Juz 20: An-Naml 56 to Al-ʿAnkabūt 45
Section 12 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
12. The Ultimate Abode is for the Righteous
Following the account of Qarun's downfall, Allah (swt) delivers a profound statement about the true purpose of the worldly life and the ultimate destination for the righteous:
تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
“That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness in the land or corruption. And the good end is for those who fear Allah." (28:83)”
This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to both the narrative of Pharaoh (who sought political dominance) and Qarun (who exulted in material wealth). It establishes that the eternal abode of the Hereafter is specifically designated for those who avoid two destructive qualities: seeking "exaltedness" (علوًّا) in the land and causing corruption (فسادًا).
The concept of "uluww" (exaltedness) refers to the desire for superiority, pride, and domination over others. It represents the arrogance that leads people to consider themselves above divine law and human compassion. Meanwhile, "fasād" (corruption) encompasses all forms of wrongdoing that disrupt the moral and social order established by Allah (swt).
The verse concludes with the powerful assertion that "the good end is for those who fear Allah" (وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ). This statement serves as both a promise and a principle that permeates Islamic ethics – true success lies not in amassing wealth or power, but in cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness) through righteous conduct and sincere faith.