Allah Almighty revealed in the Quran (what means): "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?' He [Allah] said:  'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.' And He taught Aadam 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.' They said: 'Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.' He said: 'O Aadam! Inform them of their names.' And when he had informed them of their names, He said: 'Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.' And [mention] when We said to the angels: 'Prostrate before Aadam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblees [Satan]. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers. And We said: 'O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said: 'Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time.' Then Aadam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. We said: 'Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of Fire; they will abide therein eternally.'" [Quran 2:30-39]

Almighty Allah also revealed (what means): "And We have certainly created you, [O mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels: 'Prostrate to Aadam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was not of those who prostrated. [Allah] said: 'What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?' [Satan] said: 'I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay [i.e. earth].' [Allah] said: 'Descend from it [i.e. Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased.' [Satan] said: 'Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.' [Allah] said: 'Indeed, you are of those reprieved.' [Satan] said: 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e. mankind] on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].' [Allah] said: 'Get out of it [i.e. Paradise], reproached and expelled, Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.' And: 'O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said: 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.' And he swore [by Allah] to them: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.' So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them: 'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?' They said: 'Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.' [Allah] said:  'Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e. provision] for a time.' He said: 'Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.'” [Quran 7:11-25]

When Allah the Almighty created Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. The purpose behind that was not to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allah the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have offspring. That is why the angels said to Allah the Almighty (what means): "…Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood…" [Quran: 2:30]

According to the prominent Muslim scholar Qataadah  it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, and his progeny by the jinn who lived before Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention. Abdullaah bin 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the jinn had existed for many years before Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, and had shed one another's blood. Therefore, Allah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abu Haatim, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the angels were informed by Allah that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth.

Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allah would create a vicegerent on earth. Allah the Almighty announced that He was going to create a human being out of clay, that He would mould him and blow His spirit into him and that the angels should then prostrate before him.

Prophet Muhammad  (may Allah exalt his mention) said: "Allah created Aadam from a handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Aadam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them." [Al-Bukhari]

So Allah shaped Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, into a human being; but he remained a figure of clay for forty years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblees felt the most fear. He would pass by the figure of Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allah Says (what means): "He created man [Aadam] from clay like [that of] pottery." [Quran: 55:14]

When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, as Allah decreed, He commanded the angels (what means): "When I breathe My spirit into him, prostrate before him." [Quran 15:29] Allah breathed His spirit into Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, and when it reached his head, Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, sneezed. The angels said to him: "Say: 'All praise belongs to Allah.'" Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, repeated: "All praise belongs to Allah." Allah said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy." When the spirit reached his eyes, Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen, he, may Allah exalt his mention, craved for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise.

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, opened his eyes and saw all the angels prostrating before him except one being, who was standing at a distance. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate before him, nor did he know its name. Iblees was standing with the angels so as to be included in the command given to them, but he was not one of them - he was a jinn. What is clear is that this prostration was to show respect and did not mean that the angels were worshipping Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention. Prostrating in worship is done only for Allah.

Iblees believed that he was more honourable than Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention. Therefore, he abstained from prostrating, even though Allah had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels.

Iblees tried in vain to justify his refusal; he said (what means): "…'Should I prostrate to one You created from clay? Do you see this one who You have honoured above me? If you delay me [i.e., my death] until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy [i.e., lead astray] his descendants, except for a few.'" [Quran: 17:61-62]

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was following what was happening around him and had feelings of love, awe, and astonishment - deep love of Allah, who had created and glorified him and who had made His angels prostrate before him; awe of the Creator's wrath when He excluded Iblees from His mercy. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was surprised by this creature, Iblees, who abhorred him without even knowing him and who imagined himself better than him without having proved that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblees was, and how strange was his excuse for not prostrating!

Adam Dwells in Paradise

Allah commanded Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, to dwell in Paradise Saying (what means): "…‘O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" [Quran: 2:35]

The location of this Paradise is unknown to us. The Quran did not mention it, and the Quranic commentators have five different opinions on this. Some said that it was the Paradise of our refuge, and that its place was heaven. Others rejected that statement because if it was the Paradise of refuge, Iblees (Satan) would have been forbidden admission, and disobedience in it would have been forbidden as well. Still others said that it was another paradise that was created by Allah for Aadam and Hawwaa` (Eve), may Allah exalt their mention. A fourth group said it was a paradise on the earth located in a high place. Another group of commentators have stated that one should not speculate about this.

We agree with this last opinion, as the lesson we learn from its location is immaterial compared to the lesson we learn from the events that took place there.

Aadam and Hawwaa`, may Allah exalt their mention, were admitted to Paradise and there they lived the dream of all human beings. Allah permitted them to approach and enjoy everything except one tree; He Says (what means): "…‘Do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" [Quran 2:35]

Aadam and Hawwaa’, may Allah exalt their mention, understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit of that tree. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was, however, a human being, and man tends to forget. His heart changes and his will weakens. Satan summoned all the envy within him and took advantage of Aadam's humanity to exploit him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him, as this verse states (which means): "…‘Shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?’" [Quran 20:120] He said to them (what means): "'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.' And he swore [by Allah] to them: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.'" [Quran: 7:20-21]

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, asked himself: "What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the tree of eternity." His dream was to live for ever in the pure innocence of Paradise.

Years went by, and Aadam and Hawwaa’, may Allah exalt their mention, were preoccupied with thoughts of that tree. Then, one day, they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allah had warned them not to approach it and that Satan was their sworn enemy. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, stretched out his hand, picked one of the fruits, and offered it to Hawwaa’, may Allah exalt her mention. They both ate of the forbidden tree.

Allah Almighty tells us (what means): "So he [Satan] made them fall…" [Quran: 7:22] Allah also says what means: "…And Aadam disobeyed his Lord and erred." [Quran: 20:121]

At that moment, their eyes were opened to the fact that they were naked, and so they took the leaves of a fig tree to cover themselves. Wahb bin Munabbih  who was a Muslim scholar from the second generation, said that their clothing was made of light on the private parts of both of them.

Allah the Almighty Says (what means): "O Children of Aadam! Let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents [Aadam and Hawwaa’] from Paradise stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe." [Quran: 7:27]

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he was filled with pain, sadness and shame. The surrounding atmosphere and his mood had changed. He discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting tree leaves with which to cover themselves. Allah the Almighty then addressed them (with what means): "…'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?' They said: 'Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.' [Allah] said: 'Descend, being to one another [Aadam, Hawwaa’, and Satan] enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.' He said: 'Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.'" [Quran: 7:22-25]

 

Imaam Ibn 'Asaakir  who was a prominent Muslim scholar, narrated that Allah commanded two angels to remove Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, from His holy proximity. So Jibreel (Gabriel), may Allah exalt his mention, stripped him of the crown on his head, and Meekaa'eel (Michael) took the diadem from his forehead. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, thought that his punishment had been hastened and bowed down crying: "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!" Allah Said: "Are you running away from Me?" Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, replied: "No, my Lord, but I am shy of You."

On earth, Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. He also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from wild beasts. Above all, he had to struggle with the spirit of evil. Iblees (Satan), the cause of his expulsion from Paradise continued to beguile him and his children in order to have them thrown into the eternal Hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allah's guidance should fear nothing while those who disobey Allah and follow Iblees will be damned along with him.   

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, grasped all of this and with the knowledge of this challenge began his life on the earth. The only relief for his grief was that as master of the earth he had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate the earth. He had to procreate and raise the children necessary to change and improve the world.

The pinnacle of earthly bliss was reached when Aadam and Hawaa', may Allah exalt their mention, witnessed the birth of their first set of twins. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was a devoted father and Hawaa', may Allah exalt her mention, a contented mother. The twins were Qaabeel (Cain) and his sister. Later, Hawaa', may Allah exalt her mention, gave birth to a second set of twins, Haabeel (Abel) and his sister. The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young adults. Qaabeel tilled the land while Haabeel raised cattle.

The time arrived when the two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allah’s plan for mankind, to multiply and form nations with different cultures and colours. Allah revealed to Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, that he should marry each son to the twin sister of the other. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, instructed his children according to Allah's command, but Qaabeel was displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Haabeel's twin sister was not as beautiful as his own.

It appears that since the beginning of time, physical beauty has been a factor in the attraction between man and woman. This attraction caused Qaabeel to envy his brother Haabeel. He rebelled against Allah's command by refusing to accept his father's advice.

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was in a dilemma. He wanted peace and harmony in his family, so he invoked Allah for help. Allah commanded that each son offer a sacrifice, and he whose offering was accepted would have right on his side. Haabeel offered his best camel while Qaabeel offered his worst grain. His sacrifice was not accepted by Allah because of his disobedience to his father and the insincerity in his offering.

This enraged Qaabeel even further. Realising that his hopes of marrying his own beautiful sister were fading, he threatened his brother. "I will kill you! I refuse to see you happy while I remain unhappy!" he said.

Haabeel, feeling sorry for his brother, replied: "It would be more proper for you, my brother, to search for the cause of your unhappiness and then walk in the way of peace. Allah accepts deeds only from those who serve and fear Him, not from those who reject His commands."

Haabeel was intelligent, obedient, and always ready to obey the will of Allah. This contrasted sharply with his brother who was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Haabeel did not fear his brother's threats, but he did not want his brother to be hurt. Allah had blessed Haabeel with purity and compassion.

Hoping to dispel the hatred seething in his brother, Haabeel said: "My brother, you are deviating from the right path and are sinful in your decisions. It is better that you repent to Allah and forget about your foolish threat. But if you do not, then I will leave the matter in the hands of Allah. You alone will bear the consequence of your sin, for the Fire is the reward of the wrong-doers."

This brotherly plea did nothing to lessen the hatred in Qaabeel's heart, nor did he show fear of Allah's punishment. Even familial considerations were cast aside. Qaabeel struck his brother with a stone killing him instantly. This was the first death and the first criminal act committed by man on earth.

When Haabeel had not appeared for some time, Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, began to search for him but found no trace of his beloved son. He asked Qaabeel about Haabeel's whereabouts. Qaabeel insolently replied that he was neither his brother's keeper nor his protector. From these words his father understood that Haabeel was dead and Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was filled with grief.

Meanwhile, Qaabeel did not know what to do with his brother's corpse. He carried it on his back wandering from place to place trying to hide it. His anger had now subsided and his conscience was saddled with guilt. He was tiring under the burden of the corpse which had started to have a stench. As a mercy, and to show that dignity could be retained even in death, Allah sent two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, rolled its victim into it and covered it with sand.

Witnessing this, Qaabeel was overcome with shame and remorse. "Woe unto me!" he exclaimed. "I was unable to do what this raven has done, that is to hide my brother's corpse." Qaabeel then buried his brother. This was also the first burial of man.

Allah, the Almighty, revealed (what means): "And recite to them the story of Aadam’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. Said [the latter]: 'I will surely kill you.' Said [the former]: 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him]. If you should raise your hand against me to kill me - I shall not raise my hand against you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds. Indeed, I want you to obtain [thereby] my sin and your sin so you will be among the companions of the Fire. And that is the recompense of wrongdoers.' And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother, so he killed him and became among the losers. Then Allah sent a crow searching [i.e. scratching] 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 disgrace [i.e. body] of my brother?' And he became of the regretful." [Quran 5:27-31]

Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, was utterly grief-stricken by the loss of his two sons. One was dead; the other was won over by the devil. Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, prayed for his son and turned to mundane matters, for he had to toil for his sustenance. At the same time he was a Prophet advising his children and grandchildren, telling them about Allah and calling them to believe in Him. He told them about Iblees and warned them by recounting his own experience with the devil and how the devil had tempted Qaabeel to kill his brother.

Years and years passed, Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, grew old and his children spread all over the earth. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Is-Haaq  related that when Aadam's death drew near, he appointed his son Sheeth (Seth) to be his successor and taught him the hours of the day and night along with their appropriate acts of worship.

Ubayy Ibn Ka'b, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "When Aadam's death was near, he said to his children: 'O my children! Indeed I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.' So they went away searching for what Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, had requested. They met with the angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with. They said to them: 'O Children of Aadam! What are you searching for? What do you want? Where are you going?' They replied: 'Our father is sick and has an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.' The angels said to them: 'Go back, for your father is going to meet his end soon.' So they returned with the angels and when Hawaa', may Allah exalt her mention, saw them, she recognised them. She tried to hide herself behind Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention. He said to her. 'Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the angels of my Lord.' So they took his soul, embalmed and wrapped him, dug the grave and laid him in it. They prayed for him and put him in his grave, saying: 'O Children of Aadam! This is your tradition at the time of death.'"

Before his death, Aadam, may Allah exalt his mention, reassured his children that Allah would not leave man alone on the earth, but would send His prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united in one thing - the call to worship Allah Alone.