(83) “That Home of the Hereafter We assign to those who desire neither superiority on earth nor corruption. And the ultimate outcome belongs to the God-fearing.”

After Allah Most High had mentioned Qārūn, the worldly wealth he had been given, the ultimate end of his affair, and the statement of those endowed with knowledge—“Allah’s reward is better for whoever believes and does righteous deeds”—He encouraged aspiration for the Home of the Hereafter and explained the means that lead to it. He said: “That Home of the Hereafter”—which Allah has told of ⦗625⦘ in His Books and [of which] His messengers have informed people, which [indeed] contains every delight and is free from everything that might mar or diminish its enjoyment—“We assign” as a home and permanent abode “to those who desire neither superiority on earth nor corruption.” That is, they do not even desire to exalt themselves above Allah’s servants on earth, let alone act upon such a desire, nor do they behave arrogantly toward them or toward the truth. “Nor corruption”—this encompasses every sin. Since they have no desire for superiority on earth or for spreading corruption, it necessarily follows that their aspirations are directed entirely to Allah, their aim is the Home of the Hereafter, and their state is one of humility toward Allah’s servants, submission to the truth, and righteous conduct.

These are the God-fearing, to whom the ultimate outcome belongs. Hence He said: “And the ultimate outcome”—that is, the enduring state of prosperity and success—belongs to whoever fears Allah Most High. As for others, even if they attain some prominence and ease, it will not last long and will soon vanish. This exclusive formulation in the noble verse also indicates that those who desire superiority on earth or corruption have no portion in the Home of the Hereafter, nor do they have any share in it (1)