![ADAM: THE STORY OF REAL FORGIVENESS ADAM: THE STORY OF REAL FORGIVENESS](https://istanbulmosques.com/image/cache/catalog/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-12-19%20at%2010.52.03-1130x400w.jpeg)
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.
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