The Story of Hazrat Adam (A.S.) – The First Human
“I am going to place a vicegerent on Earth.”
The angels, curious and concerned, asked,
“Will You place someone who will cause corruption and shed blood, while we glorify You and praise You?”
But Allah, in His infinite knowledge, replied:
“I know what you do not know.”
And so, from clay and dust, Allah formed the shape of a man. This creation was unlike any other. It had limbs, a heart, a mind, yet it remained lifeless until Allah breathed into it His ruh (spirit). The lifeless form suddenly stirred. Fingers twitched, eyes opened, and the first man, Adam (A.S.), came to life.
The angels watched in awe. Allah ﷻ taught Adam the names of all things, knowledge the angels themselves did not possess. This was not just any creation; this was someone honored with intellect and soul.
The Command to Bow
Then came the divine command:
“Prostrate to Adam.”
The angels, obedient and humble, bowed down in submission. But among them stood one being who refused, Iblis, the jinn. Pride swelled in his heart.
“I am better than him,” Iblis declared. “You created me from fire and him from clay.”
Because of his arrogance and defiance, Allah cast Iblis out of His mercy. Iblis, humiliated and angry, made a chilling promise:
“I will mislead them all. I will wait for them on Your straight path and lead them astray.”
But Allah, full of justice, responded:
“You may try, but My sincere servants, you will never have power over them.”
Life in Paradise
Allah placed Adam (A.S.) in a garden of unimaginable beauty, Jannah. There, rivers flowed under shaded trees and fruits were abundant. But Adam was alone. So from him, Allah created his companion, Hawwa (Eve), and the two lived peacefully in Paradise.
They were free to enjoy everything, except one thing, a single tree.
“Do not go near this tree,” Allah warned, “lest you become among the wrongdoers.”
But Iblis had not forgotten his vow. He crept back, whispering lies into their hearts:
“This tree will make you live forever. It will make you like angels.”
Eventually, Adam and Hawwa, deceived by the whispers, ate from the tree, and became one of the wrongdoers.
The First Repentance
Realizing their mistake, they turned to Allah with broken hearts and tearful eyes.
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will surely be among the losers.”
Allah, the Most Merciful, forgave them. But as a consequence of their disobedience, He sent them down to Earth.
“Descend, all of you. On Earth, you will live and die. There you will find guidance—and those who follow it shall not fear nor grieve.”
Life Begins on Earth
Adam and Hawwa began a new life on Earth. It was the start of humanity’s journey.
Adam (A.S.) became the first prophet, teaching his children about Allah, about truth and justice, about good and evil. From them came many generations.
Among their children were two sons: Qabil (Cain) and Habil (Abel). When both made sacrifices to Allah, only Habil’s was accepted. Jealousy burned in Qabil’s heart, and in a fit of rage, he did the unthinkable, he killed his own brother, committing the first murder in human history.
Shocked by what he had done, Qabil didn’t even know how to bury the body. So Allah sent a crow that scratched the ground, teaching him how to hide his brother’s remains. The guilt was heavy. This marked the beginning of mankind’s struggle with jealousy, anger, and violence.
The Death of the Prophet
Adam (A.S.) lived a long life, over 900 years. Before his soul was taken, he reminded his children of Tawheed, that Allah is One, and none should be worshipped but Him.
With his return to his Creator, a chapter closed, but the legacy he left behind became the foundation of humanity. His son, Sheeth (A.S.), carried on the message.
Lessons from the Story of Adam (A.S.):