“And We destroyed Qārūn (Korah) and Pharaoh and Hāmān. Moses came to them with Clear Signs but they waxed arrogant in the land although they could not have outstripped (Us). So We seized each for their sin. We let loose upon some a violent tornado with showers of stones; some were overtaken by a mighty Cry; some were caused to be swallowed up by the earth, and some We drowned. Allah would not wrong them, but it is they who wronged themselves.”
(Al Qur’ān – 29:39-40)
These stories recounted here are addressed both to the Muslims and to the Makkan unbelievers. They were narrated so that the Muslims would not give in to despair and demoralisation and so that they would remain patient and resolute in upholding the Truth even in the face of very severe hardships. These stories should also instil in them full trust in God and make them assured that His aid will ultimately come and that He will see to it that their oppressors are humbled and God’s Word is exalted.
On the other hand, these stories were also narrated to impart an important lesson to the Makkan wrong-doers who were bent upon obliterating Islam. They were thereby warned not to mistake God’s forbearance. Since they had not been seized for a long time for their rebellion, they had fallen prey to the delusion that they would never be brought to justice. Rather, they believed that they were free to act. Such mistaken notions would eventually bring upon them the same scourge which smote the unbelieving nations.