فَخَسَفْنَا بِهِۦ وَبِدَارِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهُۥ مِن فِئَةٍ يَنصُرُونَهُۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنتَصِرِينَ 81
Translations
And We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allāh, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves.
Transliteration
Fakhasafna bihi wa bi-darihi al-arda famaa kana lahu min fi'atin yansuroonahu min doonil-lahi wa maa kana minal-muntasireeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the divine punishment of Qarun (Korah), who was swallowed by the earth along with his house as a consequence of his arrogance and rejection of truth. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the khusuf (subsidence/sinking into the earth) was a unique punishment befitting his crime, demonstrating that his wealth and apparent power could not save him from Allah's justice. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that no faction could aid him, and he could not save himself, illustrating the complete helplessness of those who oppose Allah despite worldly affluence.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the story of Qarun in Surah Al-Qasas, which narrates the fate of this wealthy member of Musa's (Moses') people who became arrogant and refused to give zakat. The broader context emphasizes contrasting examples of faith and disbelief, and the ultimate triumph of Allah's justice over material wealth and human pride.
Related Hadiths
The story of Qarun is mentioned in the Quran but additional details are found in classical tafsir works. A relevant thematic hadith from Sahih Bukhari narrates the Prophet's warning about wealth and status not benefiting on the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly possessions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that material wealth, power, and social status are meaningless without righteous conduct and submission to Allah—no amount of money or supporters can protect one from divine retribution. Believers are reminded to remain humble, grateful, and obedient regardless of worldly possessions, as true protection comes only from Allah.