(Story of the Prophet Adam,(peace be upon him

The creation of Adam, as told in the Qur'an:

we will discuss the creation of Adam (AS) in three Ayahs (verses) only, (from Ayah 30 to a small part of Ayah 33 of Surat al-Baqara (second Surah in the Qur’an) since these Ayahs form the core of our existence.



The story of Adam (AS) is mentioned 25 times in 25 Ayahs of the Qur'ِِan with the same meaning. This same story is told with different portrayals, which indicates the miraculous nature, beauty of style and wording, and precision of meaning in the Qur'an. You will never become weary of these 25 times and this is the beauty of the Qur'an originating from Allah (SWT).



The first time Adam'sstory is mentioned is in Surat al-Baqara, it is rather the first story narrated in the Qur'an on the second page.



You might wonder why this is the first story in the Qur'an? It is because it holds within it the mystery of existence until the Day of Judgment. Anything we might need to live a pure, clean, righteous and happy life in this world and the hereafter is there inside; so we should know Adam's story.



You will find that, in these Ayahs, the story of Adam (AS) deals with everything that occurs in our life and also deals with what spoils it. The story of Adam (AS) is the archetype that should remain strong in our minds so as to determine the path we take in this life. Let us start with Ayah 30. In this Ayah, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.’” (TMQ, 2: 30) . Let us start with the word ‘when.’ There is no superfluous word in the Qur'an and this word makes us visualize the event. The word ‘said’ gives a feeling of the ancient past and the word ‘when’ makes it real as if you are watching it right now.



"Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth," (TMQ, 2:30). or what could also be translated as “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” Do you think Allah (SWT) is consulting His angels about whether to create Adam (AS) or not? Allah (SWT) forbid! He is going to create Adam (AS) and is only telling His angels that they are going to play a role in these peoples’ lives, so they should know about them. This is a splendid illustration; Allah (SWT) never calls anyone to account without making things clear for him first. Allah (SWT) could say, “Oh, my angels! Prostrate yourselves before Adam (AS).” They will obey, but Allah (SWT) wanted to begin life on earth by informing the angels about it.



Business Management Science today tells us that in order to convince and maximize interaction with employees, we should not start by giving orders, but rather we should meet with them and start explaining our plan.



This Ayah deals with the period that precedes the creation of Adam (AS). Adam (AS) was originally created to descend down to earth not to stay in the Jannah (paradise), and he was created from the material of the earth to live on it. That is why he was called 'Adam' which might be derived from the Arabic verb ‘adama’ i.e. to make permanent.



You might ask yourself, “If Adam (AS) was created to live on earth, why did he live in the Jannah first?” Well, he had to go through life in heaven before earth, because it is his final home. The Jannah is Adam's (AS) homeland, and you realize that your father is originally from the Jannah. As a poet said, “Salute the Garden of Eden, it is our homeland and in it is our campsite.”I wonder whether there will be a day when we return home and end this exile we live in.



Thank Allah (SWT) for starting our existence in the Jannah. Among the first things that our father saw were fruits, rivers, and the palaces of the Jannah. Do you understand now why he experienced life in the Jannah at first, before earth?



Adam (AS) was sent down to earth on a mission but his original home that he will return to is the Jannah.



You might wonder again and say, “Why did Satan whisper to Adam (AS) and make him eat from the tree, and therefore disobey Allah (SWT) so that this whole story would happen? Weren’t we descending down to earth anyway?”



I tell you, Allah (SWT) wanted to give us an example of how Satan seduces man to commit sin, and how mankind can repent.



When we were children we were taught mathematical theorems like PythagorasTheorem and we were then given some sample exercises to apply the theory, and if we made a mistake we could refer back to the rules. Allah (SWT) wanted to give us an already solved exercise. Whenever we find ourselves unable to act, we just need to look at that solved exercise: the story of Adam (AS).



Do you see how Satan deceived Adam (AS)? In the same way he deceives us over and over again.



Look at the story of the forbidden tree. It is just like the glass of wine, adultery, or any type of temptation. The forbidden tree recurs thousands of times in our lives; Satan's style, repentance, and Allah's forgiveness all recur thousands of times in our lives.



Do you realize now why the repetition occurs 25 times? Some tendentious and obstinate people say that the Qur'an is full of repetitions. Yes, it is; and that is intended for those who do not understand the concept from one reading, so it is repeated for them to understand; and for those who forget the story of their origin, it is therefore repeated for them.



The aim of this story, with its examples of sin, and repentance, is that when you are resurrected for account on the Day of Judgment, you will not say, “Oh, Allah, I was never informed!” No, the already solved example is here in front of you. Allah (SWT) will not let us say, “Oh Allah, I was not informed, I did not know.” Each and every one of us was given his chance and a version of this experience.



Why did Allah (SWT) create earth in the first place?



We needed to descend to earth because, as human beings, part of our makeup is that we do not realize the value of things unless we strive to get them; and if we get something easily we do not place much value on it, we then tend to give it away easily and will not be able to appreciate the magnificent blessing we have.



We see this example in ourselves and our relatives; your father has emigrated, struggled for 20 years in the Gulf, for example. Then you bought a car, took a ride and crashed it. You would not be as sad as your father would be. If you had been the one who bought it, not him, you would have taken care of it and felt the blessing of having it.



Allah (SWT) wanted us to go down to earth so that we may long to return to the Jannah, realizing its value. Therefore, only believers lived on earth. Why? Because they were the ones who longed for the Jannah; and those who did not, would pass by the hell. They are the ones who, with great difficulty, resist committing a sin when they could have easily done it because they want to please Allah (SWT), whom they cannot see; besides, they want to go to the Jannah.



I ask you by Allah (SWT), if you worked hard in this world, fasted Mondays and Thursdays while the weather was very hot, prayed in the mosque when it was bitter cold, obeyed Allah (SWT) and resisted sins, where would your position be when the doors of the Jannah are being opened? You would enter running and saying, “Is this the Jannah I worked for all my 60 years?” Do you see how delightful this is? This is also Allah's blessing upon us, that He created us with this nature so that we are able to love the Jannah more.



Imagine if you obeyed Allah (SWT) for 20 years and then met Him, what would that moment be like?



Imagine that you are walking along a street, you are tempted to take an unlawful glance; just say to yourself, “No, Allah can see me; I cannot disobey Him while He sees me.” You are about to take forbidden money; say, “I cannot, Allah (SWT) sees me and is watching me right now.” In Surat al-Alaq, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Knows he not that Allah does see (what he does)?” (TMQ, 96: 14), but you do not see Him.



Imagine the Day of Judgment when Allah (SWT) calls out, “Oh my servants! Oh inhabitants of the Jannah! Where are my servants who obeyed me without seeing me? Today is the day of abundance, so ask Me for whatever you want.”



They agree on one thing only; and that is, “Oh Allah, be satisfied with us.”



He says then, “I would never have granted you my Jannah if I were not satisfied with you, but ask Me for something else.” They all agree on another thing; “Let us see Your face so we can look upon it.” His veils then falls down-the 60 years of obedience will seem to be a blessing and joy-and you will see Allah (SWT), so they will see Allah. Nothing they were ever granted since their birth will be as dear to them as the pleasure of looking at Allah's noble face. There will be a long conversation between Allah (SWT) and each one of them. Allah (SWT) will then say to each one, “Oh my servant, I am satisfied with you, but are you satisfied with Me?” Surely the deprived ones are those who did not know Allah (SWT) in this world. The servant then feels ashamed and says, “Of course I am satisfied with you, My Lord.” Allah (SWT) then says, “Do you remember that certain sin which you committed?” The servant says, “Haven't you pardoned me for it?” Allah (SWT) says, “Yes I did, and with my forgiveness for what you did in your first life, you reached this place.”



Do you now understand why we came to this world?



We came so that we could know Allah (SWT); obey Him without seeing Him. Because when we obey Allah (SWT) without seeing Him and long for the Jannah without seeing it, we reach perfection of faith and sincerity, and we are then counted among the people of the Jannah.



You will see Allah (SWT) in the Jannah as long as you obeyed Him without seeing Him in this world.



The Prophet (SAWS)was once asked, "Who has the highest rank in the Jannah?" He answered, "It is he who will see Allah (SWT) in the morning and at night." Our ranks in the Jannah, as far as seeing Allah (SWT), vary according to our obedience to Him without having seen Him in this worldly life.



We reach now the translated phrase, "generations after generations on earth” (TMQ, 2:30) or “a vicegerent on earth.” The meaning of this phrase is that Allah (SWT) created Adam (AS) and his children to be responsible for this earth, and to live a life of obedience. Therefore, Allah (SWT) said, [paraphrased in meaning] “Oh Adam, go down to earth, I will let you and your children live on it generations after generations. You will be My vicegerenton earth and I will subject angels, animals, wind, seas, mountains, and the whole universe to you. Oh Adam, go down and manage the world in a satisfactory way.”



Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees." (TMQ, 57:7) Keep this trust and employ it in obeying Me. I want the whole world to worship Me. You, children of Adam, are responsible for that.



You must keep this Ayah always foremost in your mind. "O Dawud (David)! Verily! We have placed you as a successor on the earth; so judge you between men in truth (and justice) (TMQ, 38:26). We call Abu-Baker (RA) a Caliph (successor of Prophet Muhammad), because he was a successor of the trust left by Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). When you have children, people say, “you now have successors,” which means you have got someone to pass on your name and property. This is on the personal level only.



Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Truly, We did offer al-Amanah (the trust or moral responsibility) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e. afraid of Allah’s Torment). But man bore it.” (TMQ, 33:72). You are a successor or a vicegerent in this world.



The most important question to ask yourself is: Why have I been created? The ancient civilizations and philosophies had view points about the purpose of our creation.

• Plato said that God created the universe then He forgot about it. That is why people are fighting and killing one another. Allah (SWT) answers that in what can be translated as, “…and your Lord is never forgetful…" (TMQ, 19:64).
  
• Marx said, “God wanted to be amused so he created people to watch them playing and killing one another.” Allah (SWT) answers that in what can be translated as, “Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us? So Exalted be Allah, the True King.” (TMQ, 23:115-116).
  
• If we ask people in the streets why they have been created. Do you think they would know the answer or would they only repeat things they memorized without understanding?
  
• The well-known American Lebanese poet Ilia Abu-Maddi said in his famous poem ‘Attalasim’
  

“I came not knowing from where, but I came.

And I saw a pathway in front of me, so I walked.

And I will remain walking, whether I want this or not.

How did I come? I do not know.

How did I see my pathway? I do not know.”



These words do not imply atheism, but they are a sign of misunderstanding. ecause of that, the story of Adam (AS) was mentioned in the first two pages in Surat al-Baqara. The repetition of the story was also necessary. Thus, have you been created only to eat, drink, get married, have children and die?



Is it possible that Allah (SWT) has created this beautiful universe, raised the skies, and made the sun rises in precision for such a purpose? Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day.” (TMQ, 36: 40). In addition, Allah (SWT) sent angels who descend from the heavens to surround us. There are two angels; one on the right and another on the left of each one of us all the time. Allah (SWT) sent divine books from the heavens and sent messengers. Can all that be only for food, drink, marriage and death?



We have been created for two purposes:



Firstly, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” (TMQ, 51: 56). On the individual level, you need to be obedient to Allah (SWT). You can continue to live your life the way you wish, have fun and go out with your friends. There are youth who are afraid of becoming religious because they think that they will be depressed and deprived, as if they are in a jail. This is not true. What you need to do is to have an intention for every action in your life, and this is how you fulfill the worship in every minute of your life.



Why are you going to have children? Just to enjoy and play with them. No, instead say: I will raise a child who will, after ten years, be someone who prostrate and worship Allah (SWT); someone who will memorize the Holy Qur’an and be like Salah-Uddin (Saladin-the great Muslim leader); someone who will be religious and will do more for Islam than what I was able to do when I was young. With this intention, each moment you spend with your children you will receive thawab (a reward from Allah (SWT)). The time which the mother spends in cooking or cleaning after her children, and the money which the father earns for his family, all this will be counted as hassanat (good deeds) for both of them. This is how they implement the previousAyah.



You can worship Allah (SWT) in every moment in your life. Omar Ibn Abdul-Aziz (a great Muslim caliph) has never taken any step without having an intention. Once a man asked him to accompany him to visit someone, he said, “Wait a moment for me to review my intention.”



If you want to play soccer and take a reward from Allah (SWT), every drop of sweat can be counted as a good deed with this intention, “I am young and I have energy, which can be used in a sin. My Lord, I will go to play soccer with my friends to use this energy to prevent myself from disobeying you and to get back home tired.” With this intention, whenever you run to catch the ball you will take reward. The intention alone can turn all your life into worship even if you are not in the mosque.



You work to earn money. Try to make the intention of your work to be making Muslims excel in their work, become successful in life and push Islam forward to be supreme. With such an intention, you receive reward for each moment of your work.



You study because your father told you so. Try to study with the intention of achieving success and distinction that may do something good for Islam. With such an intention, you receive reward every time you hold your pen.



Following this method, we can all worship Allah (SWT) by intention and change our habits into worship. Proper intention can change the habit to worship. Ibnul-Qayem said, “Each breath and each drop of sweat released in this life without being for the sake of Allah (SWT) will become a regret and remorse on the Day of Judgment.” Allah (SWT) has created us to remember Him for 24 hours everyday, not only during the five prayers.

Secondly, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” or “Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.” (TMQ, 2:30). This Ayah means that we are created also to fix this universe. The first question you will be asked on the Day of Judgment, “What did you do in life? What did you add?”



The first thing you will be asked about is the praying. This question is related to the worship. However, you will be asked about your belief before your worship. When asked, many youth would say, “I do not know, I just fasted.” No, this is a wrong answer.



Instead you should say that your existence in life was for two reasons:

1. To worship Allah (SWT) every moment in your life and feel the enjoyment on the personal level

2. To spread goodness around you and guide people to Allah (SWT).



The Prophet (SAWS) said in a Good Hadith, “Enjoin good and forbid evil otherwise Allah (SWT) will punish youthen you pray to Him, but He will not respond to you."



If you asked a man, “Does your wife pray?” Do your children pray? He may say, “It is none of my business, the important thing is that they eat and drink.”



Be a vicegerent, but “… and argue with them in a way that is better,” (TMQ, 16:125), and be gentle when you guide people to Allah (SWT). Each one of us is a vicegerent in the place where Allah (SWT) has placed him. Do not say, “Am I the one who will fix the whole universe?” Not necessarily, but you can fix your area, your neighbor, your sister.



Sheikh al-Sha’rawy (the great Egyptian scholar) said, “Man has forsaken the truth of his existence over the course of history and forgot that he is a vicegerent on earth.”



Now the population on earth is six billion. How many of them believe in Allah (SWT)? How many are disbelievers? How many do not believe in anything and are lost?



Every night ask yourself what are you going to say to Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment? Were you a vicegerent or not?



Ibrahim Ibn-Adham, who was one of the great good successors, did not begin his life being obedient but he was playing with horses. He had no aim but riding his horse and go hunting, like many youth nowadays. He was very rich. Once, while he was on his horse, an old man came and held the bridle of his horse and said to him a few words that turned his life upside down. Concentrate and try to hear them with your mind and heart. “O Ibrahim, is this why you were created for or by this you were commanded?” Ibrahim said, “After I heard these words, I spent the night thinking is this why I was created for or by this was I commanded? Only then I knew my Lord and returned to Allah (SWT). It was my day of birth when I understood the meaning of the Ayah which can be translated as, “I will create a vicegerent on earth.”(TMQ, 2:30).



During the reign of Caliph Abu–Bakr As-Sidiq (RA), there was a horse race in a city in Palestine. Bilal (RA), one of the companions of the prophet (SAWS), was in this city at that time. During the race, Bilal (RA) was standing away when he saw a young man passing next to him. He was very busy by the race, and asked him, “Who won?” Bilal (RA) said, “The nearest to Allah (SWT).” The youth said, “I am asking you about the race (of the horses).” Bilal said, “And I am guiding you to the goodness.”



Ibn–Taymiyah (a successor) said, “The people of this life are pitiful, they left the life without knowing the best thing in life. Then he was asked, “What is the best thing in life?” He said, “Knowing Allah, fulfilling the commands of Allah (SWT), pleasing Allah, and guiding people to His way.”



Abdul-Qader al-Kilany (a successor) said, “Whenever I guide someone to Allah (SWT), my soul becomes satisfied and I feel that I do not need food or drink anymore.”



Let us continue the ayah where Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They said, ‘Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood,-While we glorify You we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You.’" (TMQ, 2:30). The angels said that because they were afraid that they fell short in their duties to Allah (SWT), and that Allah (SWT) wanted to substitute or exchange them.



Is any obedient servant of Allah (SWT) afraid of being substituted or exchanged? You should be afraid that you may get lost after Allah (SWT) has guided you. Substitution occurs at the moment you feel pride because of your obedience. Whenever you think the Hijab (cover for hair for women), prayers in mosque or attending religious lecture and crying out of being emotionally affected, these are the epic of obedience. Allah (SWT) says whatcan be translatedas, “And if you turn away (from Islam and the obedience to Allah), He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes.” (TMQ, 47:38).



Abu-Bakr (RA) said, “Even if one of my feet is in the Jannah and the other one is out, I am firm, and obedient to You My Lord.”



How did the angels know that man is going to make mischief and shed blood? The earth, before Adam (AS), was ruled by Jinn who made great mischief. They shed blood, killed each other, and created havoc. As a result, Allah (SWT) sent down angels in order to dismiss Jinn from earth and confine them to sea islands. Since that time, the Jinn have been dwelling in the sea islands. This is how the angels knew before the creation what is going to happen.



There is another beautiful remark. Did you notice Allah's mercy when he let the angels converse with Him? Some parents bring up their children on the assumption that they know everything, while their children know nothing; and that children should do what their parents order them without even thinking. You should teach your children how to engage in discussions. We should learn from this Ayah the word “they said.” They did not say their opinion out of opposition. Some men, without citing reasons, order their wives not to leave the house in a very oppressive way. There is also a known Hadith which says, “Consult them, and then do the opposite.” This Hadith is weak. Imagine when your wife tells you her view point regarding something then you tell her, “You think so? I will do the opposite.” This is not a proper way; you should consult her.



Another remark regarding the following part of the Ayah which can be translated as, "…we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You" (TMQ, 2: 30). In pertinence to this Ayah, the Prophet (SAWS) narrates that while on al-Mi'raj (the Prophet’s ascension to the seventh Heaven), he heard a voice in the sky coming from all directions, saying, "Glorified be Allah the Exalted, the Most High." After a short while he heard, "Glorified be Allah, the Incomparably Great." They were the angels glorifying Allah (SWT). You see? Allah (SWT) does not need us, so glorify Him. The Prophet (SAWS) says, "He who says, ‘Glorified be Allah, and all praise is due to Him,’ a hundred times in a day, all his sins are forgiven, even if they are as much as sea foam.” Therefore, you should glorify Allah (SWT) as much as you can.



Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "I know that which you do not know" (TMQ, 2: 30). It is true that there will be human beings who will shed blood and kill each other; but, on the other hand, there will be true believers; prophets; messengers; martyrs and honest people. A young man, who remains submissive to Allah (SWT) amidst abundant sins and turmoil, is dearer to Allah (SWT) than an earth full of disbelievers and sinners. Allah (SWT) created the universe for you. Think before you disobey Him; for He knows everything, and you know nothing. You are the one meant by this Ayah. You see how dear you are to Allah (SWT)?



In the next Ayah, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as "And He taught Adam all the names (of everything)" (TMQ, 2:31). This Ayah refers to the names of in-animate bodies, animals, plants, angels, and means of technology…etc, for example, the sea contains fish and the fishnet should be thrown in the sea in a certain way to catch fish. Then, you should rub two stones together to produce fire, so that you can grill fish and eat it. This seed is called ‘wheat.’ You can plant it in the soil until the rain falls and the seed grows to be a plant.



Adam (AS) was not just a pious man; he was also knowledgeable in the matters of the universe. Allah (SWT) taught him the names because He destined him to be a vicegerent on earth. Accordingly, he should be experienced in earthly matters. How could he be a vicegerent on earth if he was a failure?



Do you want to be a vicegerent on earth? You might say, “I pray regularly, I am even the Imam of the mosque, but I am not successful in my studies.” Subsequently, you are a failure. Even more, you are a sinner; since you did not fulfill the requirements of becoming a vicegerent. In order to undertake this responsibility, you should have two things, religion and knowledge.



Religion without knowledge amounts to failure. Knowledge without religion amounts to sin and disobedience. Religion and knowledge should go together. A housewife who prays and does her housework, but is concerned more with attending Qur'an lessons does not understand her role quite well. Her role as a vicegerent is to succeed at home first. It was not proper for Adam (AS) to inhabit the earth before learning. We want a successful Muslim. Omar Ibnul-Khattab (RA) says, "I am not cunning, but the cunning can not deceive me." We want a successful Muslim who studies not only to pass the exam but also to be useful to Islam. Do you see the value of education and knowledge in Islam? In spite of the first Ayah, "And He taught Adam all the names (of everything)" (TMQ, 2:31), 50% of our nation is illiterate, and our youths are not cultured. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an what can be translated as, "Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge." (TMQ, 58:11). He who fails in his studies and does not want to succeed is a sinner. The Hadith says, "He who follows a path in which he seeks knowledge, Allah (SWT) facilitates for him a path to the Jannah." Allah (SWT), His angels and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its burrow and the whale, bless those who teach people goodness.” Do you see the value of knowledge?



In the next Ayah, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "…then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." (TMQ, 2: 31). The angels know only about religion; they have nothing to do with worldly affairs. "They (angels) said, 'Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us'" (TMQ, 2:32). Then Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He said,’ O Adam! Inform them of their names.’” (TMQ, 2:33). Hence, Adam (AS) named this and that, he explained how this plant is irrigated this way; and how food is obtained that way. The angels were amazed, therefore Allah (SWT) told them what can be translated as, “Did I not tell you…” (TMQ, 2:33) (i.e. that there is a human being who is going to be a believer and at the same time experienced in worldly affairs?)



It is as if the world was created for the believers who master both worldly and religious affairs. You have to be keen on making your own imprint on life: religion; knowledge; reforming people and society. What have you added to life? Mustafa Sadeq ar-Raf'ie says, "If you do not add something to life, then you are redundant."



The angels rendered that their job is only Allah’s worship. Hence, Allah (SWT) calls on Adam (AS) (since he is a worshipper like all of you, but he has experience in worldly affairs and he knows good and evil) and ordered the angels to prostrate before him. Did you notice when the prostration occurred? It occurred after Adam (AS) had mastered both religion and worldly affairs. If you, as well, master both religion and worldly affairs, you deserve angels to prostrate before you, for you will be similar to Adam (AS) when the angels prostrated before him.



Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "We said to the angels, ' Prostrate yourselves before Adam.'" (TMQ, 2:34). Did all the angels prostrate before Adam (AS)? Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together." (TMQ, 15:30). It was an honoring ceremony for Adam (AS). Is it acceptable to prostrate before someone other than Allah (SWT)? No, they prostrated before Allah (SWT). Adam (AS) was only the Kiblah (prayer direction). They did not worship Adam (AS); this prostration was only for showing respect and submission to him. The angels are subjected to us if we master both religion and worldly affairs. You might wonder, “Could I be better than the angels?” Yes, and you are going to be even more privileged to Allah (SWT) since both the earth and the heaven might not know Allah's stature, but the believer is the best one to know His stature. You see how much has Allah (SWT) honored humans? Why, then, do we degrade ourselves?



The following are the forms of honoring Adam (AS):



1. He was created from dust and water – the cleanest and purest elements.

2. Allah (SWT) formed him with His divine hands. "…What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands" ( TMQ, 38:75).

3. Allah (SWT) gave him a breath of His soul, "so, when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him (Adam) the soul which I created for him…" (TMQ, 15:29).

4. All the angels prostrated to him.

5. Satan was kicked out of the Jannah because he refused to prostrate to Adam (AS).

6. Allah (SWT) subjected the angels to Adam (AS).

7. The universe was created to be utilized by Adam (AS).

8. Allah (SWT) taught Adam (AS) all the names.



Glorified be Allah (SWT).



Surat at-Tin is a wonderful Surah which makes you sense how Allah (SWT) honors you. "By the fig, and the olive. By Mount Sinai. By this city of security (Makkah). Verily, We created man in the best stature (mould).Then We reduced him to the lowest of the low." (TMQ, 95:1-5).



Here, Allah (SWT) swears by three things:



1. The figs and the olives.

2. Mount Sinai (where Allah (SWT) spoke to Moses).

3. The holy city (Makkah).



Figs and olives, here, are only symbolic to the place which is known by its figs and olives (Palestine). They are not meant for themselves. Do you see the oath? What is the relation between figs and olives (Palestine), Mount Sinai, “…take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa" (TMQ, 20:12), the holy city (Makkah) and between creating Man in the best form? These places are the holiest spots on earth. Allah (SWT) is swearing by the holiest places on earth that He has created Man in the best form. There is the holiness of Makkah, the holiness of al-Tour Mountain, and the holiness of Palestine, then Allah (SWT) states that He has created us in the best honored form. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "Then We reduced him to the lowest of the low." (TMQ, 95:5). When man, who was created in the best form, commits sins, he is lowered to the worst rank, "Save those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds. Then they shall have a reward without end (Paradise)." (TMQ, 95:6).



Let us look at these Ahadith in order to see how much you were honored by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says in a Hadith Qudsi (sacred Hadith), “… and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My refuge)….”




In another Hadith, the Prophet (SAWS) said, "If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel, saying, “Allah loves so and so, O Gabriel love him,” so Gabriel would love him and then would make an announcement in the heavens, “Allah has loved so and-so therefore you should love him also,” so all the dwellers of the heavens would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth."



Allah (SWT) says in another Hadith Qudsi that if a person, “ … comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.” Allah (SWT) loves us so much and waits for the day when we get closer to Him, and know our aim in life. Allah (SWT) ordered the angels to prostrate to Adam (AS) because man is precious and dear to Him. Do not devaluate your stature by committing sins and forgetting about the purpose of your existence in life.



A final comment:

Consider the scope of Allah’s honor. It is a bountiful bestowing of honor, don’t you think? Compare this to Darwin’s theory which states that man started as a germ on the surface of the water. This germ then evolved into a microorganism, which in turn evolved into a frog, then to a fish, then to a monkey, and finally into a human being.



As a human soul, which do you prefer: the monkey or Adam (AS)? Why did not all animals and monkeys evolve into human beings? Look at Allah's words that can be translated as, "And indeed We have honored the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with at-Tayyibat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment" (TMQ, 17:70).






TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah :Ayah) of the Qur'an. Reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.


Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam = All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him.

Narrated by Ibn-Omar, Sunnan at-Tirmidhi, No .2677.


[4] Narrated Hudhaifa, Sunnan at-Tirmidhi, No .2259.




4 Authentic Hadith, Narrated Abu Huraira Sahih Bukhari, No. 6042.


Authentic Hadith, narrated by Abu Huraira,Sahih Muslim, no. 2699

⁶ Authentic, Strange and Good Hadith, narrated by Abu Umamah,Sunnan At-Tirmidhi, no. 2826.



Authentic Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 6137


Authentic Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, Sahih Muslim, No .2637


Authentic Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, Sahih Muslim, No. 2675

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Peace and mercy of Allah upon you.

May Allah reward you for this excellent contribution to the English forum!!

This is a beautiful beginning for new English speaking muslims (like me) in understanding Islam as well as remembering and continuing our important role as a muslim every day. This story of Adam is absolutely necessary because it is fundamental to Islam and provides any new English speaking muslim a solid foundation from which they may develop further in their journey of Islam.

I will keep this story in my mind and refer back to its important messages as I learn, inshallah.

Thank you very much sister Joumana, your help is greatly appreciated!

Allah bless you