Adam in the Qur’an
Within Islam, Adam (Arabic: آدم) is the first man on earth. According to the Qur’an he was a prophet, meaning he had a protected position. This differs from Christianity, where Adam was not a prophet and brought mankind the consequences of his bad decision to disobey God.
Plan to put him on earth
“Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not."” (Qur’an 2:30)
Created with Allah’s hands
“[Allah ] said, "O Iblees, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant [then], or were you [already] among the haughty?” (Qur’an 38:75)
Created from material on earth
The Qur’an is not clear from which material Adam has been created.
Dust
“The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be". And he was.” (Qur’an 3:59)Clay
“Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man, from sounding clay from mud moulded into shape;” (Qur’an 15:28) “He Who has made everything which He has created most good: He began the creation of man with (nothing more than) clay,” (Qur’an 32:7)Spirit of God breathed into him
“When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him.” (Qur’an 38:72) “When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him.” (Qur’an 15:29)
First Muslim
“Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:37)
Angels bowing down before him
“And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam" and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith.” (Qur’an 2:34) “It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels prostrate to Adam, and they prostrate; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who prostrate.” (Qur’an 7:11) “Behold! We said to the angels: "Bow down unto Adam": They bowed down except Iblis: He said, "Shall I bow down to one whom Thou didst create from clay?"” (Qur’an 17:61)
Adam’s family above others
“Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of ’Imran above all people” (Qur’an 3:33)
Command not to eat from the tree of immortality
“We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."” (Qur’an 2:35) “O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as ye wish: but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression.” (Qur’an 7:19) “ Then We said: "O Adam! verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that thou art landed in misery.” (Qur’an 20:117)
Sinner
“Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): he said: "Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest ye should become angels or such beings as live for ever." And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: "Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?"” (Qur’an 7:20-22)
Allah noticed Adam’s repentance
They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost." (Allah) said: "Get ye down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,- for a time." He said: "Therein shall ye live, and therein shall ye die; but from it shall ye be taken out (at last)." (Qur’an 7:23-25)
Departure from Paradise
“Then did Satan make them slip from the (garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood - for a time."” (Qur’an 2:36)
