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Prophet Adam [peace be upon him] holds a unique position in Islamic history as the first human being and first prophet sent by Allah to guide humanity. His life, documented in the Holy Quran and authentic Hadiths, provides profound insights into human creation, purpose, and our relationship with Allah. Let’s Study the life of Prophet Adam [PBUH] from his divine creation to his descent to Earth and legacy for mankind.
The Divine Announcement of Creation of Prophet Adam [PBUH]
Before creating Prophet Adam [PBUH], Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala informed the angels of His plan to place mankind on Earth. The Quran records this momentous conversation in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30):
˹Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ authority on earth.” They asked ˹Allah˺, “Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?” Allah responded, “I know what you do not know.”
The angels’ question was not one of disobedience but rather concern based on their knowledge of the jinn who had previously caused corruption on Earth. Islamic scholars explain that angels, being sinless creatures, could not comprehend the wisdom behind creating beings with free will who might sin.
Ibn Kathir explains in his renowned Tafsir that Allah’s response “I know that which you do not know” indicated His knowledge of the wisdom that would result from creating mankind, including the potential for righteousness, repentance, and worship that would outweigh the possibility of sin.
The Physical Creation of Prophet Adam [PBUH]
Materials and Stages of Creation
Allah created Prophet Adam [PBUH] through several distinct stages, as mentioned in various Quranic verses.
“Indeed, the example of Jesus ( Isa ) 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)
“He created man from clay like [that of] pottery” (Quran 55:14).
“And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay” (Quran 23:12).
Islamic scholars including Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that Allah gathered dust from different parts of the Earth – from mountains, valleys, sandy regions, and fertile lands, which explains the diversity in human skin colors, temperaments, and characteristics among Adam’s descendants.
This dust was then shaped into clay, described in the Qur’an as “clay like pottery” (55:14) and “an extract of clay” (23:12). From this clay, Allah fashioned the form of Adam, and when the time came, He commanded, “Be!”—and Adam came into existence (3:59). Thus, Adam was created directly by Allah without parents, making him the first human being and the father of mankind.
Adam’s Physical Characteristics
According to authentic Hadiths in Sahih Bukhari, Prophet Adam [PBUH] was created with remarkable physical attributes:
Height: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 55, Hadith 543). This equals approximately 30 meters or 90 feet in height.
Complete Form: Unlike other humans who develop gradually, Adam [PBUH] was created directly in his complete adult form. As mentioned in Sahih Bukhari (Book 74: Hadith 246): “The Prophet said, ‘Allah created Adam in his complete shape and form (directly), sixty cubits in height'”.
Islamic scholars clarify that this extraordinary height was Adam’s form in Paradise, and when humans return to Paradise in the afterlife, they will regain this original stature.
The Breathing of the Soul
After shaping Adam’s body, Allah breathed soul into it. Al-Tabari records that when the soul entered Adam’s body and reached his head, he sneezed and said “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen” (All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds). Allah responded: “Yarhamukallaah” (May Allah have mercy upon you). (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3367).
This first utterance of praise demonstrates Adam’s innate recognition of Allah and establishes gratitude as a fundamental human characteristic.
Adam’s Superiority: The Teaching of Names
Allah taught Adam [PBUH], the names of all things – a knowledge the angels did not possess. The Quran (Baqarah 2:31-33) states:
He taught Adam the names of all things, then He presented them to the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true?”
They replied, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
Allah said, “O Adam! Inform them of their names.” Then when Adam did, Allah said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?”
When the angels were asked to name the things shown to them, they admitted their limitation and acknowledged that only Allah possesses perfect knowledge. Adam, however, demonstrated his unique gift by identifying the names, showing the distinction granted to humanity—the capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding beyond instinct or assigned duties.
Mufti Muhammad Shafi explains in Tafsir Ma’ariful Quran that this knowledge included languages, sciences, and understanding of all created things, demonstrating Adam’s intellectual capacity and his role on Earth.
The Angels’ Prostration and Iblis’s Refusal
After demonstrating Adam’s superiority, Allah commanded all angels to prostrate to Adam as a sign of respect and honor. The Quran records:
And ˹remember˺ when We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam,” so they all did—but not Iblîs (satan), who refused and acted arrogantly, becoming unfaithful. (Quran 2:34).
This prostration was not worship of Adam [PBUH] but rather obedience to Allah’s command and a sign of respect and honor. Iblis (Satan), who was among the jinn but elevated to the ranks of angels due to his worship, refused out of arrogance and pride.
When Allah questioned Iblis, he replied: “I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay” (Quran 7:12). This arrogant response led to his expulsion from Paradise and his eternal enmity toward Adam [PBUH] and his descendants.
The Creation of Hawwa (Eve)
While Prophet Adam [PBUH] was in Paradise, Allah created his wife, Hawwa (Eve), to be his companion. Ibn Kathir records that Allah created Hawwa from Adam’s left rib while he was sleeping. When Adam woke up and saw Hawwa’, he liked her and had affection for her, and she felt the same toward him. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
The creation of Hawwa (peace be upon her) fulfilled Adam’s need for companionship and established the foundation of human society through the institution of marriage.
Life in Paradise
Allah placed Adam and Hawwa in Jannah (Paradise), where they lived in perfect bliss. They were given complete freedom to enjoy all of Paradise except for one restriction:
We cautioned, “O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat as freely as you please, but do not approach this tree, or else you will be wrongdoers.” (Quran 2:35).
The forbidden tree has been subject to scholarly discussion. Ibn Abbas suggested it was a wheat plant, though the Quran does not specify its exact nature, indicating that the specific identity is less important than the lesson of obedience.
The Test and Satan’s Deception
Satan, having been expelled from Paradise, devised a plan to mislead Adam and Hawwa. He approached them and whispered: “Your Lord has forbidden this tree to you only to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals.” (Quran 7:20).
Important Note: Islamic sources clarify that both Adam and Hawwa ate from the tree together. Unlike some other religious traditions, Islam does not place exclusive blame on Hawwa. The Quran consistently refers to both of them equally in this event.
When they ate from the forbidden tree, their clothing of light disappeared, and they began covering themselves with leaves from Paradise. They immediately realized their mistake.
Divine Mercy: Repentance and Forgiveness
Unlike the concept of original sin in other traditions, Islam teaches that Adam and Hawwa immediately repented to Allah, and He accepted their repentance. The Quran states:
“Then Adam received from his Lord Words (of repentance). So He pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful” (Quran 2:37).
The words of repentance they recited were: “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers” (Quran 7:23).
This establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that Allah’s mercy supersedes His wrath, and that sincere repentance leads to divine forgiveness.
Descent to Earth and New Purpose
Then Allah informed Prophet Adam and Hawwa that they would descend to Earth to fulfill their role as humanity’s ancestors:
“We said, “Descend all of you! Then when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows it, there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” (Quran 2:38).
It is said that Prophet Adam descended on a mountain in Sri Lanka, specifically on Adam’s Peak, while Hawwa descended in Jeddah. They were reunited at Mount Arafat near Mecca after a long separation.
Prophet Adam’s Life on Earth
Establishing Islamic Greetings
Sahih Bukhari (Book 55, Hadith 543) records that Allah taught Adam the Islamic greeting that would be used by all his descendants. Allah said to Adam: “Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting and the greeting of your offspring.” Adam said: “As-Salamu Alaikum” (Peace be upon you), and the angels replied: “As-salamu Alaika wa Rahmatu-l-lahi” (Peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon you).
This established “As-Salamu Alaikum” as the eternal greeting of Muslims, with the angels adding “wa Rahmatullah” to complete the blessing.
Adam’s Children and Family
Qabil and Habil
Prophet Adam and Hawwa were blessed with many children. According to Islamic historians like Ibn Kathir and Ibn Al-Jawzi, they had twenty sets of twins, with each birth producing one boy and one girl.
Two of their children mentioned in the Quran are Qabil (Cain) and Habil (Abel). The Quran narrates their story:
“Relate to them in truth ˹O Prophet˺ the story of Adam’s two sons—how each offered a sacrifice: one’s offering was accepted while the other’s was not, so he threatened ˹his brother˺, “I will kill you!” His brother replied, “Allah only accepts ˹the offering˺ of the sincerely devout.” (Quran 5:27).
If you raise your hand to kill me, I will not raise mine to kill you, because I fear Allah—the Lord of all worlds. (Quran 5:28)
I want to let you bear your sin against me along with your other sins, then you will be one of those destined to the Fire. And that is the reward of the wrongdoers. (Quran 5:29)
Still, the other convinced himself to kill his own brother, so he killed him—becoming a loser. (Quran 5:30)
The First Murder
According to the narrations, there was a dispute over marriage arrangements.
Prophet Adam [PBUH] and Hawwa [peace be upon her] received children in a unique pattern. In each pregnancy, Hawwa would give birth to twins – one boy and one girl. Allah had decreed a specific marriage arrangement to ensure the continuation of humanity while maintaining moral boundaries: children from one set of twins were forbidden from marrying each other, but instead were to marry siblings from different twin births.
The central conflict arose when two of Prophet Adam’s sons reached marriageable age. Qabil (Cain), the elder son and a farmer, was paired with Layudha (also called Lubood), Habil’s twin sister. Habil (Abel), the younger son and a shepherd, was destined to marry Iqlimiya (also called Aqlimiya), Qabil’s beautiful twin sister.
Iqlimiya is described as remarkably beautiful, while Layudha was considered less attractive. This physical disparity became the root of Qabil’s rebellion against Allah’s decree. Consumed by desire and jealousy, Qabil refused to accept the divine arrangement, wanting to keep his beautiful sister for himself rather than allowing her to marry Habil.
Prophet Adam [PBUH] ordered both sons to offer sacrifices to Allah, with the understanding that whoever’s sacrifice was accepted would have the right to marry Iqlimiya.
Habil, who was a shepherd, offered his best sheep, while Qabil, who was a farmer, offered inferior produce. Allah accepted Habil’s sacrifice.
Consumed by jealousy, Qabil killed Habil, committing the first murder on Earth. Allah sent a crow to scratch the ground, showing Qabil how to bury his brother’s body.
Then Allah sent a crow digging ˹a grave˺ in the ground ˹for a dead crow˺, in order to show him how to bury the corpse of his brother. He cried, “Alas! Have I ˹even˺ failed to be like this crow and bury the corpse of my brother?” So he became regretful. (Quran 5:31)
Important Note: In Islam, regret for doing something wrong is essential for repentance. But in the case of Qabil, his regret was not for killing his brother, but for failing to bury his corpse to hide the evidence of his crime. Therefore, his regret was not intended as a step towards repentance.
Shish: The Chosen Successor
After Habil’s death, Allah blessed Adam with another son named Shish (Seth) [PBUH], who became Prophet Adam’s successor and inherited the prophethood. Through Shish’ lineage, humanity continued, while Qabil’s descendants were eventually destroyed in Flood during Prophet Nuh (Noah) [PBUH].
Teaching Divine Guidance
As the first prophet, Adam [PBUH] was responsible for teaching his family and descendants about:
Worship of Allah (Tawheed)
Prayer and supplication
Moral and ethical conduct
Laws of halal and haram
Seeking Allah’s forgiveness
Hadith of the Day notes that Adam established the foundations of divine guidance that would later be continued by subsequent prophets.
Future descendants
Islamic tradition records that Allah showed Adam the souls of all his future descendants. At-Tirmidhi narrates that Adam saw a particularly bright soul and asked about it. Allah informed him it was Prophet Dawud (David) [PBUH], who would live only 40 years. Moved by compassion, Adam gifted 60 years from his own life to Dawud, reducing his lifespan from 1000 to 940 years. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3367)
The Death of Prophet Adam
His Final Years
Prophet Adam [PBUH] lived on Earth for 1000 years according to Islamic narrations. At-Tirmidhi records that when the Angel of Death came to take his soul after 940 years, he forgot about his gift to Prophet Dawud and questioned why his time had come early because one-thousand years were written for him.
When reminded of his generous act toward his descendant, Adam’s human nature of forgetfulness was revealed. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Adam denied, so the children of Adam deny; Adam forgot and his children forget; Adam made mistakes and his children make mistakes” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3367).
His Burial
According to Islamic traditions, Prophet Adam was buried in Najaf, Iraq, in what is now known as Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery. Initially buried in Mecca, his body was later moved by Prophet Nuh (Noah) to Najaf.
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) stated: “Whenever you visit Imam Ali (peace be upon him) [whose shrine is in Najaf], know that you have also visited Prophets Adam and Nuh”.
The cemetery, known as “Valley of Peace,” is the world’s largest cemetery, covering 15 square miles.
Important Note: The statements about Adam being buried in Najaf, visiting Imam Ali equating to visiting Adam and Nuh, and Wadi Al-Salam being a huge cemetery are Shi’a traditions and widely accepted beliefs among Shi’a Muslims, but they are not universally established in Sunni sources or historical records.
Prophet Adam’s Legacy and Lessons
Prophet Adam is recognized as “Abu Bashar” (Father of Humanity) in Islamic tradition. All human beings, regardless of race, color, or ethnicity, are his descendants. This establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of human equality and brotherhood.
Human Dignity: Adam’s creation with Allah’s own hands and the angels’ prostration establish the honored position of humanity
Free Will and Responsibility: The test of the forbidden tree demonstrates human free will and accountability
Divine Mercy: Allah’s acceptance of Adam’s repentance shows that His mercy exceeds His wrath
Continuous Guidance: The promise of divine guidance through prophets began with Adam
Family Values: The creation of Hawwa and their relationship establish the sanctity of marriage and family
Prophet Adam [PBUH] holds unique distinctions:
First human being created
First prophet sent to humanity
Father of all mankind
First to be taught divine names and knowledge
Honored by angels’ prostration
Given the title “Adam-As-Safi” (Adam the Chosen One)
His Intercession
Like other prophets, Adam will have the right of intercession (Shafa’ah) on the Day of Judgment for his believing descendants, though according to hadith traditions, he will initially decline due to his mistake with the forbidden tree, directing people to other prophets [Multiple sources].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Was Prophet Adam the first human being according to Islam?
Answer: Yes, according to mainstream Islamic belief based on the Quran and authentic Hadiths, Prophet Adam was the first human being created by Allah. He is the father of all humanity.
Q2: How tall was Prophet Adam?
Answer: According to Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Prophet Adam was 60 cubits tall (approximately 30 meters or 90 feet). Islamic scholars explain this was his height in Paradise.
Q3: Did Prophet Adam and Hawwa (Eve) commit the first sin?
Answer: Islam teaches that their eating from the forbidden tree was a mistake rather than deliberate rebellion. They immediately repented and were forgiven by Allah. Islam rejects the concept of original sin affecting their descendants.
Q4: What language did Prophet Adam speak?
Answer: The Quran states that Allah taught Adam all names, which Islamic scholars interpret as including all languages and knowledge. Some traditions suggest Arabic was the first language, but this is not definitively established in primary sources.
Q5: How many children did Prophet Adam have?
Answer: According to Islamic historians like Ibn Kathir, Prophet Adam had twenty sets of twins (40 children total), with each birth producing one boy and one girl.
Conclusion
Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) represents the beginning of human history and divine guidance according to Islamic teachings. His life provides profound lessons about human dignity, divine mercy, the importance of repentance, and the continuous need for Allah’s guidance.
From his miraculous creation to his honored status that caused angels to prostrate, from his life in Paradise to his role as the first prophet on Earth, establishes fundamental Islamic principles that continue to guide Muslims today.
His legacy as the father of humanity reminds us of our common origin and the brotherhood that should exist among all people. His mistakes and subsequent forgiveness demonstrate Allah’s infinite mercy and the power of sincere repentance.
May Allah grant us the ability to follow the guidance He sent through Prophet Adam and all His messengers, and may we be among those who remember our Creator with gratitude and live righteously on this Earth. Ameen.
“And Allah knows best.”