egypt
Long before, there lived a man named Qarun. His father, Yashar, was the paternal uncle of Prophet Musa (Moses, عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He lived in Egypt during the reign of a Pharaoh. Allah had blessed him with extraordinary gifts, a voice so captivating it could melt hearts, and a depth of knowledge that made him one of the greatest scholars among the Israelites.
He was also the most gifted reciter of the Torah, his recitation inspiring awe and reverence wherever he went. But perhaps his most striking feature was his radiant face, so luminous that people called him "Munawar, the radiant one". His very presence carried a quiet grace that naturally drew people toward him.
In the early days, Qarun lived a simple life. He embodied humility and generosity; his nature was kind, approachable, and warm. 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 fortunes grew beyond imagination until he became one of the richest and most powerful men among the Israelites. With his newfound influence, he was even appointed as a ruler. His power inspired admiration in some and fear in others.
Wealth, when left unchecked, can blind the heart. Qarun’s riches began to consume him, just as pride once overtook Samiri, the deceiver. The virtues that had once made Qarun beloved, his wisdom, faith, and humility, slowly disappeared. Gratitude gave way to arrogance, and generosity faded into vanity.
How rich was Qarun: The Treasure Keys of Qarun in the Qur'an
The man who had once been humble and kind now lived for luxury, pleasure, and power. His wealth allowed him to buy almost anything or anyone he desired. He rarely touched the ground himself.
His immense wealth was impossible to ignore. The keys to his treasure were so heavy that they required 60 to 300 mules to carry them, a staggering display of his riches. Even his horses gleamed with silver and gold ornaments, reflecting the magnitude of his opulence. A team of wrestlers would struggle to lift the keys alone.
In terms of finance, Qarun’s fortune was so immense that he could be considered one of history’s first billionaires, even in the Quranic context.
Observing this, the faithful among the Israelites approached him with heartfelt 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, Khazin, 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 main types of knowledge that contributed to his unprecedented status:
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 (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), 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)
Prophet Haroon and the Financial Jealousy of Qarun in the Qur'an
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.
(Ruh al-Bayan, Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Al-Qasas, under Ayah 79)
Islamic scholars recount that after Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) led the Israelites across the river, he entrusted the management of sacrifices to Prophet Harun (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). 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 (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ):
“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 (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) 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 (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) 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.
Qarun's Treachery: False Accusations
Qarun built a mansion whose doors gleamed with gold and whose walls were covered in plates of pure gilded metal. Every day, the Israelites would gather there to eat, talk, and enjoy his company, mesmerized by the splendor of his wealth.
When Allah’s command of Zakat was revealed, Qarun pretended to agree. The instruction was clear: one dinar for every thousand units of wealth, whether gold, silver, or livestock.
But when the final amount was calculated, his smile disappeared. The figure was too large. His greed rose to the surface. He could not bear to part with even a fraction of what he owned.
Instead of giving what was due, he devised a scheme against Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
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 wealth and charisma, the people replied, "You are our leader. Whatever you say, we will follow."
With a sinister calmness, Qarun revealed his plan. “There is only one way to turn the people against Musa. Nearby lives a notorious, immoral woman. We will pay her to accuse Musa of a disgraceful act. Once she blames him in public, his reputation will be destroyed.”
The woman was summoned and offered a large sum of money for her false testimony.
But when she stood before the crowd before the Prophet of Allah, her heart trembled. The weight of truth pressed upon her soul.
Breaking down in tears, 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.
The Wrath of Allah: The Cursed Billionaire vs Prophet Musa dua
Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) 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 (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) instructed the Israelites:
“Whoever is Qarun’s companion, stay with him; whoever is mine, stay with me.”
All the people except for two of Qarun’s closest companions abandoned him. Then Allah caused the earth to begin swallowing him, slowly at first: up to his knees, then his waist, and finally up to his neck.
Qarun collapsed into the earth, and people began spreading rumors that Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wanted his wealth for himself. But when Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) prayed to Allah again, the earth swallowed the rest of Qarun’s treasure along with those who had stood by him.
Scholars narrate that Qarun was the cursed billionaire; he and his companions remain swallowed until the Day of Judgment. Witnessing this, the Israelites understood that Qarun’s wealth, mansion, and treasures could not protect him from Allah’s punishment.
(Khāzin, Madārik, Al-Qasas, under Ayah 81)
Greed, Envy, and Pride: Islam and Psychological Insights
Psychologically and spiritually, Qarun’s story illustrates how immense knowledge, influence, and wealth can become a curse when misused. His intelligence and leadership, instead of guiding him toward humility and responsibility, fueled arrogance and entitlement.
From an Islamic perspective, wealth is a trust from Allah, and zakat is the divinely mandated mechanism to ensure social justice and spiritual purification. When a leader refuses this obligation, it reflects both moral and ethical failure, with consequences that transcend material loss.
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, Chapter: The Sin of Withholding Zakat, 1/474, Hadith 1403
Modern psychological research shows that dispositional greed, a persistent desire for more wealth, power, or status can cause individuals to be unsatisfied with what they have, often driving envy, comparison, and selfish behavior.
(Kaur et al., 2024).
Similarly, malicious envy, a state in which a person resents the success or wealth of others, has been linked to mental distress, insecurity, and strained social relationships(Smith & Kim, 2007).
Qarun’s arrogance, rooted in his immense knowledge and social influence, amplified these traits. He saw his wealth and intelligence as a personal entitlement rather than a divine trust, which psychologically and spiritually blinded him, explaining why his pride and misuse of wealth led to his ultimate downfall.
Islamic Religion: Income Tax vs Zakat
Interestingly, the concept of income tax is not a modern invention. Ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Babylon, and other empires, collected wealth in the form of crops, livestock, or money to fund public needs like infrastructure, defense, and social services. Typically, only the wealthy contributed, while the poor were exempt, unlike today, where taxes are levied broadly.
In Islamic history, the Torah (revealed to Prophet Musa, عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) included instructions for governance and societal welfare, including the obligation of Zakat, a mandatory charitable contribution for Muslims. Back then, governance was often religiously guided, meaning Zakat was both a spiritual and social responsibility.
Difference between Zakat and Income tax
While both tax and Zakat involve giving a portion of wealth, their purposes differ:
Zakat is a spiritual duty, performed to please Allah, purify wealth, and support those in need.
Tax is a governmental duty, collected to maintain public services and support societal infrastructure.
Income Tax is a specific type of tax on earnings. It applies to individuals or businesses above a certain income level and is a civic obligation, not a religious one.
Qarun Net Worth Today: Legacy of the Lost
It’s impossible to calculate Qarun’s fortune in today’s dollars. He lived in an era so ancient that even imagining the scale of his riches feels unreal.
Sixty mules were reportedly needed to carry the keys to his treasure chests, showing the staggering scale of his riches.
The Qur’an confirms that his sudden rise from poverty to immense wealth was a blessing from Allah, just as he was. In some narrations, this wealth is also linked to the treasures of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), and his power was said to have been supported by Pharaoh, who used to oppress his people.
Even today’s richest billionaires, Elon Musk (≈$491B), Aliko Dangote, and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, cannot compare. Even today, not a single trillionaire can match him, because his fortune was a trial and purely from Allah.
In modern terms, Qarun’s fortune could rival or even surpass the combined wealth of today’s billionaires, making him perhaps the richest person in history.
Qarun: Fame to Cursed Billionaire- A Wake-Up Call
For Muslims worldwide, whether in the East or the West, the U.S., Europe, or the Middle East, Qarun’s story raises a critical question: He had everything wealth, fame, respect, knowledge, health, and even physical beauty, so why did he become history’s most famous cursed billionaire?
The answer lies not in what he had, but in what he rejected. Despite his power, he defied Allah’s commands, denied the message of His Prophets, and allowed envy and arrogance to consume him. These spiritual diseases, envy that eats the soul, pride that blinds the heart, are what ultimately destroy a person. And his punishment did not come from any human hand, but directly from Allah Himself.
Buried alive with all his treasures, Qarun and his companions remain trapped beneath the earth as a divine warning to all who follow arrogance and greed, until the Day of Judgment.
Now, pause and reflect: In our own pursuit of success, are we balancing worldly gains with spiritual obedience? Are we guarding our hearts from the same destructive emotions that doomed Qarun?
جزاكم اللهُ خيرًا
May Allah reward you for reading! Don’t forget to share and reflect on this story.
Thank you for this information! It's sad how billionaires nowadays are like Qarun 😢♥️
Allah the almighty protect us from evil and proud ameen,beautifully explain