Those Endowed With True Knowledge

Al-Qasas (The Narration)
Chapter 28: Verse 80

Those Endowed With True Knowledge said:
"Woe to you. Allah's reward is best for those who believe and act righteously. But none except those who are patient shall attain to this."

Korah, a contemporary of Moses, peace be upon him, was an extremely wealthy man. Wealth in itself is neither good nor bad. It is simply a means to an end and can be beneficially used or abused. But, as we see in this surah, Korah decided that he had earned his wealth by sheer genius and personal hard work alone, and that he was therefore justified in doing with it as he pleased.

When those whose desires and inclinations were for the world saw his adornments and splendour, they wished that they could have the same as he had been given. This verse is the response of the people of beneficial knowledge.

"Allah's reward", in this verse, means that clean and bounteous provision which comes to a man both in this world and in the Next as a reward for his efforts.

As for the word "patience", it means a whole range of things. It means:

• exercising restraint against greed and covetousness.
• strict adherence to honesty and uprightness.
• the readiness to cheerfully endure losses that might accrue from following the dictates of honesty and to forego the gains that might be obtained by unlawful means.
• contentment with whatever is earned through lawful means, no matter how meagre it might be.
• not to be ruffled when one sees the abundance and pomp of those who have amassed their wealth through corrupt ways.
• not being envious of those who are materially better off.
• appreciating that a life of coarse and dreary purity accompanied with God's Mercy is better than shimmering slime.

The statement that "but none except those who are patient shall attain to this" signifies God's reward. It also signifies that purity of thought by dint of which an upright person is able to remain honest, and is even willing to suffer hunger and starvation rather than become a dishonest and corrupt multi-millionaire.

This kind of character, this way of thinking, and this reward from God are only for those who steadfastly resist the temptation to use unlawful means to earn their livelihood, regardless of whether they obtain a pittance or make millions.

Source:
"Towards Understanding the Quran" - Syed Abul Ala Mawdudi, Vol 7, p. 246
"Tafsir Ibn Kathir" - Vol 7, pp. 446-445
"Thematic Commentary on the Quran" - Muhammad Al-Ghazali, p. 422