ADAM: THE STORY OF REAL FORGIVENESS

 

 

Adam is a highly crucial and debated figure both in human history and Islam even though we have a very little information about him. It is believed that he was the first human being and ancestor who was created by Allah. The verses about him in the Quran are mostly related to creation, human nature and the devil.

 

The Quran states that Adam’s creation was like the creation of Prophet Jesus. Just like Jesus was born without a father, Adam did not have any mother and father. Allah says “Indeed, the example of Jesus in the sight of Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be!” And he was!” [Quran 3:59]. This narration is a perfect representation of omnipotence of Allah as He is the only creator who made everything out of nothing. This verse also points out how human beings were evolved both in terms of body, as they were created out of dust, and spiritually. After the creation of Adam, Allah taught the names of all things and bestowed him the knowledge as well as the capacity to learn [Quran 2:31].

 

Allah elevated the position of Adam above other creatures. When Allah created Adam and gave him a soul, He asked angels to prostrate before Adam out of respect and allegiance. The devil was the only one who did not obey Allah’s command because of his arrogance. The devil thought he was more worthy and respected since he was created out of fire while Adam was from dust [Quran 20:116]. As a result, the devil was damned and casted out of God’s mercy.

 

            Allah also created Eve so that Adam and she would be companions to each other. The blessings of paradise were in their service as long as they were away from the forbidden tree. However, the devil incited them to eat from the tree. The Quran narrates “So We cautioned, “O Adam! This is surely an enemy to you and to your wife. So do not let him drive you both out of Paradise, for you ˹O Adam˺ would then suffer ˹hardship˺…But Satan whispered to him, saying, “O Adam! Shall I show you the Tree of Immortality and a kingdom that does not fade away?”So they both ate from the tree and then their nakedness was exposed to them, prompting them to cover themselves with leaves from Paradise. So Adam disobeyed his Lord, and ˹so˺ lost his way” [Quran 20: 117-121].

 

            Adam and Eve regretted and repented for what they did. Even though they descended from heaven, Allah accepted their repentance; “Then Adam was inspired with words ˹of prayer˺ by his Lord,1 so He accepted his repentance. Surely He is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful” [Quran 2:37]. This narration is an indication of both the importance of repentance and the mercy of Allah. What they went through is the way how humankind lives in the world with sin and how they hope to be forgiven. Allah says “Then when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray ˹in this life˺ nor suffer ˹in the next˺. [Quran 20: 123]. Humans have to live according to the guidance of Allah to reach blessings and happiness both in this world and in the hereafter.