The creation of Adam in Islam - Islam - Religion, Beliefs, Practices, & Facts

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The story of the creation of Adam in Islam illustrates the divine wisdom behind human existence. Let’s explore more about the story of Adam PBUH.

Stages of the creation of Adam in Islam

The creation of man in Islam is one of the most profound narratives in Islamic teachings. In addition, the Quran describes the stages of human creation and highlights the divine wisdom behind it.

1- The creation of Adam in Islam from Clay

Allah created Prophet Adam (PBUH) from clay and mud, emphasizing his earthly origin.

“And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud.”
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:26)

This verse highlights that Allah made Adam from various types of soil, which explains the diversity in human appearances and characteristics.

2- Shaping the Form in the creation of Adam in Islam

Allah shaped Adam from clay into a complete human before giving him life. Moreover, this stage emphasizes the perfection in Allah’s creation.

“He created him and proportioned him.”
(Surah Abasa 80:19)

Islamic narrations describe Prophet Adam height as 60 cubits (about 90 feet) (Sahih al-Bukhari). This remarkable height was unique to the first human and gradually decreased in subsequent generations.

3- Breathing the Soul into Adam

After shaping Adam, Allah breathed His divine spirit into him, granting him life.

“So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My soul, then fall to him in prostration.”
(Surah Sad 38:72)

This stage signifies the divine connection between humans and their Creator, making the creation of man in Islam distinct from other beings.

4- Teaching Adam Knowledge

Allah granted Prophet Adam (AS) the ability to learn, understand, and also name all things, giving him superiority over the angels.

“And He taught Adam the names of all things.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:31)

When the angels were tested, they could not match Adam’s knowledge. Besides, this moment established Adam’s position as the first intelligent human.

5- Commanding the Angels to Prostrate

After granting Adam knowledge, Allah ordered the angels to prostrate before him as a sign of respect.

“And [mention] when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam’; so they prostrated, except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became one of the disbelievers.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:34)

Iblis who is a jinn, refused due to arrogance, leading to his eternal enmity towards Adam and his descendants.

6- Adam and Hawa in Paradise

Allah created Hawa (Eve) from Adam and placed them both in Jannah (Paradise). They were permitted to enjoy everything except one forbidden tree.

“And We said, ‘O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will.'”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:35)

However, Iblis deceived them, convincing them to eat from the forbidden tree.

7- Descent to Earth and Repentance

After their mistake, Adam and Hawa repented sincerely. Allah, in His mercy, forgave them but sent them to Earth as it was planned from their creation.

“Then Adam received from his Lord words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:37)

Islamic tradition suggests that Prophet Adam landed in Sri Lanka (Adam’s Peak), while Hawa landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They later reunited at Mount Arafat, marking the beginning of human life on Earth.

FAQs

What Quran says about creation of Adam?

Allah created Adam from clay, shaped him, and breathed His spirit into him (Surah Sad 38:71-72).

What is the creation of Adam Hadith?

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said Adam was created 60 cubits tall and from different soil types (Bukhari).