corrupts his religion as much as, or more than, two hungry wolves ravage a sheepfold.

Allah Most High has told us that the one given his record in his left hand will say:

“My wealth has been of no avail to me.”

“My authority has vanished from me.”

The ultimate ambition of one who seeks power is to be like Pharaoh, and of one who amasses wealth, to be like Qārūn. Allah Most High has explained the fate of Pharaoh and Qārūn in His Book, saying:

“Have they not travelled through the land and seen how those before them met their end? They were mightier than them and left greater marks upon the earth, yet Allah seized them for their sins, and they had no one to protect them from Allah.”

He also says:

“That home of the Hereafter We reserve for those who seek neither supremacy on earth nor corruption. The best outcome is for those mindful of Allah.”

People fall into four categories:

The first category consists of those who seek supremacy over others and corruption on earth—that is, disobedience to Allah. These are corrupt kings and leaders, such as Pharaoh and his followers. They are the worst of creation. Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and divided its people into factions, oppressing one group among them, slaughtering their sons and sparing their women. He was truly one of those who spread corruption.”

Muslim narrated in his Sahīh that Ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“No one with an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise, nor will anyone enter the Fire who