said, “Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for anyone who believes and acts righteously; none attain it except those who are steadfast.” So We caused the earth to swallow him and his house, and he had no host to help him against Allah, nor was he able to defend himself (al-Qasas 28:79-81).

His statement, “he continues to plunge through the earth,” may mean that he plunges while still alive in this worldly life, remaining in that torment until the Day of Resurrection—suffering in the earth’s depths as living beings suffer. It may also mean that once he was buried he died, as is Allah’s way, yet even in death he goes on plunging through the earth; in that case the plunging is of the barzakh realm, the manner of which is unknown to us. Allah knows best. The essential point is that this is his recompense; we seek Allah’s protection.

From this episode, as from what precedes and follows it, we see clear evidence that arrogance and self-admiration are forbidden, and that a person must recognize his own worth and keep himself within his proper limits. Allah is the One who grants success.

9/620- On the authority of Salamah ibn al-Akwaʿ (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “A man will continue to exalt himself until he is recorded among the tyrants, whereupon there will befall him what befell them.” Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said: a fair (ḥasan) hadith.

“Will continue to exalt himself” means: he keeps elevating himself and behaving arrogantly.