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Chapter 1: The Creation, Malaa`ikah, Jinn & Insan

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He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth; whenever He decrees a
matter He (merely) says: Be and it is. (Al-Baqarah 2:117)

Allah there is no god except Him, the Creator of all that exist. Allah created
everything in the heavens and on earth by His Decree, by His Might and His
Wisdom. Allah says Kun (Be) and things come into being and ever since, things
are still coming into being, as the word Fayakun is in present and future tense.

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Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth,
Who made the angels messengers with wings, two or three or four (pairs), He
adds to Creation as He pleases, for Allah has power over all things. (Fatir
35:1)

Out of nothing Allah the Almighty creates, as the verse indicates by the use of the
word -Fatir literally means separate to denote the separation between nothing
and something, between Al-Khaliq (Allah, the Creator) and Mahkluq (Creation). The
process of creation continues with separation and thus we see the distinctive
phenomena of time, space and matter. Allah separates the heavens and the earth,
the physical (seen) and the metaphysical (unseen). Then creatures multiply and
occupy the realms by this Fitrah (Nature) as we see around us. Thus we find
countless varieties of species be it discovered or yet to be discovered by mankind.
All these creation of Allah are obedient in their nature as they continuously
function consistently. The following verse explains clearly this phenomenon
categorically, of Celestial bodies, Angels and creatures other than that of Jinn and
Insan (human): All the animate creation in the heavens and the earth, and
all creatures and the Angels prostrate (obey) themselves in adoration before
Allah and they are not arrogant. (An-Nahl 16:49)

The nature of all that Allah created with the purpose of supporting and preserving
other life form such as humanity is without arrogance, a characteristic not befitting
for an obedient servant. The Angels serve Allah in total obedience looking after
the wellbeing of others in creation and in turn the earth ecological system is made
subservient to living creatures including mankind (As mentioned in Appendix I).
Truly, Allah is the Rabb (Lord, Creator, Sustainer and Provider) of all that exists.

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The Rahmah of Allah
Another significant phenomenon at the beginning of creation is reported in a
Hadith Qudsi (Divine Narration), when the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:
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When Allah created the creation, He wrote in a Book that He has with Him above
the Throne - My Mercy overcomes My wrath (Al-Bukhari). This is consistent with
the verses in the Qur`an: He has prescribed Mercy on Himself (Al An`am 6:12)
and Your Lord has made Mercy incumbent upon Himself (Al An`am 6:54) and
As for My Mercy, it encompasses everything (Al-A`raf 7:156) It is important to
understand that Allahs Rahmah (Mercy) is His foremost attribute and the first to
be decreed, as life began on this basis and so it will be, till eternity.

The Malaa`ikah (Angels)
Allah created the Malaa`ikah (Angels) to be His obedient servants to serve as
messengers between the realms. The root word Malak means message, as in one
who is assigned to communicate between Allah the Creator and creation. Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w.) said in a Hadith narrated by `Aisha (r.a.), summarizing, the
three types of beings, saying: Angels were created from light, Jinn were created
from smokeless fire and Adam was created from that which has been described to
you (in the Quran and Sunnah i.e. dust). The Angels are spiritual creatures with
intelligence. The Angels do not have desire like human has, like the need to
procreate or the need for food and they are without genders. As mentioned they are
totally obedient and do not have the ability to disobey. To serve Allah in
administering creation, the Angels are vested with powers and as such are far
superior to any other creatures. The Angels can travel inter dimensionally with
speed whether in the spiritual realm or the physical realm and they can take on a
physical form. The original form of the Angels cannot be depicted in any image as
human do not know exactly how they look like. The number of Angels that Allah
created is unknown to mankind, but they are Angels known to us, in particular
those Allah assigns with specific duties.

Jibril (Gabriel)
He is the Arch-Angel and is well known as he is the messenger between Allah and
Creation. Allah assigns Jibril with a noble task of sending Wahiy (Revelation or
Inspiration from Allah) to the Prophets of Allah on earth. Jibril is also known from
various verses in the Qur`an as Ruh-ul-Amin (The Spirit of Truth) and Ruh-ul-Qudus
(The Holy Spirit) thus Jibril played an integral part in the history of humanity in
the past. Mika`il is another Angel assign by Allah to sustain creation with the
Grace and Blessings from Allah. While Israfil, will end creation by sounding the
Sur (Trumpet) on the last day. The Qur`an refers to Angel of Death as Malak-ul-
Maut but known in some Hadith as Azra`il base on Isra`iliyat (Israel Folklore).
Raqib and Atid are assigned to record the deeds of mankind, while Munkar and
Nakir will question those who have passed-on in Barzakh (realm of the tomb).
Malik is the guardian of Hell and Ridwan the guardian of Paradise. There are other
Angels mentioned in the Qur`an like the eight Angels who guard the Throne of
Allah: And the angels will stand on the sides, with eight of them bearing
aloft the Throne of your Lord on that Day (Al-Haqqa 69:17). There were also
Harut and Marut (Al-Baqarah 2:102) specifically assign by Allah to Babylon.

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Praiseworthy Characteristic of the Angels
The Angels serve Allah dutifully and are compassionate towards Allahs creation
and in particular humans. The Qur`an describes: The heavens are almost rent
asunder from above them (by His Glory): and the angels celebrate the Praises
of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for all beings on earth: Behold! Verily
Allah is He, the Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Ash-Shura 42:5)

Furthermore, Allah assigns Angels to be present in gathering where Allahs Name is
mentioned, in reverence, as narrated in several Hadith (Records of the Prophet
Muhammads s.a.w. teachings). One example is when the Prophet (s.a.w.) said,
Angels keep on descending from and ascending to the heaven in turn, some at night
and some by daytime and all of them assemble together at the time of the Fajr
(dawn) and 'Asr (afternoon) prayers. Then those who have stayed with you overnight
ascend unto Allah Who asks them (and He knows the answer better than they):
How have you left My slaves? They reply, We left them while they were praying
and we came to them while they were praying. Then Abu Hurairah (r.a.), the
narrator added, If anyone of you says Amin (during the prayer at the end of the
recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha), and the angels in heaven say the same, and the two
sayings coincide; all his past sins will be forgiven" (Al-Bukhari). Such is the
Wisdom of Allah in creating, where all in creation are consistent in their respective
functions, true to their nature, thus maintaining existence harmoniously. The
Qur`an states: They hold their Lord, Who is above them, in fear, and do as
they are commanded (An-Nahl 16:50)

The Jinn
Prior to the creation of Adam, another being called the Jinns were created. They
were created from fire as Allah reveals: And the Jinn race, We had created
before, from the fire of a scorching wind (Al Hijr 15:27). The Arabic word Jinn
is from the verb 'Janna' which means to hide or conceal. They are without a
physical form, thus they are unseen to the humans eyes. They are Mukallaf - that
is, beings with accountability, like humans they are able to choose, belief or
disbelief, obedience or disobedience, good or evil. I did not create the Jinn and
mankind except to worship Me (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56). Abdullah bin Umar (r.a.)
said: Jinn existed 2,000 years before Adam (a.s.), they made mischief on earth, so
Allah sent an army of angels who drove them back to sea islands. They dwell on
earth in a parallel dimension unseen by humans. They procreate, in need of
sustenance and have a lifespan which is much longer than humans. Paranormal
activities that happen in our world are largely due to the Jinns interferences in the
physical world. Sorcery, witchcraft, exorcism and fortune-telling are the Jinns
arts, some human are fascinated by these arts, and acquired knowledge from the
Jinn in order to gain superpowers. Such Jinn are adverse and are referred to as
Shaytan (Satan). And We have guarded it (the heavens) from every accursed
Satan, except one who is able to snatch a hearing and he is pursued by a
brightly burning flame (Al-Hijr 15:17-18). In relation to this, the Prophet (s.a.w.)
said: If they passed it on before being struck (by the burning flames), they would
add to it a hundred lies (Al-Bukhari). Though Jinn are known to be malicious,
there are Jinn who testified to belief: Among us some are Muslims (submitted to
Allah), and some of us are Qasit (deviant) (Al-Jinn 72:14). The evil nature of
the Jinn is Qasit - one who behaves unjustly with the truth and deviates from it,
while Allah enjoins Muslims to be a Muqsit, one who is just and truthful.

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The Creation of Insan (Mankind)
It all began when Allah decrees that, He will create a Khalifah (Vicegerent) on
Earth. Behold, your Lord said to the angels: I will create a vicegerent on
earth. They said: Will You place therein one who will make mischief
therein and shed blood? While we do celebrate Your praise and glorify Your
holy (name)? He said: I know what you know not. (Al-Baqarah 2:30)

Allah informed the Angels about matters in creation as Allah has vested the Angels
with powers to serve in administering creation. While the Angels whom Allah
created with intelligence merely enquired about a creature that is to be placed on
earth by comparing their own nature with that of a creature on earth. The Angels
knew that some creatures on earth are carnivorous by nature. The Angels, by
nature have no desire, thus having no jealousy, envy or vainglory, only wanted to
learn more about the Khalifah. Furthermore the Angels understood that this is a
Qada` (Divine Decree of Allah) that is beyond question. However, it is interesting to
look at some old traditions about the Angels before the creation of Adam. According
to Ibn Qatadah, it was said that the Angels were informed about the creation of
Adam and his progeny by the Jinn who lived before Adam. Abi Hatim narrated from
Ali bin Ja`afar Al-Baqir that the Angels were informed that man would cause
wickedness and shed blood on earth too. It was also said that they knew that no
one would be created on earth that, would not be wicked and shed blood and that
is why the Angels enquired. However, what is certain, the Angels understood that
Allah would create a vicegerent on earth for a purpose.

Adam, the Khalifah
Allah the Almighty, in His Infinite Wisdom created humans physical form, from
clay: We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape (Al-
Hijr 15:26). Ibn Mas`ud (r.a.) said that Allah sent Jibril to the earth to get Him clay.
The earth said, I seek refuge in Allah from your decreasing my quantity or
disfiguring me. So Jibril returned and did not take anything. And he said, My
Lord, the land sought refuge in You, and it was granted. So Allah sent Mika`il
(Michael) for the same purpose, and the land sought refuge with Allah and it was
granted. So he went back and said to Allah what Jibril had said before him. Then
Allah sent the Angel of Death and the land sought refuge in Allah. The Angel said,
I also seek refuge with Allah from returning without carrying out His command.
So he took clay from the face of the earth and mixed it. He did not take from one
particular place, but rather he took white, red, and black clay (from different
places). The Angel of Death ascended with it, and He (Allah) soaked the clay till it
became sticky. He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of
pottery. (Ar-Rahman 55:14). Ibn Mas`ud (r.a.) further narrated, So Allah shaped
Adam, but he remained a figure of clay for forty years. The Angels went past him
and were seized with fear by what they saw and Iblis felt this fear most. He used to
pass by the figure of Adam, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery.
In a Hadith narrated by Sa'id bin Jubair, Adam was named Adam because he
was created from the skin of the earth (or earths crust). Abu Musa Ash`ari (r.a.)
narrated that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: Allah created Adam from a
handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Adam have been
created according to the composition of the land. Therefore, from mankind we have
white, red, black and yellow ones; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and
what comes in between them.

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Allah gives Life
Creations existence is relative to non-existence as in, it did not exist before. Allah
is Al-Hayyu The Living and Al-Muhyi The Life Giver, as creation is alive through
Allahs Will, Power and Permission. So Allah begins life and describes it as,
breathing His Ruh (Spirit) into Adam as the Qur`an relates: When I have
fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathe into him (Adam) of My Ruh
(spirit), fall you down in obeisance unto him (Adam). (Saad 38:72)

The Ruh carried with it the faculties of human as mentioned in another verse of the
Qur`an: But He fashioned him in due proportion and breathed into him
something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight
and feeling (and understanding), little thanks do you give! (As-Sajdah 32:9)
Ibn Abbas (r.a.) narrated, Allah breathed His spirit into Adam and when it reached
his head Adam sneezed. The Angels said: Say Alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to
Allah), so Adam repeated, Alhamdulillah. Allah said to him, Your Lord has
granted you mercy. When the spirit reached his eyes, Adam looked at the fruits of
Paradise. When it reached his abdomen Adam felt an appetite for food. He jumped
hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits
of Paradise. Allah, therefore, said: Man is created of haste. (Al Anbiya` 21:37)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: Allah created
Adam from dust after He mixed the clay and left him for some time until it became
sticky mud, after which Allah shaped him. After that Allah left him till it became like
potter's clay. Iblis used to go past him saying: 'You have been created for a great
purpose.' After that Allah breathed His spirit into him. The first thing into which the
spirit passed was his eye and then his nose. He sneezed. Allah said: 'May your Lord
have mercy upon you, O Adam! Go to those angels and see what they would say.' So
Adam went and greeted them. They replied saying: 'Peace be upon you and the
mercy and blessings of Allah.' Allah said: 'O Adam! This is your greeting and that of
your offspring (Al-Bukhari). The Salam (greeting of peace) is a common practiced
for Muslims, a tradition since the beginning.

Allah gives `Ilm (Knowledge)
Allah granted Adam the power to know the nature of all things and to summarise
them by names, like the celestial bodies, elements in nature and the likes. Allah
implanted in Adam an insatiable need for love of knowledge and a desire to
bequeath knowledge to his children. This was the reason for his creation and the
secret in his glorification. Further we understand that only mankind is given Al-
Bayan (speech, intelligence, ability to reason). (Allah) Most Gracious! It is He
Who has taught the Qur`an. He has created man: He has taught him Al
Bayan (Ar-Rahman 55:1-4). After being given the ability, the first experience that
Adam went through was learning: And He taught Adam the names of all
things; then He placed them before the Angels, and said: "Tell Me the names
of these if you are right (Al-Baqarah 2:31). After Adam had learned the names
of all things, along with their properties and uses, Allah presented them to the
Angels and asked them to name them. The Angels admitted their inability: Glory
be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily,
You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. O Adam! Inform them of their names
and when he had informed them of their names, He said, Did I not tell you
that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you
reveal and what you have been concealing? (Al-Baqarah 2:32-33)

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While Iblis concealed his disobedience and ingratitude, the Angels glorify Allah and
submitted to Allahs Divine Will and accepted Adams status in creation. The
Angels are in need of knowledge too and Allah did not deprive the Angels of
knowledge, as the Angels also gained what Allah taught through Adams
explanation. The Angels realised that Allah bestowed upon Adam with an
honourable characteristic. Adam has all the virtues of nobility within his physical
form. With intelligence and a capacity to learn about the Creator and creation,
Adam is entrusted with responsibility and accountability, as a Khalifah. Above all,
the Angels knew of Adams extra feature of having desire essential for a worldly life,
something the Angels could not experience. Thus Allah created man as a rational
and intelligent being with Iman and Akhlaq (good nature). It is the very demand of
His Mercy that He should provide guidance to mankind through this teaching.
Then Allah commanded the Angels to prostrate (bow-down) before Adam. And
(remember) when We said to the Angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam.
And they prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was proud and was one of
the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah). (Al-Baqarah 2:34)

The Meaning of Obedience & Disobedience
By Allahs permission Adam was able to observe the congregation before him.
Whether Adam was given the ability to experience ocular vision or the spiritual
creatures were in physical form, is not known for certain. However, Adam did see
the Angels prostrating before him except one being who was standing at a distance.
Adam did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate. It was Iblis
who remained standing, the only non-angelic creature present when Allah gave the
command. Iblis was a Jinni and as such he had a choice between obedience and
disobedience. Adams first experience was witnessing a good example set by the
Angles and a negative one portrayed from Iblis. It is clear that this prostration
symbolises obedience to Allah and also to show respect for Adam, the Khalifah
(Vicegerent) of Allah. This did not mean, in any way that the Angels were
worshipping Adam, when they prostrated. Adam also noticed the arrogance of Iblis
and the respectful nature of the Angels. When Iblis was questioned by Allah, Adam
further witnessed Iblis haughtiness in disobeying Allah: (Allah) said: What
prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?
(Iblis) said: I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him
You created from clay. (Allah) said: O Iblis, get down from this (Place), it is
not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and
disgraced. (Al-A`raf 7: 12-13)

Overcome by haughtiness and arrogance Iblis reasoning was flawed. How is one
element better than the other? Elements such as fire and earth have different
beneficial qualities of their own. However, instead of asking for Allahs Mercy for his
wrongdoing Iblis asked for respite: (Iblis) said: Allow me respite till the Day
they are raised up (i.e. The Day of Resurrection). (Allah) said: You are of
those allowed respite. (Iblis) said: Because You have sent me astray, surely
I will sit in wait against them (human) on Your Straight Path. Then I will
come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from
their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will
not be dutiful to You). (Allah) said (to Iblis): Get out from this (Place)
disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then
surely I will fill Hell with you all. (Al-A`raf 7:14-18)

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At-Tabari reported that Muhammad bin Sirin said that the first one to reach a
conclusion by reasoning was Iblis and that the sun and moon were not worshipped
except, through this method. This means that Iblis tried to compare himself to
Adam. He believed that he was more honourable than Adam. Therefore, he
abstained from prostrating, even though Allah had commanded him to do so, just
as He had commanded the Angels. If an analogy is made, we see that Iblis is vain.
For indeed, clay is better than fire because in it can be found the qualities of
calmness, clemency, perseverance and growth, whereas in fire can be found
fierceness, heedlessness, haste and incineration. Furthermore the earth is more
supportive of life, while fire is an element subject to certain uses. Iblis tried in vain
to justify his refusal: Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?"
(Iblis) said: See? This one whom You have honoured above me, if You give
me respite to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his
offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few! (Al Isra` 17:61-62)

Iblis, the Jinni
Regards to Iblis, any tradition that stated he was an angel and had fallen due to
disobedience or that he had been one of the famous four possessors of wings (i.e.
angels), before Allah transformed him into the accursed Satan, is not acceptable
because in one verse of the Qur`an Allah clearly says: Behold! We said to the
angels, Bow down to Adam. They bowed down except Iblis. He was one of
the Jinn and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him and
his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil
would be the exchange for the wrong-doers! (Al-Kahf 18:50). There were many
traditions about Iblis. Ibn Abbas (r.a.) said in one narration that his name was
Azazeel (base on Isra`iliyat), and in another, he said he was Al-Harith and he also
said that Iblis was a Jinni and that they had once been the keepers of Paradise,
with Iblis the most honourable, the most learned and the most pious of them.
However, narrations from Ibn Abbas, Ibn Mas`ud (r.a.) and other companions of
the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), generally opined that Allah appointed Iblis as a
chief, Al-Harith for the Jinn and that Iblis functioned as a guardian in the realm of
the Jinn and thus among the ranks of the Angels by virtue of this appointment.
This narration is accepted by majority of Ulama`. As to the question why, Allah say
We said to the angels Ulama` of Tafsir explains that when Allah commands,
He addresses the majority and the Angels were in the majority, while Iblis, the
Jinni was alone. Furthermore explanation clarifies that the command to the Angels
was meant for all those on the earth who were under the administration of the
Angels so that they should also be made submissive to man and the Angels were
created for this purpose. Accordingly all these creatures bowed along with the
angels but Iblis refused to bow down along with them.

Iblis, the Accursed Satan
He is also called Ash-Shaytan (The Satan), not just as an abstract, but also an
entity, as Iblis personified adversity. Like humans could also have the tendency of
having such a personality. And so We have appointed for every Prophet
enemies - Shayatin (plural for Shaytan) among mankind and Jinn, inspiring
one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception (Al-
An`am 6:112). The name Iblis as he is known in the Qur`an, literally means
thoroughly disappointed or utterly in despair as Iblis was in despair of Allahs
Mercy, to begin with. Instead of seeking for Allahs Mercy, Iblis asked for respite.

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Iblis's disobedience was a clear act of Kufr (Rejection, one who rejects knowingly).
Iblis had the knowledge and understood that the command of Allah is not to be
rejected. However, being in the know, Iblis disobeyed Allah out of arrogance, thus
he is being referred to as Satan, an adversary of good, as mentioned. Iblis did not
ask for forgiveness but asked for respite in order to take revenge on Adam and his
progeny. He is a symbol of despair and not of hope. In another verse of the Qur`an,
Iblis threatened Adam and his progeny: Should I bow before the one whom you
have created of clay? Then he added, Just consider this, was he worthy of
this that you have exalted him over me? If you give me respite up to the Day
of Resurrection, I will uproot the whole of his progeny; there shall be only a
few of them who will be able to save themselves from me. (Al-Isra` 17:62)

In other words Iblis is vent on uprooting the high position of Khalifah bestowed
upon mankind by Allah, which demands steadfastness in obedience. Iblis vowed to
be relentless in misleading the children of Adam as mentioned (in Surah Al-A`raf
7:14-18) coming from all corners. So what chance do the children of Adam have?
To shun arrogance, the children of Adam need to lower his gaze in humbleness and
to look up with the hope of Allahs Grace and Mercy. Adam was following what was
happening around him and had feelings of love, awe and astonishment. Deep love
of Allah, Who had created and glorified him and Who had made His Angels
prostrate before him. While Adam also learnt that Iblis abhorred him before even
knowing him and who imagined himself better than him without having proved
that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblis was and how strange was his
excuse for not prostrating. Adam realised from this experience that Iblis was the
symbol of evil and that the Angels were the symbol of good. Iblis imagined that fire
is better than clay, but how did he get such an idea? Such knowledge is exclusive
to Allah Who created fire and clay and Who knows which is the better of the two.
From the dialogue Adam realised that Iblis was a creature characterised by
shrewdness and ingratitude. Adam then knew that Iblis was his enemy. He was
greatly astonished at Iblis's audacity and Allah's tolerance. Immediately after his
creation, Adam witnessed the kind of freedom that Allah gives to His creatures.
Allah could have totally annihilated Iblis or turned him into a handful of dust or
stifled the refusal in his mouth. Yet, Allah gives His creatures, absolute freedom
even to the extent that they can refuse Allah the Almighty's commands. He grants
them the freedom of denial, disobedience, and even disagreement with Him. His
Kingdom will not diminish if the disbelievers do not believe in Him, nor will it be
extended if many people believe in Him. On the contrary, the disbelievers will lose,
and the believers will gain and Allah is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise

Hawas (Eve) Creation
Ibn Abbas (r.a.) narrated that Adam was alone in Paradise and did not have a
companion from whom he could get tranquillity. He slept for some time and when
he woke up, he saw a woman whom Allah had created from his ribs. Ibn Abbas
(r.a.) and Ibn Ishaq related that Hawa was created from the shortest left rib of
Adam while he was sleeping, and after a while she was clothed with flesh. So Adam
asked her, Who are you? She replied, A woman He asked, Why have you been
created? She replied, So that you could find tranquillity in me. The Angels, trying
to find out the extent of Adams knowledge, asked him, What is her name, O
Adam? He replied, Hawa (Eve). They asked, Why she was named so? He
replied, Because she was created of me and I am a living being (Hawa means

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living being). Thus Adam responded with intelligence as he was taught by Allah to
name things and he appropriately named his companion, Hawa. The Qur`an
related: It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then)
He created from him his wife (Hawa), in order that he might enjoy the
pleasure of living with her (Al-A`raf 7:189). Thus Allah, the All-Wise, created a
pair, a male and a female, for the purpose of sharing and living life with pleasure
and for procreation.

Adams Progeny
O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person
(Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Hawa) and from them both
He created many men and women (An-Nisaa` 4:1). According to the majority of
Ulama`, each individual was created from the loins of Adam and had a separate
existence from the time of Adam. The Covenant was made at the time of the
appointment of Adam as the Vicegerent of Allah so that all of his descendants
should also remember it. Adam's progeny declared, Our Lord, we bear witness
that You are our Lord; we have no other Lord but Allah. Allah raised their father
Adam, and he looked at them and saw those of them who were rich, those who
were poor, those who had good forms and those who did not. Adam said: O Allah! I
wish You to make Your servants equal. Allah replied, I love being thanked. Adam
saw among the prophets like lamps among his progeny. And (remember) when
your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their
seed (or from Adam's loin his offspring) and made them testify as to
themselves (saying): Am I not your Lord? They said: Yes! We testify, lest
you should say on the Day of Resurrection: Verily, we have been unaware of
this. (Al-A`raf 7: 172)

According to Abu Hurairah (r.a.), the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: When
Allah created Adam, He touched his back and all souls which are to be created up
to the day of resurrection fell from his back, then He created a glow of light
between their eyes, then He presented them to Adam who asked as to who they
were. (Allah) said, Your offspring. Then he saw a man whose light was much
liked by him and he (Adam) inquired about him. He was informed that his name
was Dawud a.s. (David peace be upon him). Then he inquired as to how long he
will live; he was informed that his life would be sixty years. Then Adam said,
Enhance his life by forty years and the same may be diminished from mine. He
(Allah) said, That it was to be noted and sealed and that there would be no change
in it. He (the Prophet) said: When Adam's life came to an end and the Angel of
death came to him, (Adam) said, Do not yet remain forty years out of my life? He
was informed that these he had bestowed on Dawud (a.s.), one of his offspring. The
Prophet (s.a.w.) remarked that he denied it and like him his children also deny and
Adam forgot, so his children forget and Adam committed a mistake and so his
children commit mistakes. Allah refers to mankind as Insan in the Qur`an,
which is connected to the word Nisyan meaning forgetfulness. This is the
definitive of human characteristics, a reality in humans nature. Thus Insan is one
who requires reminders, a challenge in humans life in reconciling about the
purpose in life, the origin and the final destination. As such Allah, the Merciful
sent down Wahiy (Revelations) as a form of reminder and appoints Prophets and
Messengers throughout the history of humanity, perchance that human remember
their Lord, Creator and Cherisher.

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Allahs First Reminder
By His Mercy, Allah gave Adam clear guidance, preparing him to shoulder the trial
of life. Further, Allah provided Adam and Hawa with comfort and warn them of an
impending danger. Then We said: "Adam! He (Iblis) is an enemy to you and to
your wife. So let him not drive both of you out of Paradise and plunge you
into affliction. (For in Paradise) neither are you hungry nor naked, nor face
thirst or scorching heat (Ta Ha 20:117-9)

Now, Adams task is to remember and to guard themselves from Satans plots, for
Adam himself had witnessed Ibliss enmity, when he refused to bow down before
him and declared that he is better. Then Satan did not rest content with this
bragging of superiority but vowed to mislead Adam and his progeny.

Living in the Garden of Paradise
Adam and Hawa were admitted to the Garden and they lived freely: And We said:
O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely
with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come
not near this tree or you both will be of the wrong-doers (Al-Baqarah 2:35).
Location of this Jannah (Literally Garden or Paradise) is unknown to us as the
Qur'an did not mention and the commentators (on Tafsir of the Qur`an) had
different opinions. One opinion suggested that it was a paradise on the earth,
located on a high place. Some said that it was the paradise of our refuge and that
its place was in the heavens. Still others said that it was another paradise that was
created for Adam and Hawa. Others negated that statement because if it was the
paradise of refuge, Iblis would have been forbidden entry and disobedience would
have been forbidden as well. Caught in this dilemma, some scholars opined that it
is possible that Iblis led Adam and Hawa astray on his way out of Paradise. In
comparison, the Torah (of the Children of Israel) stated that Iblis hid inside the
serpent's mouth and entered Paradise, since he was expelled. But perhaps if we
were to take Jannah as Garden, then it is possible that Allah created a Garden that
resembles earth for Adam and Hawa to live. Therefore, Iblis who was expelled by
Allah could still enter the Garden that is the dwelling of Adam and Hawa. After all,
Adam and Hawa would be the inhabitants of earth as Decreed by Allah and this
would enable them to get familiarized with the environment. However, an ethical
approach is to accept what is in the Qur'an without questioning or presupposing
where this paradise was located. This is sound, as the location is immaterial
compared to the lessons from the incident that took place. Allah knows best.

The Forbidden Tree
Allah permitted them to enjoy everything. The only exception was to stay away from
one tree. The Qur`an nor any authentic Hadith give details about the tree. There
were several opinions, that it might have been the Tree of Pain or the Tree of
Knowledge or as Satan suggested the Tree of Immortality. However, the focus
here is learning lessons in history as such detail about the tree is secondary. In
any case, Adam and Hawa understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit
from that tree. Adam was however an Insan and tend to forget and his resolve may
weakened. Iblis approached and took advantage of Adam's weaknesses to exploit
him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him and arousing his
curiosity about the Tree of Immortality and the transformation into an angel-like
creature. Iblis (Satan) said:

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Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or
become of the immortals. He (Satan) swore by Allah to them both saying,
Verily I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both. (Al-A`raf 7:20-21)

Adam asked himself, What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the
Tree of Immortality. His dream was to live forever in the pure innocence of
Paradise. Time went by and Adam and Hawa were preoccupied with thoughts of
that tree. Then one day they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allah had
warned them not to approach it and that Iblis was their sworn enemy. Adam
reached for the fruits, plucked it and offered it to Hawa and they both ate of the
fruit from the forbidden tree. Iblis misled Adam after learning his characteristics of
curiosity and forgetfulness and use them to his advantage. The Qur`an relates: So
he (Satan) misled them with deception (Al-A`raf 7:22).

Iblis aroused Adams curiosity and deceived him. However, Adams disobedience
was due to forgetfulness and not rebellious in nature. We had already,
beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot and We found on his
part no firm resolve (Ta Ha 20:115). In any case, Adam and Hawa fell from
Paradise as a punishment from Allah: Then Satan whispered suggestions to
them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their
private parts (before); he said: Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save
you should become angels or become of the immortals. And he (Satan) swore
by Allah to them both (saying): Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers
for you both. So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of
the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts)
became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of
Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord
called out to them (saying): Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you,
verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you? (Al-A`raf 7:20-22)

Wahb bin Munabbih said that, the private parts of Adam and Hawa had a light
covering them which prevented them from seeing the private parts of each other.
When they ate from the tree, their private parts appeared to them. Ibn Abbas (r.a.)
said that Adam used fig leaves for covering themselves. Ubay bin Ka`b (r.a.) related
that, Adam was a tall man, about the height of a palm tree and he had thick hair
on his head. When he committed the error that he committed, his private part
appeared to him while before, he did not see it. So he started running in fright
through Paradise, but a tree in Paradise took him by the head. He said to it,
Release me, but it said, No, I will not release you. So his Lord called him, O
Adam! Do you run away from Me? He said, O Lord! I felt ashamed before You.

In another version, Ibn Asaker narrated that Allah commanded two Angels to
remove Adam from His holy proximity. So Jibril stripped him of the crown on his
head, and Mika`il took the diadem from his forehead. Adam thought that his
punishment had been hastened and bowed down crying for forgiveness. So Allah
asked, Are you running away from Me? Adam replied, No, my Lord, but I am shy
You. Qatadah (r.a.) related that Adam said, O Lord! What if I repented and sought
forgiveness? Allah said, Then, I will admit you into Paradise. As for Satan, he did
not ask for forgiveness, but for respite. Each one of them was given what he asked
for. So Adam and Hawa prayed for forgiveness as the Qur`an relates:

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They said, Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and
bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers. Allah
said: Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Adam, Hawa, &
Satan) on earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment, for a
time. He said: Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die and from it
you shall be brought out (i.e. resurrected). (Al-A`raf 7:23-25)

The reminder from Allah is clear and full of Mercy, as mentioned (in Surah Ta Ha
20:118). Allah permitted them everything else in the Garden except one tree.
Furthermore, the reminder was not to go near the tree, and not - do not eat the
fruit. Adam had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he was
filled with pain, sadness and shame. The surrounding atmosphere had changed
and he discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting
tree leaves with which to cover themselves. Initially, their private parts had
remained hidden as a favour from Allah but when they disobeyed, they were
deprived of that favour. They were left to themselves to cover their nakedness if
they so wished. Once man transgresses the bounds of his obedience, he will be
deprived of God's care and protection and left to his own self. This notion is also
embodied in several Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). According to a
tradition, the Prophet (s.a.w.) prayed: O Allah! I seek Your Mercy. Do not leave me
to my own care even for the wink of an eye! (Musnad of Ahmad vol. 5, P421)

According to the Old Testament, Eve (Hawa) was tempted by the serpent to eat of
the forbidden fruit and fed Adam some of it, thus suggesting that Eve was to be
blamed. The deception of Satan overcame both of them not just Eve as the Qur`an
relates the lessons and reminds: O Children of Adam! Let not Satan deceive
you, as he got your parents (Adam and Hawa) out of Paradise stripping them
of their raiment; to show them their private parts. Verily he and his hordes
(from the Jinn) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the
devils (protectors and helpers) for those who disbelieve (Al-A`raf 7:27).

In order for Muslim not to be confused in his belief, another difference to note is
that Allah did not curse them as in the Book of Genesis 3:16 suggested: And to the
woman [God] said, I will make most severe your pains in childbearing; in pain shall
you bear children. Yet your urge shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over
you. Adam's curse is contained in Genesis 3:17-19, where God cursed the ground
because of Adams sin. Comparison is essential in differentiating and recognizing
varying versions as some biblical narrations might have been recorded by Muslim
Historians, intentionally of otherwise.

Adams Descent
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: The best of
days on which the sun has risen is Friday. One this day Adam was created and on
this day he was descended to earth (Al-Bukhari). There are many traditions
concerning the place of Adam's descent on earth. Imam Hasan Al-Basri said that
Adam was sent down to India, while Hawa was sent to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Iblis
was sent down to Dustumaysan, (several miles from Basra, Iraq), the serpent was
sent down to Isfahan (Iran). Ibn Abbas (r.a.) also said that Adam was extern from
the Paradise between the Zuhr (noon) and `Asr (afternoon). His stay in the Paradise
had been half the day of the next world, and the day there is equal to one thousand

13
years based on the calculation made by the people of this world. Adam came down
from Paradise bringing its breeze, which stuck to its trees and valleys and filled it
with perfume. It is through the breeze, which descended with Adam that perfumes
grew. And they say that myrtle came down with him and the Hajar Aswad (Black
Stone set into the wall of the Ka'bah in Makkah, it is said to have come from
Paradise) also descended with him, and that it was whiter than ice. While other
narration suggest that Hajar Aswad descended ahead of Adam. According to some
accounts, Adam descended with a handful of seeds of crops from Paradise. He
sowed them in India and they grew into the fragrant tree. Allah also taught Adam
the making of everything and provided him with the crops from Paradise. In
another version, Ibn Abbas (r.a.) said, Adam descended on land 'Dihna' between
Makkah and Taif. According to one legend Adam descended on a mountain in
Sarandib, Sri Lanka and he stood on one leg for a thousand years as penance for
his sin, and left behind a footprint. Thereafter this place came to be known as
Adams Peak (In Pali Sri Pada i.e. Sacred Foot also believed to be the footprint of
the Buddha by Buddhists, of Shiva by Hindus and of St. Thomas by Christians).
The imprint of a foot, measuring about 5 feet by 7 inches, is preserved as a shrine
to this day. Some early Christians and Muslims were fascinated by Sri Lanka
calling it Eden on earth, and perhaps the legend grew from such notion. The
Qur`an nor authentic Hadith make any mention of this legend.

Building of the Ka`bah
Ibn Abbas (r.a.) narrated that, Allah revealed to Adam, There is a sanctuary
opposite to My Throne, so go and erect a house for Me and Tawaf (circling round) it
as you have seen the Angels doing round My Throne, and there I shall accept your
prayer and of your sons who obey Me. This narration is similar to a verse in the
Qur`an: You will see the angels circling round the Throne, glorifying their
Lord with praise. It will be decided between them with truth. And it will be
said: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds (Az-Zumar 39:75).
Thereupon Adam said, O Lord! I have no power and I have no guidance. Then
Allah sent an Angel who led Adam to Makkah. But on the way when Adam passed
by a garden or a place pleasing to him he said to the Angel to get down, but he
said, Go on. At length he halted at Makkah. And on the way wherever he halted,
it became a populated place, and from where he passed on, it became a wilderness
and desolate. Then the House (of Allah) was built with (material obtained from) five
mountains, Sina, Zaitun, Lubnan and Judi. Its plinth was made from Hirah. When,
he had completed the work, the Angel led him to Arafat and instructed him in all
the rituals which people perform even today. Then he returned to Makkah and
Tawaf round the Ka'bah for a week. The Ka`bah was indeed the first House of
Worship on earth, as the Qur`an states: The first House (of worship) appointed
for mankind was that at Bakkah (old name of Makkah); full of blessing and
of guidance for all kinds of beings. (Ali Imran 3:96). The word Bakkah
means to weep, because Adam wept as he built the Ka`bah, wept as he asked for
Allahs forgiveness and wept when he was forgiven. In ancient times, Bakkah was
also understood as it brings crying or weeping to tyrants and arrogant, meaning
they cry and became humble in its vicinity. The name Bakkah was used for certain
brief period until it became popularly known as Makkah, an alternate name. [The
Bible also mentioned Baca (valley of weepers): Who passing through the valley of
Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools (Psalms 84:6). The well refers to
the Zamzam, as pilgrims built them for public use after its discovery].

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Allah's Mercy on Adam and Hawa
They left the Garden and descended upon the earth in sadness because of the error
they have committed. But, as mentioned they sought for forgiveness and Allah
accepted their repentance. Then Adam received from his Lord Words. And his
Lord pardoned him. Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance),
the Most Merciful. We said: Get down all of you from this place (the
Paradise) then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever
follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.
But those who disbelieve and belie Our Signs such are the dwellers of the
Fire, they shall abide therein forever (Al-Baqarah 2:37-39).

Allah raised them up when they were down-trodden and further Allah blessed them
with Maghfirah (Forgiveness) and Hidayah (Divine Guidance), as mentioned.
Thereafter his Lord exalted him (i.e. Adam), accepted his repentance, and
bestowed guidance upon him (Ta Ha 20:122). The Mercy and Blessings from
Allah assured them not to be in despair and as such they gained a peaceful state of
mind, free from regrets, to start a new life on earth. Allah also makes it very clear
that the benefit of following Hidayah is peace and salvation, for Adam and his
progeny.

Life on Earth - Reunited at Arafah
Adam and Hawa were separated until Allah forgives them. As a Blessing from Allah
Adam and Hawa were reunited in Arafah on a mount called Jabal Ar-Rahmah
(Mount of Mercy). There, Adam took the male sheep and slaughtered it and
obtained its wool which Hawa span. Then Adam along with Hawa weaved it. So
Adam weaved a garment for himself and a shift and a head covering for Hawa. Both
of them were dressed when they met on the day of Jama` (The day when the
pilgrims assemble at Muzdalifah to perform the rituals of the pilgrimage) and
therefore the day was named Jama` and they recognised each other at Arafah and
so it was named Arafah (to know, to recognise).

Now, Adam had to toil to sustain himself with provisions, clothing and weapons for
protection from wild beasts. Above all he had to struggle against the evil of Satan
not just Iblis as an individual. Since Iblis vowed to be relentless in his pursuit, he
would most certainly gather his forces of evil and are bound to be more menacing,
as Allah reminds: Tempt with your (i.e. Iblis) call all whom you wish. Muster
against them all your forces, your cavalry and your foot soldiers, share with
them riches and offspring, and seduce them with rosy promises and Satan's
promise is nothing but a deception. But know well that you will have no
power against My servants (i.e. the Righteous). Your Lord suffices for them to
place their trust in." (Al Isra` 17:64-65)

Adam knew he bade farewell to peace and he left Paradise, while on earth he had to
strive to attain peace. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those
who follow Allah's guidance and should fear nothing while those who disobey Allah
and follow Iblis will be damned along with him. Adam grasped all of this and
understood that, above all he is the Khalifah, Allahs representative on earth
entrusted with responsibilities. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate
and populate the earth and to guide his generation in Iman and Righteousness as
he receives Guidance from Allah.

15
The Story of Qabil and Habil (Cain and Abel)
The pinnacle of earthly bliss was reached when Adam (a.s. Alaihis Salaam i.e.
peace be upon him) and Hawa witnessed the birth of their first children, a set of
twins. Adam (a.s.) was a devoted father and Hawa a contented mother. The twins
were Qabil and his sister, Lubud. Later Hawa gave birth to a second set of twins,
Habil and his sister, Qalima (Names of the daughters according to Tabaqat Ibn
Sa`d and At-Tabari). The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth
provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young
adults. Qabil tilled the land while Habil raised cattle. The time arrived when the
two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allahs plan for mankind, to
multiply and form nations with different cultures and colours. Allah revealed to
Adam (a.s.) that he should marry each son to the twin sister of the other. Adam
(a.s.) instructed his children according to Allah's command, but Qabil was
displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Habils twin sister was not as
beautiful as his own. It appears that since the beginning of time, physical beauty
has been a factor in the attraction between man and women. This attraction
caused Qabil to envy his brother Habil. He rebelled against Allah's command by
refusing to accept his father's advice. At first glance Qabil's rebellion might appear
strange, but we should remember that although man has a pure nature, the
potential for dichotomy exists. In other words, he had both good and bad qualities.
He can become greedy, covetous, possessive, selfish and even destructive. Man is,
therefore capable of seeking self-satisfaction even if it leads to failure in this life
and in the hereafter. The path to goodness lies in harnessing the enemy within
him, his baser self by controlling evil thoughts and deeds and practicing
moderation in his desires and actions. His reward then will be the delights of this
world and the hereafter.

Thus Allah tests us through our divided nature. Habil was intelligent, obedient,
and always ready to obey the Allah. This contrasted sharply with his brother who
was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Habil did not fear his brother's
threats, but neither did he want his brother to be hurt, Allah had blessed Habil
with purity and compassion. Hoping to allay the hatred seething in his brother
Habil said, My brother, you are deviating from the right path and are sinful in
your decisions. It is better that you repent to Allah and forgets about your foolish
threat. But if you do not then I will leave the matter in the hands of Allah. You
alone will bear the consequence of your sin, for the Fire is the reward of the wrong-
doers. This plea did nothing to lessen the hatred in Qabil's heart, nor did he show
fear of Allah's punishment. Adam (a.s.) was in a dilemma. He wanted peace and
harmony in his family, so he invoked Allah for help. Allah commanded that each
son offer a Qurban and he whose offering was accepted would have rights on his
side. Qurban is one of the earliest virtuous concepts taught to humanity.

The Qurban (Sincere act of offering with the hope of Allahs Pleasure)
Ibn Abbas, Ibn Masud and a group of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad
(s.a.w) related that inter-marriage of the male of one pregnancy with the female of
another had been in practice among Adam's children. Habil wanted to marry
Qabils sister, but Qabil wanted her for himself because she was beautiful. Adam
(a.s.) ordered him to give her in marriage to his brother but he refused. So Adam
(a.s.) ordered both of them to offer Qurban, then went to Makkah to perform the
pilgrimage. After Adam (a.s.) had left, they offered their offerings, Habil offered a fat

16
lamb, he was a shepherd, while Qabil offered a bundle of worst grain. Fire
descended and devoured Habil's offering, leaving that of Qabil so he became angry
and said, I will surely kill you so that you will not marry my sister. Habil replied,
Allah accepts from those who fear Him. According to Abu Ja'afar Al-Baqir, Adam
(a.s.) was watching their offering and was sure that Habil's offering would be
accepted. Qabil complained to Adam (a.s.) that the acceptance was due to his
supplication for Habil and that he had not done the same for him, so he promised
his father to settle the matter between himself and his brother. One night, Habil
was late returning from tending his flock. Adam (a.s) sent Qabil to see what
happened to him. When he found him, he glared at him saying, Yours was
accepted, and mine was not. Habil replied, Allah only accepts from the pious.
Qabil became angry on hearing this and hit him with a rock to the head while he
was sleeping. Thereafter, Qabil did not know what to do with his brother's corpse.
He carried it on his back wandering from place to place trying to hide it. His anger
had now subsided and his conscience was saddled with guilt. He was tiring under
the burden of the corpse, which had started to have a stench.

As a mercy, and to show that dignity could be retained even in death, Allah sent
two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used
its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, rolled its victim into it and covered
it with sand. Witnessing this, Qabil was overcome with shame and remorse. Woe
unto me! he exclaimed. I was unable to do what this raven has done, that is to
hide my brother's corpse. Qabil then buried his brother. This was also the first
burial of man. The Qur`an relates:

And (O Muhammad) recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam (Habil
and Qabil) in truth; when each offered a sacrifice to Allah, it was accepted
from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former; I will
surely kill you. The former said: Verily Allah accepts only from those who
are (pious) mindful of Allah. If you do stretch your hand against me to kill
me I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah; the
Lord of the worlds. Verily I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well
as yours then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the
recompense of the wrongdoers. So the self of the other (latter one)
encouraged him and made fair seeming to him the murder of his brother; he
murdered him and became one of the losers. Allah sent a crow who
scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother. He
(the murderer) said: Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to
hide the dead body of my brother? Then he became one of those who
regretted. (Al-Maa`idah 5:27-31)

When Habil had not appeared for some time, Adam (a.s.) began to search for him
but found no trace of his beloved son. He asked Qabil about Habil's whereabouts.
Qabil insolently replied that he was neither his brother's keeper nor his protector.
From these words his father understood that Habil was dead and Adam (a.s.) was
filled with grief. Adam (a.s.) was utterly grief stricken by the loss of his two sons.
One was dead the other was won over by Satan. As a father and a Prophet, Adam
(a.s.) had taught his children, about faith in Allah and putting their trust in Him
and warned them about Satan by recounting his own experience with Iblis. Adam
(a.s.) accepted the Will of Allah and only with acceptance life goes on.

17
Death of Adam (a.s.) & Hawa
According to some traditions, subsequently Hawa conceived and bore Shith and his
twin sister Azura. He was named Hibat Allah (the gift of Allah), this name was
derived from Habil, so Jibril said to her when she gave birth to him: This is the gift
of Allah in exchange for Habil. (In Arabic Shith, in Syriac Shath and in Hebrew
Sheth) Adam (a.s.) made his will for him. The day when Shith was born Adam (a.s.)
was one hundred and thirty years old. Years and years passed, Adam (a.s.) grew
old and his children spread all over the earth. Muhammad Ibn Ishaq related that
when Adam's death drew near, he appointed his son Shith (a.s.) to be his
successor. Ubai Ibn K`ab said: When Adam's death was near, he said to his
children: "O my children, indeed I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise." So
they went away searching for what Adam (a.s.) had requested. They met with the
Angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with.
They said to them, O Children of Adam, what are you searching for? What do you
want? Where are you going? They said, Our father is sick and has an appetite for
the fruits of Paradise. The Angels said to them, Go back, for your father is going
to meet his end soon. So they returned (with the Angels) and when Hawa saw
them she recognised them. She tried to hide herself behind Adam (a.s.) He said to
her, Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the Angels of
my Lord. Before his death Adam (a.s.) reassured his children that Allah would not
leave man alone on the earth, but would sent His prophets to guide them. The
prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united
in one thing, the call to worship Allah alone. This was Adam's bequest to his
children. Adam (a.s.) finished speaking and closed his eyes, the Angel of Death took
his soul and the other Angels wrapped his body, dug the grave and laid him in it.
They prayed for him and put him in his grave, saying, O Children of Adam, this is
your tradition at the time of death. He was buried in `Arafah. Hawa went to live
her last days in Jeddah, she died there and was buried there. Abu Lubabah bin
Abdul Mundhir said, Verily the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: Friday is the chief of days
and greatest of them before Allah. He created Adam on that day he was cast on the
earth on that day and on that day Allah made him die (At-Tabari, Vol. I, p.57)

Shith (Seth) bin Adam (a.s.)
Adam (a.s.) appointed Shith (a.s.) as his successor and advised his descendants to
follow him and live peacefully. After Adam's (a.s.) death, Shith (a.s.) took over the
responsibilities of Prophethood. Adam (a.s.) had taught him the hours of the day
and night along with their appropriate acts of worship. He also foretold to him the
events that would come. According to a Hadith narrated by Abu Dhar (r.a.), he said
that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: Allah sent down one hundred and four
psalms, of which fifty were sent down to Shith (Al-Bukhari). Shith (a.s.) is not
mentioned by name in the Quran but Ulama` of Tafsir (Interpretation of the
Qur`an) mentioned that Shith was responsible for the burial of Adam and for the
burial of secret texts in the tomb of Adam, called the Cave of Treasures. It is also
reported that Shith (a.s.) received a number of scriptures from Allah (At-Tabari).
These earliest scriptures is mentioned in Surah Al-A`la 87:17-18:

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Whereas, the Hereafter is better and everlasting. This, indeed, was in the
earliest Scriptures

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Shith (a.s.) guide his followers to the right path but not without the menace of
Satan. Some were seduced into revering, objects, wealth, righteous men and self-
made portrait. Shith (a.s.) taught those who have faith, to pray in remembrance of
Allah in the tranquillity of the night and to work during the day. Shith (a.s.) passed
away at the age of 912 years. When the time of his death came Shith's (a.s.) son
Anoush succeeded him. Anoush begot Qinan and many others but left a will in
Qinan's favour, He in turn was succeeded by his son Mahalalil (Mahlabeel) who
claimed as the King of the Seven Regions, that he was the first one to cut down
trees to build cities and large forts and that he built the cities of Babylonia. He
reigned for a period of forty years. When he died his duties were taken over by his
son Yaridh (Jared) who was succeeded by his son, Khanukh (Enoch) who is Idris
(a.s.) according to the majority of the scholars.

In the fourth century there existed in Egypt a sect of Gnostics, calling themselves
Sithians. They regarded Shith (a.s.) as a divine emanation. Other unverifiable early
sources reported that Shith (a.s.) was buried in one of the two great pyramids in
Giza near Cairo. Al-Maqrizi reported that the Sabians of Harran made pilgrimage to
Giza and offered sacrifices there to Shith and Idris (known as Hermes, to them)
because they believed that the pyramids were the tombs of these two prophets. But
these sources are closely linked to Egypt Mythology and not at all linked to the
Qur`an or Hadith. More popular belief is that the tomb of Shith (a.s.) is located
within one of the main mosques in the village of Nabi Shith (Prophet Shith a.s.) in
the mountains above the Beqa`a Valley in Lebanon.

Lessons from the Beginning
The earliest events are indeed full of valuable lessons, as it triggered a momentum
of the life to come. There is a sequence and the consequences of events unfolding
caused by choices and deeds that can be learnt. Adam represents all of humanity,
so humanity role as a species is clearly defined from the beginning. In sequence,
Adam was decreed to be the Khalifah on earth, and then Adam was given `Ilm
(knowledge), then Adam was blessed with honour by Allah. Then Adam was made
to witness for himself obedience and disobedience as portrayed by the Angels and
Iblis, the Jinni, respectively. Adam also learnt of the consequence of being
disobedient to Allahs command. Then Adam was given a mate in Hawa and both of
them were admitted into Jannah (the Garden) as a sign of Allahs Mercy. Then
Allah entrusted Adam and Hawa to safeguard themselves from being Zalim (those
who wronged themselves), by giving Hidayah of being obedient to Allahs command
for their own well-being and benefit. Events that unfold gave us a clear picture of
the consequences of choice and deeds and the Will of Allah. However, as
mentioned, Allah made incumbent upon Himself, Rahmah (Mercy) above everything
else, and as such Allah is At-Tawwab-ur-Rahim (Most assuredly the Acceptor of
repentance). Thereafter, Hidayah the key to salvation is promised by Allah. Hence
both Adam and Hawa understood from experiences the importance of Iman in
Allah as the One and Only Protector and to enjoin Tawakkal (to put complete trust
in Allah) and depending on Hidayah in order to see the clear difference between
truth and falsehood. These are the basis in life, in keeping Amanah (Trust), which
Allah has bestowed upon humanity and the consequence of keeping and fulfilling
Amanah is attaining inner peace (Aman), that enhances Iman, experiencing it with
satisfaction and pleasure, from which human can excel further towards a virtuous
life, while trusting in Allah, Al-Wakil and the Sole Benefactor.

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Taqdir (the Will of Allah) - Adams Response to Critic
Another lesson from the story of Adam is to understand the basis of Taqdir. Some
may think that the reason why mankind does not dwell in Paradise is that Adam
was disobedient and that if it had not been for this sin, we could have been there
all along. This is not true, because when Allah decree to create Adam, He said to
the Angels, I will create a vicegerent on earth. Adam's descent to earth, then,
was not due to degradation but rather fulfilling Allahs Divine plan. Allah knew that
Adam and Hawa would eat of the tree and descend to earth. He knew that Satan
would rape their innocence. That experience was essential for their life on earth it
was a cornerstone of their Vicegrency (i.e. being Khalifah). It rather signifies the
fulfilment of the purpose for which man was created. It was meant to teach Adam
and Hawa and their progeny about the test in life. They need to be aware of
consequences, beware of Satan the adversary and to remember the Grace and
Mercy of Allah always. The following Hadith narrated by Umar bin Al-Khattab (r.a.)
explains: The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said, Musa a.s. (Moses, peace be upon
him) asked Allah, My Lord! May I see Adam who removed us and himself from the
Paradise? So Allah made him see Adam, and Musa (a.s.) said to him: Are you
Adam? Adam said, Yes. And Musa (a.s.) said, Were you the one in Whom Allah
breathed His spirit and before whom He bowed His angels and to whom He taught
the names of all things? Adam answered, Yes. So Musa (a.s.) said, What made
you remove us and yourself from Paradise? Adam (a.s.) replied, Who are you?
Musa (a.s.) said, I am Musa. Adam (a.s.) said, So you are Musa the Prophet of
the Children of Israel. Were you the one Allah spoke to directly? Musa (a.s.)
answered, Yes. Adam (a.s.) said, Why do you blame me for a matter which Allah
had Will? (i.e., Allah decrees Adam to be Khalifah on earth) So Prophet
Muhammad (s.a.w.) said twice, Adam outclassed Musa (Al-Bukhari).

Recognizing the Adversary - Satan
As mentioned Allah in His Divine Wisdom allows Iblis respite, and Muslims are to
accept this as a matter of having Iman in Allah, the All-Knowing, for humans do
not possess an all-encompassing knowledge. As we know, life is such that is, in
order for human to understand, all phenomena exist in pair. For example human
cannot understand darkness without light and goodness without evil. Therefore it
is more important to recognize and hence the ablity to deal with such adversary.
Adam witnessed the Angels as good examples glorifying Allah after learning that
Allah favours Adam with `Ilm. While Iblis not only disobeyed but when question by
Allah, responded with arrogance towards Adam. Further Iblis, in despair of Allahs
Mercy, asked for respite and not forgiveness. Thus with this understanding Adam
asked for Allahs forgiveness and his repentance was accepted and Allah raised him
with honour. So, as Adam understood the lesson to be learnt and, so should
humanity. Allah even raised Adams (a.s.) progeny as those deserving of His
Rahmah (Mercy): Indeed, We honoured the progeny of Adam, and bore them
across land and sea and provided them with good things for their
sustenance and exalted them above many of Our creatures. (Al-Isra`17:70)

The Characteristic of Satan
Iblis despite of being given respite till doomsday could not enforce his will on
human nor could Iblis, being a Jinni interfere directly with the physical world.
However, Iblis could muster his satanic forces, from among the Jinn and even
human and wreak chaos by tempting, instigating, alluring and deceit.

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Accordingly, the Qur'an makes it clear that on the Day of Judgement, Satan would
deny responsibility for the sins committed by humans After the matter has been
finally decided Satan will say: Surely whatever Allah promised you was
true; as for me, I went back on the promise I made to you. I had no power
over you except that I called you to my way and you responded to me. So, do
not blame me but blame yourselves. Here, neither I can come to your rescue,
nor can you come to mine. I disavow your former act of associating me in
the past with Allah. A grievous chastisement inevitably lies ahead for such
wrong-doers (Ibrahim 14:22)

Satans plan is to prove that man is not worthy of the honour with which Allah has
blessed him. Therefore, humans are to protect themselves from the allurements,
temptations and false promises of Satan who has been his avowed enemy from the
day of his creation. In the case of Habil and Qabil, the latter regretted and this is in
human nature, going through the after-shock. While Satan who had been alluring
Qabil, fled after the murder is committed. The lesson here is the regret after sins
are committed and human should be mindful of this typical and all too predictable
outcome. Another valuable lessons, is the value of human life and that human
should view each other as brothers in humanity (as mentioned in Al-Isra` 17:70).
Just as people view the murder of Habil by his own brother Qabil is detestable, it is
also a detestable act to kill another human. As the continuing verse after the story
of Adams (a.s.) sons explains: he who slays a soul unless it be (in
punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he
had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given
life to all mankind (Al-Maa`idah 5:32).

In Conclusion
As Khalifah, humans are to shoulder the trials of life and humans are well
prepared to carry out the tasks, with Hidayah as the point of reference. Beware of
Satan, the accursed and the avowed enemy to humanity. Be aware that not
carrying out Amanah can be equated to, as not being human or not being natural,
let alone being a Muslim, as humans are created for this purpose. Numerous
Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) cautions Muslims about upholding
Amanah. Last but definitely not least, not to be in despair of Allahs Rahmah: Tell
them, (O Prophet), My servants who have committed excesses against
themselves, do not despair of Allah's Mercy. Surely Allah forgives all sins.
He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful (Az-Zumar 39:53).








[s.a.w.] Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam: Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him,
an honour specifically for Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)
[a.s.] Alaihis Salaam: Peace be upon him, an honour for the Prophets of Allah
[r.a.] Radiallahu Anhu: With whom Allah be pleased, an honour for the Prophets
(s.a.w.) Righteous Companions