The story of Adam

In paradise, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) informed His angels that He had decided to place a Khalifa, or vicegerent, which means a "successor" or a "ruler" on the earth who would reside there from generation to generation.

In Islam, the angels are considered special creations of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), distinct in their origin and their purpose. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) described the angels as being "created from light", contrasting them with the jinn, who were "created from a smokeless flame of fire" (Sahih Muslim 2996).

When the angels asked: "Will You place upon it one who sows corruption and sheds blood, while we proclaim Your praise and sanctify You?", this statement was not a form of protest, rebellion or envy. This question was rather the expression of their astonishment, seeking a reason rather than doubting their Lord.

وَإِذۡ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّي جَاعِلٞ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ خَلِيفَةٗۖ قَالُوٓاْ أَتَجۡعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفۡسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسۡفِكُ ٱلدِّمَآءَ وَنَحۡنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَۖ قَالَ إِنِّيٓ أَعۡلَمُ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."

Quran 2:30

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30 and Sahih Muslim 2996

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) fashioned Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) using clay from various regions of the earth, reflecting the various complexions and physical characteristics of his descendants.

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Allah the Most High created Adam from a handful that He took from the whole earth. Thus, the children of Adam come according to the earth, some of them are red, others white and others black, and in between, and the thin, the thick, the dirty and the clean." (Tirmidhi 2955)

In Sahih Bukhari 3326, the prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) mentioned: "Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall [...] And all those who enter paradise will have the form of Adam"

For forty years, the first man, shaped from clay, remained lifeless. During this time, Iblis envied Allah's new creation and often struck the clay figure of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), producing a sound similar to that of pottery.

خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مِن صَلْصَٰلٍ كَٱلْفَخَّارِ

He created man from clay like [that of] pottery.

Surah Ar-Rahman 55:14

Authentic Sources

Quran: Tirmidhi 2955, Sahih Bukhari 3326 and Surah Ar-Rahman 55:14

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) breathed a soul into Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), thus giving him life and marking the beginning of human existence. When the soul reached him, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sneezed, saying: "Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)!" (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367).

As had been commanded, all the angels prostrated, obeying the order of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), with the exception of Iblis who refused out of pride.

Iblis declared: "I am better than him. You created me from fire, and you created him from clay." This statement not only highlights his arrogance, but serves as proof that Iblis was one of the jinn, as opposed to the angels.

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) was angered by the reply of Iblis: "Then get out! You are truly cursed." Iblis then asked for a respite until the Day of Judgment to lead humans astray.

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then ordered Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to greet an assembly of angels by saying: "As-salaamu alaikum", thus establishing the first greeting of humanity.

فَسَجَدَ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ كُلُّهُمْ أَجْمَعُونَ إِلَّآ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ مَعَ ٱلسَّـٰجِدِينَ

So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely, Except Iblees, he refused to be with those who prostrated.

Surah Al-Hijr 15:31-32

Authentic Sources

Quran: Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367 and Surah Al-Hijr 15:30-31

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) distinguished Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), giving him unique attributes that set him apart from all other creations. Unlike the angels, Adam was granted free will, the power of perception and reasoning, as well as a capacity for creativity.

What is meant by "the names of all things"? Some scholars say that he had received the knowledge of the proper names of all things. According to another opinion, he learned the names of all ordinary things and their characteristics. Another position is that he received the knowledge of speech, Allah having created the first language with all its nouns, its verbs and its adjectives.

Allah first questioned the angels: "Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true?" They replied: "Glory be to You! We have no knowledge other than what you have taught us."

Allah then turned to Adam and instructed him: "O' Adam! Inform them of their names." Adam recited the names of everything, to the amazement of the angels.

Eager to share his knowledge, Adam often sought the company of the angels. However, the angels were mainly occupied with their worship, often leaving Adam in solitude.

وَعَلَّمَ آدَمَ ٱلْأَسْمَآءَ كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنۢبِـُٔونِى بِأَسْمَآءِ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَـٰدِقِينَ

And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, "Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful."

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:31

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:31

Although the Quran does not explicitly detail the story of the creation of Hawwa (Eve), there are some differences of opinion among the scholars. Some traditions hold that Hawwa was created from the left rib of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ); others hold that she, like Adam, was fashioned in the same way.

The Quran addresses our creation: "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and who created from it its mate, and who dispersed from the two of them many men and women."

In a hadith from Sahih Bukhari 3331, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Treat women with kindness, for a woman is created from a rib, and the most curved part of the rib is its upper part, so, if you try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women with kindness."

The scholars reject the literal interpretation of this hadith. The hadith attempts to teach, by means of a metaphor, that a man must treat his wife with respect and kindness. He must accept her unique character, just as a rib has a unique curvature.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَآءً

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women.

Surah An-Nisa 4:1

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah An-Nisa 4:1 and Sahih Bukhari 3331

Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa lived a life of total freedom in paradise. They had complete freedom to explore and roam the magnificent gardens of Allah. However, there was one singular prohibition that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had given them: not to approach a certain tree.

As is often the nature of man, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) gradually forgot the order of Allah. His will weakened, and his heart became easy to exploit.

Seizing this moment of vulnerability, Iblis saw an opportunity to demonstrate that humans were weak after all. He began to whisper to them day after day, murmuring to the couple: "Shall I guide you to the tree of immortality and the eternal kingdom?"

He would also say to them: "Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals. And he would swear to them: 'I am truly your sincere adviser.'"

Before he had finished consuming the fruit of the forbidden tree, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was filled with a feeling of shame, sadness and pain. Through this single act of disobedience, Adam and Hawwa became aware of their nakedness and frantically began tearing off leaves to cover themselves.

وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers."

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:35

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:35

Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa were summoned before their Lord, who asked them: "Did I not forbid you this tree and did I not tell you that Satan is a clear enemy to you?"

The couple was sad and consumed by guilt. Realizing their mistake, they both turned to the Lord to ask His forgiveness. They implored:

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا وَإِنْ لَمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

"Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and do not grant us Your mercy, we will surely be among the losers."

It was indeed too late; Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had already planned His sentence. He expelled Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Hawwa and Iblis to the earth, where He destined humans to be the enemies of Iblis.

قَالَ ٱهْبِطُواْ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ

[Allah] said, "Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment for a time."

Surah Al-A'raf 7:24

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-A'raf 7:24

Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa led a difficult life on earth. Food did not come easily, unlike in their previous abode. They were forced to work hard to provide for their needs on earth.

Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was responsible for seeking food, clothing and shelter for his wife and children. He also had to fight against the wild animals that roamed in search of a full meal.

However, the greatest burden that Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) constantly had to fight was the whisperings of Shaitan. Shaitan kept his word and continued to torment humans with his evil whisperings.

Nevertheless, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained resolute and proved himself to his Lord. It was vital that he prosper on earth and beget offspring who would remain faithful to the duty assigned to him: to worship Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

This period marked the beginning of the human trial on earth, where every descendant of Adam would have to choose between following the path of Allah or succumbing to the temptations of Shaitan.

قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ

He said, "Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth."

Surah Al-A'raf 7:25

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-A'raf 7:25

The solitary existence of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa on Earth soon changed with the arrival of their children. Their family began with the blessing of twins, Cain (Qabil) and his sister. Over time, they welcomed another pair of twins, Abel (Habil) and his sister.

The children grew up and the family enjoyed a humble life with the ample blessings of Allah. Qabil cultivated the land, while Habil raised livestock.

The expulsion of Adam and Hawwa to the earth was partly intended to populate the earth with devoted humans who worshipped Allah. Thus, when the children reached the age of marriage, Allah revealed to Adam to marry each of his sons to the twin sister of the other.

While Habil was known for his intelligence, his obedience and his willingness to obey the will of Allah, Qabil was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Qabil was unhappy with the command because, according to him, Habil's twin sister was not as pleasant to look at as his own.

Allah ordered that each son offer a sacrifice in His name, and He would favor the son whose sacrifice He accepted. While Habil offered his best lamb to Allah, Qabil offered his worst harvest. Consequently, Allah accepted Habil's offering.

Angry, Qabil said to his brother: "I will kill you!" Habil calmly replied: "Allah only accepts the offering of those who are sincerely pious."

وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ ابْنَىْ آدَمَ بِالْحَقِّ إِذْ قَرَّبَا قُرْبَانًا فَتُقُبِّلَ مِنْ أَحَدِهِمَا وَلَمْ يُتَقَبَّلْ مِنَ الْآخَرِ

And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other.

Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:27

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:27

The hatred that Qabil had toward his brother outweighed all other forms of family ties and emotions. Nor did the fear of the punishment of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) manifest itself in his mind.

As expected, Qabil paid no heed to his brother's warnings. He struck Habil with a stone and killed him in an instant. This was the first death and the first murder in the history of humanity.

As time passed and Habil did not come home, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) began to worry. He set out in search of his son but found no trace. When he inquired about Habil's whereabouts, Qabil declared that he was neither his brother's keeper nor his protector.

It did not take Adam long to realize that his beloved Habil was no more. Adam was consumed by grief.

Having murdered his brother, Qabil did not know what to do with Habil's body. As his anger subsided, Qabil began to feel remorse and was overwhelmed by guilt.

In order to preserve the dignity of the deceased, Allah arranged for Qabil to witness the death and burial of two crows. Cain watched the crow use its claws and beak to dig a hole in the earth, push the carcass into it and cover it with sand.

Adam lost both his sons and was overwhelmed with grief. He made du'a for his son and continued to warn his children and grandchildren against Iblis.

فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ غُرَابًا يَبْحَثُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ لِيُرِيَهُۥ كَيْفَ يُوَٰرِى سَوْءَةَ أَخِيهِ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰوَيْلَتَىٰٓ أَعَجَزْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِثْلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلْغُرَابِ فَأُوَٰرِىَ سَوْءَةَ أَخِى ۖ فَأَصْبَحَ مِنَ ٱلنَّـٰدِمِينَ

Then Allah sent a crow searching in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said, "O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the body of my brother?" And he became of the regretful.

Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:31

Authentic Sources

Quran: Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:31

One day, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was gravely ill, said to his children: "My children, indeed, I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise."

Anxious to fulfill their father's request, the children set off to gather the fruits of Paradise. On the way, they met angels who were carrying Adam's shroud and other materials needed to prepare a body for burial.

The angels asked the children of Adam to hurry back home because their father would soon meet his end. So the children returned home with the angels.

Upon their arrival, the angels took the soul of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). They prepared him for the funeral, wrapped him in the shroud, dug his grave and laid him in it.

They said to the children of Adam: "Children of Adam, this is your tradition at the time of death."

After the death of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), his son Seth (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) succeeded him. He too became a prophet and was charged with guiding people on the path of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).

Thus ends the story of the first man, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the father of humanity, who despite his initial disobedience, repented sincerely and lived his earthly life in obedience to Allah, laying the foundations of human guidance for all future generations.

مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ

From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time.

Surah Ta-Ha 20:55

Authentic Sources

Surah Ta-Ha 20:55