The Creation Of The First Man

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) created Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) from clay gathered from various parts of the earth, symbolizing the diversity among his descendants. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said in Tirmidhi 2955: “Indeed Allah Most High created Adam from a handful that He took from all of the earth. So the children of Adam come in accordance with the earth, some of them red, white, black, and between that, the thin, the thick, the filthy, and the clean.” In Sahih Bukhari 3326, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained, "Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall, and everyone who enters Paradise will be in the form of Adam." Some scholars believe Adam's original height suited his status in Paradise and was later reduced upon his descent to Earth. It is also mentioned that “People have been decreasing in stature since Adam's creation.” The timeline of Adam’s creation is narrated in Sahih Muslim 2789, stating that Adam was created after 'Asr on a Friday. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) commanded the angels: "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration” (Surah Sad, ayat 71-72). For forty years, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) lay lifeless, while the angels observed him. Iblees, feeling envy, mocked the clay figure, striking it and declaring: "You are nothing! If I gain dominion over you, I will destroy you; if you gain power over me, I will not obey you." Eventually, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) breathed life into Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and he sneezed, saying, “Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)!” Allah replied, “May Allah have mercy upon you, O Adam” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367). The angels prostrated as commanded, but Iblees refused, as noted in the Quran: “So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely, except Iblees; he refused to be with those who prostrated” (Surah Al-Hijr, ayat 31-32). This confusion is clarified in Surah Kahf, verse 50, where Allah states: “He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord,” indicating Iblees was a jinn with free will, unlike the angels. Iblees then requested respite until the Day of Judgment, and Allah granted it, stating, “You are of those allowed respite... no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you” (Surah Al-Hijr, ayat 36-44). Now living, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) witnessed Iblees’ defiance and recognized him as the enemy. Allah instructed Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to greet the angels with “As-salaamu alaikum.” The angels replied, “Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah.” Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then said, “This is your greeting and the greeting of your children among each other” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367).

The Teaching Of The Names

Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) granted Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) unique qualities, distinguishing him from all other creations. Unlike the angels, Adam was given free will, the ability to reason and perceive, and a capacity for creativity. These attributes allowed him to understand his true identity and purpose. “And He taught Adam the names – all of them.” — (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 31) The "names of all things" have been interpreted in various ways. Some scholars believe Adam learned the names of all beings, including angels and other species. Others say he was given knowledge of everyday things and their characteristics. A third opinion suggests that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) gifted Adam with the knowledge of language, enabling him to communicate eloquently. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) also instilled in Adam a love for knowledge and the desire to share it with his descendants. After Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had acquired the necessary knowledge, Allah presented him before the angels. The angels recognized Adam’s superior knowledge, which honored and elevated his status. Although Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) often sought the company of the angels to share his knowledge, they were primarily focused on worshiping Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). As a result, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) felt lonely. In response, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) created a companion for him, fashioned from Adam's rib, to provide comfort and companionship.

The Forbidden Tree

Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa enjoyed complete freedom in paradise, allowed to explore and enjoy its beauty. However, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) gave them one prohibition: not to approach a particular tree, as it would lead to transgression. “But come not near this tree or you both will be of the wrongdoers.” — (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 35) This command tested their obedience amidst the freedom of paradise. Despite understanding the prohibition, Adam’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resolve weakened, and he became susceptible to Iblees’ whispers. Iblees saw an opportunity to deceive them and said, "Shall I guide you to the tree of immortality and the eternal kingdom?" — (Surah Al-A'raf, ayat 20-21) He further tempted them, claiming that Allah’s prohibition was to prevent them from becoming angels or immortals, and swore, “I am truly your sincere advisor.” Eventually, they disobeyed Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) and ate from the tree. Immediately, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa felt shame and sadness, realizing their nakedness. They began to cover themselves with leaves. "O children of Adam, let not Shaitan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts..." — (Surah Al-A'raf, ayah 27)

Fall To Earth / Life On Earth

Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa were summoned before their Lord, who asked: "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?" (Surah Al-A'raf ayah 22) The pair was sorrowful and consumed by guilt. Upon realizing their mistake, they both turned to seek forgiveness. They pleaded: رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَتَرۡحَمۡنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡخَٰسِرِينَ Rabbanaa zalamnaaa anfusanaa wa-in lam taghfir lanaa wa tarhamnaa lanakoonanna minal khaasireen “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” — (Surah Al-A'raf ayah 23) It was indeed too late; Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had already planned His sentence. He expelled Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Hawwa, and Iblees to earth, where He destined humans to be enemies with Iblees He said:“Descend as enemies to each other. You will find in the earth a residence and provision for your appointed stay. There you will live, there you will die, and from there you will be resurrected.” — (Surah Al-A'raf ayah 24) Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa led a life of hardship on earth. Food did not come easy, unlike in their previous abode. They were compelled to work hard in order to sustain themselves on earth. He was burdened with searching for food, clothing, and shelter for his wife and children. He was also challenged with fighting wild animals who were wandering about in search of a full meal. However, above all, the biggest burden that Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had to constantly battle was the whispers of Shaitan. Shaitan stuck to his word and continued to torment the humans with his evil whispers. Nonetheless, he remained resolute and proved himself to his Lord. It was vital that he thrived on earth and brought forth offspring who would remain steadfast in their assigned duty — to worship Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). For More On The Children Of Adam (A.S) Please Look At Our Other Stories!