وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ وَيْلَكُمْ ثَوَابُ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنْ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا وَلَا يُلَقَّىٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ 80
Translations
But those who had been given knowledge said, "Woe to you! The reward of Allāh is better for he who believes and does righteousness. And none are granted it except the patient."
Transliteration
Wa qala alladhina ootoo al-ilma wa yalakum thawab allahi khayrun liman amana wa amila salihan wa la yulaqqa ha illa al-sabirun
Tafsir (Explanation)
The people of knowledge (referring to the wise believers among the Israelites) rebuked those who rejoiced in Qarun's worldly wealth, reminding them that Allah's reward for those who believe and do righteous deeds is far superior to temporary material possessions. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that true success lies in obedience to Allah rather than accumulation of wealth, and this reward is only granted to those who exercise patience and steadfastness in faith. Al-Qurtubi notes that 'the people of knowledge' represent the voice of wisdom that counters the dazzlement of material riches with eternal spiritual values.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the story of Qarun (Korah), a wealthy man from the people of Musa who was arrogant in his abundance. The context shows believers witnessing Qarun's vast treasures and responding with envy, prompting the knowledgeable among them to offer divine perspective. This narrative serves as a Meccan reminder to the Prophet's community about the transient nature of worldly wealth compared to the eternal reward of the Hereafter.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are better' (Sahih Bukhari 4636). Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim about the three whose deeds will be most rewarded: 'One who is patient when tested, one who is just when in power, and one who is moderate when wealthy.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that accumulation of worldly wealth should never be the measure of success or worth; true honor and lasting fulfillment come through faith, righteous action, and patient perseverance in obedience to Allah. For modern readers, it serves as a powerful antidote to materialism and consumerism, redirecting our aspirations toward eternal spiritual gains.
Related Ayahs
۞ فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ مُوسَى ٱلْأَجَلَ وَسَارَ بِأَهْلِهِۦٓ ءَانَسَ مِن جَانِبِ ٱلطُّورِ نَارًا قَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ ٱمْكُثُوٓا۟ إِنِّىٓ ءَانَسْتُ نَارًا لَّعَلِّىٓ ءَاتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوْ جَذْوَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَصْطَلُونَ
And when Moses had completed the term and was traveling with his family, he perceived from the direction of the mount a fire. He said to his family, "Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I will bring you from there [some] information or burning wood from the fire that you may warm yourselves."
وَمَا كُنتَ بِجَانِبِ ٱلْغَرْبِىِّ إِذْ قَضَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَى ٱلْأَمْرَ وَمَا كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ
And you, [O Muḥammad], were not on the western side [of the mount] when We revealed to Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses [to that].
وَجَآءَ رَجُلٌ مِّنْ أَقْصَا ٱلْمَدِينَةِ يَسْعَىٰ قَالَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱلْمَلَأَ يَأْتَمِرُونَ بِكَ لِيَقْتُلُوكَ فَٱخْرُجْ إِنِّى لَكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّـٰصِحِينَ
And a man came from the farthest end of the city, running. He said, "O Moses, indeed the eminent ones are conferring over you [intending] to kill you, so leave [the city]; indeed, I am to you of the sincere advisors."
فَأَصْبَحَ فِى ٱلْمَدِينَةِ خَآئِفًا يَتَرَقَّبُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِى ٱسْتَنصَرَهُۥ بِٱلْأَمْسِ يَسْتَصْرِخُهُۥ ۚ قَالَ لَهُۥ مُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّكَ لَغَوِىٌّ مُّبِينٌ
And he became inside the city fearful and anticipating [exposure], when suddenly the one who sought his help the previous day cried out to him [once again]. Moses said to him, "Indeed, you are an evident, [persistent] deviator."