Life of Hazrat Adam (A.S)
In heaven, Allah (SWT) told His angels that He planned to put someone on earth to take care of it forever. The angels weren’t happy about it because they knew that before, the jinns on earth had made a mess and hurt many people. But the Prophet Hazrat Adam (A.S) was the first man on Earth who was created to worship Allah. Learn about Prophet Adam (AS), his creation, life, and the first sacrifice.
Who is Hazrat Adam (A.S)?
Prophet Adam (AS) was the First Prophet of Islam on Earth, known as the “Father of Humankind”. The first sacrifice happened when Adam (AS), the first Prophet and human, was alive. When discussing Qurbani, we often remember Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice for Allah (SWT). But there are other stories of sacrifices made by Prophets, too.
Creation Of Adam (A.S)
According to Prophet Hazrat Adam (A.S) story, Allah (SWT) created the first man, Adam (PBUH), from clay, shaping him in His image. It’s believed that the clay used for Adam’s creation was gathered from various parts of the earth, leading to the diversity in human complexions and physical characteristics.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said that Hazrat Adam (A.S) was created at a height of 30 meters. A Sahih Muslim hadith mention that Allah (SWT) created Adam (A.S) after Asr on a Friday.
After being fashioned from clay, Adam (A.S) remained lifeless for forty years. During this time, the angels, including Iblis, would pass by the figure, struck with awe and fear. Consumed by curiosity and envy, Iblis would even strike the figure, causing it to emit a sound similar to striking a clay pot.
The Quran describes the creation of humankind, stating,
“He created humankind from sounding clay like pottery.”
Angels Prostrate Before Adam (AS)
When the time came to breathe life into the first man, Allah commanded the angels:
‘When I have fashioned him and breathed My spirit into him, fall in prostration before him.’
[Surah Sad 38:72]
So, Allah breathed His spirit into Adam.
As the soul reached him, Adam sneezed and said: ‘Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah)!’ Allah responded: ‘May Allah have mercy on you, O Adam.’ (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367)
The angels, as commanded, prostrated out of respect for Allah’s creation. However, Iblis, a jinn among the angels, refused. (Surah Al-Hijr 15:30-32)
Allah asked Iblis: ‘What prevented you from prostrating to what I created with My hands? Were you arrogant, or were you among the exalted?’ (Surah Al-Hijr 15:33)
Iblis arrogantly replied: ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.’ (Surah Al-Hijr 15:34)
Allah banished Iblis: ‘Descend from Paradise, for it is not for you to be arrogant here. So, leave, for you are indeed the disgraced and expelled.’ (Surah Al-A’raf 7:13)
Iblis pleaded: ‘Grant me respite until the Day of Resurrection.’ (Surah Al-A’raf 7:14)
Allah granted his request but warned: ‘You are among those given respite.’ (Surah Al-A’raf 7:15)
Adam witnessed this exchange and felt love and admiration for Allah, awe at Iblis’ disobedience, and surprise at his hatred without knowing him. Adam understood Iblis was his eternal enemy, consumed by arrogance and deceit, while the angels were good.
Allah taught Adam the greeting ‘As-salaam alaikum (peace be upon you),’ which became the greeting for Adam and his descendants. (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367)”
Hazrat Adam (A.S) Learns the Names of Everything
Allah (SWT) bestowed upon Adam (AS) the knowledge of all things, a gift unique to him among all creations. He taught Adam (PBUH) the names of everything, enabling him to understand the nature of all creations and assign suitable names to them.
When Prophet Adam (A.S) had acquired all necessary knowledge, Allah (SWT) presented him before the angels and asked them to name the creations. The angels admitted their inability to do so, recognising that their knowledge was limited to what Allah had taught them.
Allah (SWT) then instructed Adam (PBUH) to name the creations, which he did, astonishing the angels. This incident showcased Adam’s (PBUH) profound knowledge, encompassing worldly knowledge and knowledge of the Creator and His creations. Despite his knowledge, Adam (PBUH) felt lonely among the angels, prompting Allah (SWT) to create a partner from his ribs.
The Creation of Eve
In the tale of Eve’s creation, Prophet Adam (A.S) awoke from his slumber to find a new being, a woman, gazing at him with tender eyes. Curious, he inquired about her purpose, to which she replied that she was created so he could find tranquillity in her.
Witnessing this, the angels were amazed and asked Adam (PBUH) about her name. He named her Eve, explaining that she was so named because she was created from something living. This story portrays the creation of Eve as a source of comfort and companionship for Adam (A.S), highlighting the importance of their bond.
The Forbidden Tree
The story of Adam and Eve in Islamic tradition, including their dwelling in paradise and the prohibition of the forbidden tree, is a well-known narrative.
Adam and Eve lived in paradise, enjoying complete freedom granted by Allah (SWT). They were free to explore and live as they pleased, with just one restriction: they could not approach a specific tree as Allah (SWT) had instructed them. Allah (SWT) warned them that approaching this tree would make them wrongdoers.
Despite the clear command, Adam (PBUH) forgot Allah’s (SWT) warning. His resolve weakened, and he was swayed by the whispers of Iblees, who sought to prove to Allah (SWT) that humans were weak and easily led astray.
Iblees tempted Hazrat Adam (A.S) and Eve by suggesting that eating from the forbidden tree would grant them immortality and an eternal kingdom. He swore by Allah (SWT) that he was their sincere well-wisher.
Convinced by Iblees’s deceitful words, Adam (PBUH) and Eve disobeyed Allah’s (SWT) command and ate from the forbidden tree. As soon as they did, they felt a sense of shame, sadness, and pain.
Realizing their nudity, they frantically tried to cover themselves with leaves from the garden. This disobedience marked the beginning of their earthly existence and separation from paradise.
Condemned to Earth
Prophet Adam (A.S) and Eve, peace be upon them, stood before their Lord, filled with remorse, as He reminded them of His command to avoid the tree and the clear enmity of Satan. They acknowledged their mistake, saying, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
However, it was too late, for Allah had decreed their expulsion to Earth, along with Iblees, where they would live as enemies. Allah told them, “Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you, on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment for a time.” There they would live, there they would die, and from there they would be resurrected.
Life on Earth
Adam (A.S) and Eve faced numerous challenges after being sent to Earth. Unlike in their previous abode, heaven, where sustenance was abundant, they now had to work hard to find food, clothing, and shelter. They also had to protect themselves from wild animals.
However, the greatest challenge was resisting the whispers of Satan, who constantly tried to lead them astray. Despite these hardships, Adam (PBUH) remained steadfast in his faith and duty to worship Allah (SWT). He needed to thrive on Earth and raise offspring who would continue this legacy.
Adam’s (AS) Children
According to Islamic tradition, Adam and Eve’s children included Cain, his sister, and Abel and his sister. When they reached marriageable age, Allah instructed Adam to marry each son to the other’s twin sister. Abel, known for his obedience and righteousness, followed this command willingly.
However, Cain, arrogant and disobedient, was displeased because he found his twin sister more attractive than Abel’s. Despite his father’s advice, Cain refused to accept Allah’s command.
Adam was unsure of what to do and sought Allah’s guidance. Allah commanded that each son offer a sacrifice, promising to favour the one whose sacrifice He accepted. Abel offered his best lamb, while Cain offered his worst harvest. Allah accepted Abel’s sacrifice due to his sincerity and rejected Cain’s insincere offering and disobedience.
In his anger, Cain threatened to kill his brother. Abel, however, remained steadfast and reminded Cain of the importance of obedience to Allah. He told Cain that if he raised his hand to kill him, he would not retaliate, as he feared Allah. Abel’s sincerity and faithfulness to Allah remained unwavering, even in danger.
The First Murder
The story of Cain and Abel, as recounted in the Quran, reflects a profound narrative of familial discord and tragedy. Cain’s jealousy and hatred towards his brother, Abel, led him to commit the first murder in human history. Despite warnings, Cain’s heart was hardened, and he took his brother’s life.
Hazrat Adam (A.S), their father, deeply mourned Abel’s loss and searched for him in vain. When confronted, Cain callously denied responsibility, showing no remorse. Eventually, he realised the gravity of his actions and felt overwhelming guilt and remorse.
Allah, in His wisdom, made Cain witness the burial of two crows, teaching him how to bury his brother with dignity. Adam, despite his grief, continued to fulfil his duties, praying for his sons and warning his descendants against the deception of Iblees (Satan). This tragic event serves as a powerful lesson about the consequences of envy, disobedience to Allah, and the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Adam (AS) Death
One day, while Hazrat Adam (A.S) was seriously ill, he longed for Paradise’s fruits for his children. Upon hearing this, his children set out to gather these fruits. Along the way, they encountered angels carrying Adam’s shroud and other materials for his burial. The angels instructed the children to return home quickly as their father’s end was near.
The angels took Adam’s (PBUH) soul when they returned home. They prepared his body for burial, wrapped him in a shroud, dug his grave, and laid him to rest. They reminded Adam’s children that this was the way of their forefather’s departure from the world.
Before his passing, Prophet Adam (A.S) comforted his children, assuring them that Allah (SWT) would not abandon them and would continue to guide them. He also informed them that Allah (SWT) would send Prophets to guide humanity.
After Adam’s (PBUH) death, his son Seth (PBUH) succeeded him as a Prophet, entrusted with the responsibility of guiding people to the path of Allah (SWT).
FAQs
What was Adam’s (PBUH) height according to Islamic tradition?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said that Adam (PBUH) was created at a height of 30 meters.
What was Adam (PBUH) made from?
Adam (PBUH) was created from clay, and his creation is described in the Quran as being made from sounding clay-like pottery.
Why did Allah (SWT) create Adam (PBUH)?
Allah (SWT) created Adam (PBUH) as the first human being and the father of all humanity. Adam (PBUH) was created to worship Allah (SWT) and to inhabit the Earth.
Why did Iblis refuse to prostrate to Adam (PBUH)?
Iblis refused to prostrate to Adam (PBUH) out of arrogance. He believed he was superior to Adam (A.S) because he was created from fire, while Adam (PBUH) was created from clay.
Conclusion
Hazrat Adam’s (A.S.) story is profoundly significant in Islamic tradition. It teaches lessons of obedience, humility, and the consequences of disobedience to Allah’s (SWT) commands. Adam’s (PBUH) creation, his life in paradise, the creation of Eve, the temptation by Iblis, and the subsequent expulsion to Earth all serve as important lessons for humanity.
Despite Adam (A.S) and his descendants’ hardships, the story emphasizes the importance of faith, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). The legacy of Adam (PBUH) as the first Prophet and the father of humanity resonates in Islamic teachings, reminding believers of their purpose in life and the importance of following Allah’s (SWT) guidance.