وَقَـٰرُونَ وَفِرْعَوْنَ وَهَـٰمَـٰنَ ۖ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَهُم مُّوسَىٰ بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ سَـٰبِقِينَ 39
Translations
And [We destroyed] Qārūn and Pharaoh and Hāmān. And Moses had already come to them with clear evidences, and they were arrogant in the land, but they were not outrunners [of Our punishment].
Transliteration
Wa-Qarūna wa-Fir'awna wa-Hāmāna wa-laqad jā'ahum Mūsā bil-bayyināti fa-stakbarū fil-'ardi wa-mā kānū sābiqīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah condemns Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman for their arrogance and rejection of Moses' clear proofs and signs (bayyināt). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that despite receiving unmistakable evidences of divine truth, these leaders became intoxicated with pride and rebellion in the earth, yet they could not escape Allah's punishment or outrun His decree. The phrase 'wa-mā kānū sābiqīn' (they were not able to escape) emphasizes that no amount of worldly power or status can protect the arrogant from divine accountability.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Al-'Ankabut, a Meccan surah that frequently references stories of past nations and their rejection of prophets. The context is part of a broader narrative (29:36-40) recounting various peoples who rejected their messengers, serving to console Prophet Muhammad and warn the Meccan disbelievers that the consequences of arrogance and rejection are inevitable and inescapable.
Related Hadiths
The hadith of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari recorded in Sahih Bukhari emphasizes that wealth and children are adornments of this life, yet righteous deeds are better and longer-lasting—directly contrasting with Qarun's obsession with wealth. Additionally, Surah Al-Qasas (28:76-81) provides detailed prophetic narration about Qarun's fate, which complements this ayah's reference to him.
Themes
Key Lesson
No matter how powerful or wealthy one becomes, arrogance in the face of truth leads to inevitable downfall; believers should remain humble and receptive to divine guidance, knowing that Allah's justice ultimately overtakes all who rebel against His signs.