Summary: Surah Al-Qasas, verses 78 through 82. This session contrasts the example of Qaroun as a hoarder of wealth with that of Musa as a custodian of knowledge. In this lecture: Qaroun's false claim to knowledge as the source of his good fortune; the staggering amount of Qaroun's wealth is little compared with those who perished before him; limited wealth and lasting knowledge; wealth as a means for knowledge; the impact of a nabi upon the mindset of a disenfranchised people; the short-sighted beliefs of the disbeliever; the distribution of wealth as a Divine prerogative. Our wealth does not make us, rather we make our wealth. If we are good, then our wealth will be good. If we are consumed by our pursuits, then we will be drowned in them (much as Qaroun was swallowed up). We must strive to be free men and women, worshiping Allah free from the weight of our worldly pursuits.
