Introduction & The Announcement of Creation

Overview of Prophet Adam

Adam (peace be upon him) is the father of all humanity. Allah created him with His own Hands, commanded the angels to prostrate to him, taught him the names of all things, and created for him his wife. Allah placed them both in Paradise and warned them not to approach a certain tree. However, Shaytan whispered to them, and they ate from it. Allah then sent them down to Earth.

Allah enabled them to find the means of livelihood on Earth, commanded them to worship Him alone, and urged people toward that. Adam was made Allah's khalifah (vicegerent) on Earth, and he was the Messenger of Allah to his children. He was the first of all the prophets.

The Announcement to the Angels

Allah, the Most High, informed His angels that He would create a human being as a khalifah on Earth. The angels responded:

«قَالُوا أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ»

"Will You place therein those who will cause corruption and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and sanctify You?" (Al-Baqarah 2:30)

The angels' question was entirely permissible — it did not diminish their status. They did not claim to share in Allah's knowledge. Allah's wisdom was hidden from them — His wisdom in building this Earth, developing it, and nurturing life upon it through His khalifah.

Allah responded with the comprehensive answer:

«إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ»

"Indeed, I know that which you do not know." (Al-Baqarah 2:30)

The Creation of Adam from Clay

Allah gathered a handful of dust from the earth. In it was white, black, yellow, and red — and this is why people come in different colors. He mixed the dust with water, and it became salsal (dry clay that produces a sound) from hama' masnoon (altered dark mud). The clay dried and gave off a smell. Iblis used to pass by it and wonder what kind of thing would this clay become.

It is understood that the prostration commanded to the angels was one of honor and respect (sujud takreem), not a prostration of worship, for worship through prostration is for Allah alone.

Key Vocabulary