Religion & Belief (Alor Pothay) > Allah: My belief

STORIES IN THE HOLY QURAN

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Shamim Ansary:
Monotheism

Prophet Nooh (Noah) may Allaah exalt his mention was one of the prominent Prophets whom Allaah Almighty sent to guide people to His Path - that of Monotheism. Ibn 'Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "The period between Aadam and Nooh was ten centuries." [Al-Bukhaari]

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention was therefore born some one thousand years after Aadam's creation, or after he left the Garden of Eden. For many generations, the people of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention had been worshipping statues that they called gods. They believed that these gods would bring them good, protect them from evil and provide all their needs. They gave their idols names such as Wadd, Suwaa', Yaghooth, Ya'ooq, and Nasr.

Allaah Almighty revealed in the Noble Quran (what means): "And [the idolaters] said: 'Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd, nor Suwaa' or Yaghooth and Ya'ooq and Nasr [i.e., the names of their idols]." [Quran: 71:23] Originally, these were the names of good people who had lived among them. After their deaths, statues of them were erected to keep their memories alive. After some time, however, people began to worship these statues. Later generations did not even know why they had been erected; they only knew their parents had prayed to them. That is how idol worshipping developed. Since they had no understanding of Allaah Almighty who would punish them for their evil deeds, they became cruel and immoral.

Ibn 'Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him explained: "Following the death of those righteous men, Satan inspired their people to erect statues in the places where they used to sit. They did this, but these statues were not worshiped until the coming generations deviated from the right way of life. Then they worshipped them as their idols."

In his description of this story, Imaam Ibn Jareer may Allaah have mercy upon him narrated: "There were righteous people who lived in the period between Aadam and Nooh, may Allaah exalt their mention, and who had followers who held them as models. After their death, their friends who used to emulate them said: 'If we make statues of them, it will be more pleasing to us in our worship and will remind us of them.' So they built statues of them and, after they had died and others came after them, Iblees (Satan) crept into their minds saying: 'Your forefathers used to worship them, and through that worship they got rain.' So they worshipped them."

Imaam Ibn Abu Haatim may Allaah have mercy upon him related the following story: "Wadd was a righteous man who was loved by his people. When he died, they withdrew to his grave in the land of Babylonia and were overwhelmed by sadness. When Iblees saw their sorrow caused by his death, he disguised himself in the form of a man saying: 'I have seen your sorrow because of this man's death; can I make a statue like him which could be put in your meeting place to make you remember him?' They said: 'Yes.' So he made the statue like him. They put it in their meeting place in order to be reminded of him. When Iblees saw their interest in remembering him, he said: 'Can I build a statue of him in the home of each one of you so that he would be in everyone's house and you could thereby remember him?' They agreed. Their children learned about and saw what they were doing. They also learned about their remembrance of him instead of Allaah. So the first to be worshipped instead of Allaah was Wadd, the idol which they named thus."

The essence of this point is that every idol from those earlier mentioned was worshipped by a certain group of people. It was mentioned that people made pictures and, as the ages passed, they made these pictures into statues, so that their forms could be fully recognised; afterwards they were worshipped instead of Allaah.

It was narrated that Umm Salamah and Umm Habeebah may Allaah be pleased with them who were two of the wives of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) informed him sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) about the church named 'Maria' that they had seen in the land of Abyssinia. They described its beauty and the pictures therein. He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Those are the people who build places of worship on the grave of every dead man who was righteous and then make therein those pictures. Those are the worst of creation in the sight of Allaah." [Al-Bukhaari]

Worshipping anything other than Allaah is a tragedy that results not only in the loss of freedom; its serious effect reaches man's mind and destroys it as well. Almighty Allaah created man and his mind with its purpose set on achieving knowledge, the most important of which is that Allaah alone is the Creator and all the rest are worshippers (slaves). Therefore, disbelief in Allaah, or polytheism, results in the loss of freedom, the destruction of the mind, and the absence of a noble target in life. By worshipping anything other than Allaah, man becomes enslaved to Satan, who is himself a creature, and becomes harnessed to his own baser qualities.

Into that environment, Allaah sent Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention with His message to his people. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention was the only intellectual not caught in the whirlpool of man's destruction which was caused by polytheism.

Allaah, out of His Mercy, sent His messenger Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention to guide his people. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention was an excellent speaker and a very patient man. He pointed out to his people the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe. He pointed out how the night is regularly followed by the day and that the balance between these opposites was designed by Allaah Almighty for our good. The night gives coolness and rest while the day gives warmth and awakens activity. The sun encourages growth, keeping all plants and animals alive, while the moon and stars assist in the reckoning of time, direction and seasons. He pointed out that the ownership of the heavens and the earth belongs only to the Divine Creator.

Therefore, he explained to this people, there cannot have been more than one deity. He clarified to them how the devil had deceived them for so long and that the time had come for this deceit to stop. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention spoke to them of Allaah's glorification of man, how He had created him and provided him with sustenance and the blessings of the mind. He told them that idol-worshipping was a suffocating injustice to the mind. He warned them not to worship anyone but Allaah and described the terrible punishment Allaah would mete out if they continued in their evil ways.

The people listened to him in silence. His words were a shock to their stagnating minds as it is a shock to a person who is asleep under a wall which is about to fall and who is vigorously awakened. This person may be alarmed and may even become angry, although the aim was only to save him.

The people of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention were divided into two groups after his warning. His words touched the hearts of the weak, the poor, and the miserable, and soothed their wounds with its mercy. As for the rich, the strong, the mighty and the rulers, they looked upon the warning with cold distrust. They believed they would be better off if things stayed as they were. Therefore, they started their war of words against Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention.

First they accused Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention of being a mere  human, just like themselves, as the verse states (what means): "So the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said: 'We do not see you but as a man like ourselves'…." [Quran: 11:27]

He, however, had never said anything other than that. He asserted that, indeed, he was only a human being; Allaah had sent a human messenger because the earth was inhabited by humans. If it had been inhabited by angels, Allaah would have sent an angelic messenger.

The contest between the polytheists and Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention continued. The rulers had thought at first that Nooh's call would soon fade on its own. When they found that his call attracted the poor, the helpless and common labourers, they started to verbally attack and taunt him: 'You are only followed by the poor, the meek and the worthless.'

Allaah the Almighty tells us in the Quran (what means): "And We had certainly sent Nooh to his people, [saying]: 'Indeed, I am to you a clear warner. That you not worship except Allaah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day.' So the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said: 'We do not see you but as a man like ourselves, and we do not see you followed except by those who are the lowest of us [and] at first suggestion. And we do not see in you over us any merit; rather, we think you are a liar.'" [Quran: 11:25-27]

Thus, the conflict between Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention and the heads of his people intensified. The disbelievers tried to bargain: "Listen Nooh! If you want us to believe in you, then dismiss your believers. They are meek and poor, while we are elite and rich; no faith can include us both." Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention listened to the heathens of his community and realised they were obstinate. However, he was gentle in his response. He explained to his people that he could not dismiss the believers as they were not his guests but Allaah's.

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention appealed to them saying (what means): "O my people! I ask not of you for it any wealth. My reward is not but from Allaah. And I am not one to drive away those who have believed. Indeed, they will meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly. And O my people! Who would protect me from Allaah if I drove them away? Then will you not be reminded? And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allaah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel, nor do I say of those upon whom your eyes look down that Allaah will never grant them any good. Allaah is most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be among the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust].'" [Quran: 11:29-31]

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention refuted the arguments of the disbelievers with the noble knowledge of the prophets. It is the logic of intellect that rids itself of personal pride and interests.

Shamim Ansary:
Ibraaheem Smashes the Idols

When Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention recognised that his father and people would not give up worshipping their idols, he left his father’s house and abandoned his people and what they worshiped. He may Allaah exalt his mention decided to do something about their state of disbelief, but did not reveal it.

He may Allaah exalt his mention knew that there was to be a great celebration on the far bank of the river which would be attended by all the people. Ibraaheem may Allaah be pleased with him waited until the city was empty, and then came out cautiously, directing his steps towards the temple. The streets leading to it were empty and the temple itself was deserted, for the priests had also gone to the festival outside the city.

Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention went there carrying a sharp axe. He looked at the stone and wooden statues of the gods and at the food laid in front of them as offerings. He may Allaah exalt his mention approached one of the statues and asked: "The food in front of you is getting cold; why don’t you eat?" The statue was silent and rigid. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention asked the other statues around him (what means): "…'Do you not eat?'" [Quran: 37:91]

He was mocking them, for he knew they would not eat. He once again asked (what means): "'What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?'" [Quran: 37:92]

He may Allaah exalt his mention then raised his axe and began smashing the false gods worshiped by the people. He may Allaah exalt his mention destroyed them all, except one, around whose neck he hung the axe. After this, his irritation subsided and he felt at peace. He may Allaah exalt his mention then left the temple, having fulfilled his vow to show his people a practical proof of their foolishness in worshiping something other than Allaah.

When the people returned, they were shocked to see their gods smashed to pieces, lying scattered all over the temple. They began to guess who had done that to their idols, and Ibraaheem’s name came to their minds.

Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): "They said: 'Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers.' They said: 'We heard a young man mention them who is called Ibraaheem.' They said: 'Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify.' They said: 'Have you done this to our gods, O Ibraaheem?’ He said: 'Rather, this – the largest of them – did it, so ask them, if they should [be able to] speak.' So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other]: 'Indeed, you are the wrongdoers.' Then they reversed themselves, [saying to Ibraaheem]: 'You have already known that these do not speak!' He said: 'Then do you worship instead of Allaah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? Uff [i.e., an exclamation of disgust] to you and to what you worship instead of Allaah. Then will you not use reason?'" [Quran: 21:59-67]

Ibraaheem is flung into a Huge Fire

Furious, they demanded that Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention be arrested and tried. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention did not resist. This was precisely what he had been aiming for, so that he could show them up in public for their foolish beliefs.

At the trial they asked him if he was responsible for breaking the idols. Smiling, he may Allaah exalt his mention told them to ask the biggest idol, which was still whole, saying that he must be the culprit! They replied that he knew well that the idol could not speak or move, which gave Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention the opportunity to prove the foolishness of worshiping these lifeless objects.

They then realised the senselessness of their beliefs; however, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was use their power of authority, as tyrants usually do, to punish Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention. They kept him in chains and plotted their revenge.

They dug a deep pit, filled it with firewood and ignited it. Then they brought a catapult with which to cast Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention into the fire. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was put on the catapult, his hands and feet tied. The fire was ready with its flames reaching the sky. The people stood away from the pit because of the great heat. Then the chief priest gave his order to cast Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention into the fire.

The angel Jibreel may Allaah exalt his mention then came close to Ibraaheem’s head and asked him: "O Ibraaheem, do you wish for anything?" Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention replied: "Nothing from you." This was not an arrogant reply, rather, he said this due to knowing with full certainty that Allaah would help him, and that he was therefore seeking only His help.

The catapult was shot, and Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was cast into the fire, but his descent into the blaze was as a descent on steps in a cool garden. The flames were still there, but they did not burn, for Allaah the Almighty had issued His command (which means): "…'O fire! Be coolness and safety upon Ibraaheem.'" [Quran: 21:69]

The fire submitted to the will of Allaah, becoming cool and safe for Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention. It only burned his bonds, and he sat in the midst of the fire as if he were sitting in a garden. He may Allaah exalt his mention glorified and praised Allaah the Almighty, with a heart that contained only his love for Allaah. There was not any vacant space therein for fear, awe, or worry. It was replete with love.

The crowd, the chiefs, and the priests sat watching the fire from a distance. It was burning their faces and nearly suffocating them. It continued burning for such a long time that the disbelievers thought it would never be extinguished.

When it did burn out, they were greatly amazed to find Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention emerging from the pit untouched by the fire. Their faces were black from the smoke, but his was radiant with light by the Grace of Allaah. The raging fire had become cool for Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention and had only charred the ropes which held him. He may Allaah exalt his mention walked out of the fire as if he were walking out of a garden. Cries of astonishment were heard from the heathens. Allaah Says (what means): "And they intended for him a plan [i.e., harm], but We made them the greatest losers." [Quran: 21:70]

This miracle shamed the tyrants, but it did not cool the flame of anger in their hearts. However, after this event many of the people followed Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention although some kept their belief a secret for fear of harm or death at the hands of the rulers. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention had established a definite reasoning against the idolaters. Nothing was left for him except to reason against the people who proclaimed themselves gods.

Ibraaheem Debates with the Tyrant King

When the king, Namrooth, heard of Ibraaheem’s safe exit from the fire, he was infuriated. He feared that the status of godhead he had proclaimed for himself was now challenged by an ordinary human being. He summoned Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention to his palace and held a dialogue with him, which Allaah the Almighty recounts with (what means): "Have you not considered the one who argued with Ibraaheem about his Lord [merely] because Allaah had given him kingship? When Ibraaheem said: 'My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death,' he said: 'I give life and cause death.' Ibraaheem said: 'Indeed, Allaah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.' So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allaah does not guide the wrongdoing people." [Quran: 2:258]

Ibraaheem’s fame spread throughout the entire kingdom. People talked about how he had been saved from the blazing fire and how he had debated with the king and left him speechless. In the meantime, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention continued calling people to believe in Allaah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path.

He may Allaah exalt his mention tried every means to convince them. However, in spite of his love and care for his people, they felt angry and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allaah. The woman’s name was Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, who was to become his wife, and the man's name was Luut may Allaah exalt his mention who was to become a prophet.

Ibraaheem Leaves for Palestine, then Egypt

When Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention realised that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to emigrate. He may Allaah exalt his mention left his people and travelled with his wife and Luut (Lot), may Allaah exalt their mention, to a city called Ur, then to another called Haaraan, and then to Palestine. Allaah Almighty tells us (what means): "So Luut believed him. [Ibraaheem] said: 'Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.'" [Quran: 29:26]

After Palestine, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention travelled to Egypt, calling people to believe in Allaah wherever he would be, judging fairly between people, and guiding them to truth and righteousness.

Ibraaheem’s wife Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, was unable to have children. She had been given an Egyptian woman, Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, as a servant. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention had aged, and his hair had become grey after many years spent calling people to Allaah. Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, thought that her husband and her were lonely because she could not have a child. Therefore, she offered him her servant Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, in marriage. Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, gave birth to her first son Ismaa'eel may Allaah exalt his mention when Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was an old man.

Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention lived on earth worshiping Allaah and calling people to monotheism, but he was journeying to Allaah, knowing that his days on earth were limited and that they would be followed by death, and finally, Resurrection. The knowledge of life after death filled Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention with peace, love, and certitude.

Shamim Ansary:
Ibraaheem Smashes the Idols 2

Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was born in Iraq. His father, whose name was Aazar, would carve idols from wood and sell them to the idol worshippers. Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention led his life in continuous struggle to comprehensively establish Islam. He is mentioned with praiseworthy titles in the Quran which help us to understand his distinguished character.

Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was endowed with knowledge of Allaah from a very young age. He rejected the practice of idol worship and urged his father to worship Allaah, the one and only God. He argued with his father to abandon his idolatry and worship Allaah alone, but the latter became enraged and displayed haughtiness and arrogance. When Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention further argued with his father that the idols did not have the ability to harm or benefit, his father told his son to leave his house or be stoned to death.  Ibraaheem replied with (what means): “…'Peace [i.e., safety] will be upon you. I will ask forgiveness for you of my Lord. Indeed, He is ever gracious to me. And I will leave you…” [Quran: 19:47-48]

Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention addressed the issue of worshipping kings and rulers such as Namrooth, king of Ur in Chaldea (Babylon) who alleged being a god. This tyrannous king claimed the ability of giving life and causing death to human beings. Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention refuted this allegation by a decisive sentence when he asked the king to cause the sun to rise from the west. The king Namrooth realised his disability to accomplish such a task, and therefore his allegation of being a god was refuted.

He may Allaah exalt his mention continued his struggle against idolatry and followed every possible way to prove the Tawheed (Oneness of Allaah) by offering evidence and logical arguments. He asked his people (what means): "…'What do you worship?' They said: 'We worship idols [as did our fathers] and remain to them devoted.' He [Ibraaheem] said: 'Do they hear you when you supplicate? Or do they benefit you, or do they harm?'" [Quran: 26:70-73]

He may Allaah exalt his mention reminded them that there was only One God, the Lord of all creation, who controlled life, death and resurrection. He may Allaah exalt his mention urged his own father to desist from worshipping idols and said that he had learned from his own experience that Allaah alone was worthy of worship.

He may Allaah exalt his mention was shown by Allaah the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth, so that he might be convinced of the faith in his Creator; The Quran narrates (what means): "So when the night covered him [with darkness], he [Ibraaheem] saw a star. He said: 'This is my lord.' But when it set, he said: 'Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray.' And when he saw the sun rising, he said (what means): "'This is my lord; this is greater.' But when it set, he said, 'O my people! Indeed I am free from what you associate with Allaah. Indeed, I have turned my face [i.e., self] toward He who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not of those who associate others [in worship] with Allaah.'" [Quran: 6:76-79]

The people jeered at him, remonstrated with him, and even stoned him; they tried to frighten him into believing that their idols would destroy him and his God would not be able to save him.

But Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention responded with (what means): "…'do you argue with me concerning Allaah while He has guided me? And I fear not what you associate with Him [and will not be harmed] unless my Lord should will something'…" [Quran: 6:80-81]

After he had no hope of their response, he crept in stealth to their idols and smashed them all, except for the largest one. When the people knew that Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention had been the doer, they prepared a huge fire wherein he was thrown. But he emerged safe from the fire by the Grace of Allaah.

After this, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention left his people for Palestine, accompanied by his wife, Saarah, and his nephew, Loot, may Allaah exalt their mention. When they passed by the territory of a tyrant king, someone told that tyrant that a stranger had come accompanied by a very charming lady. The king ordered that the lady be brought to him.  When the lady (Saarah) was brought to him, he tried to take hold of her but, by a miracle of Allaah, his hand became rigid. He then gave Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, a maidservant by the name of Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention.

As Ibraaheem and Saarah, may Allaah exalt their mention, had reached old age with no children, Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, offered her servant Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, to her husband as a wife in order that he could have a child from her, as this was the wish of Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention.

From Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was given a son named Ismaa'eel, despite being eighty-six years of age. Allaah the Glorious and Mighty then commanded Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention to take his wife and beloved son to a barren place (Makkah) and to leave them there, alone, where no food, water, or human life was to be seen. The wife, may Allaah exalt her mention, heartily accepted this command, as it was Allaah’s will.  It was only occasionally that Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention did visit his bitterly suffering wife and son. On one such visit, Allaah commanded him to offer his son as a sacrifice, which was the most difficult test for his faith.

The son obeyed his father’s accomplishment of Allaah’s will. Just as Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was about to slaughter Ismaa'eel may Allaah exalt his mention Allaah ransomed him for a ram.  Allaah revealed to Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention that this was a trial for him in which he succeeded.

Ibraaheem and his son, Ismaa'eel, may Allaah exalt their mention, then built the Sacred House of Allaah, the Ka’bah, in Makkah (see Quran: 14:35–41]). Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention established the rites of Hajj as enjoined by Allaah (see [Quran: 22:26-30]). He taught people Tawheed (see [Quran: 60:4]), Allaah’s Attributes (see [Quran 26:77-84]), belief in the Day of Resurrection (see [Quran 2:260])…. etc.

As a concluding statement, it is worth noting that this story of Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention teaches us, among many other things, that it is the relationship between a Muslim and his Lord and brother Muslims that should be given precedence over blood relationships.

Shamim Ansary:
The story of Prophet Aadam - I

Allaah Almighty revealed in the Quran (what means): "And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels: 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said: 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' He [Allaah] said:  'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.' And He taught Aadam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said: 'Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.' They said: 'Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.' He said: 'O Aadam! 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 [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.' And [mention] when We said to the angels: 'Prostrate before Aadam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblees [Satan]. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers. And We said: 'O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said: 'Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time.' Then Aadam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. We said: 'Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of Fire; they will abide therein eternally.'" [Quran 2:30-39]

Almighty Allaah also revealed (what means): "And We have certainly created you, [O mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels: 'Prostrate to Aadam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was not of those who prostrated. [Allaah] said: 'What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?' [Satan] said: 'I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay [i.e. earth].' [Allaah] said: 'Descend from it [i.e. Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased.' [Satan] said: 'Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.' [Allaah] said: 'Indeed, you are of those reprieved.' [Satan] said: 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e. mankind] on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].' [Allaah] said: 'Get out of it [i.e. Paradise], reproached and expelled, Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.' And: 'O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said: 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.' And he swore [by Allaah] to them: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.' So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them: 'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?' They said: '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.' [Allaah] said:  'Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e. provision] for a time.' He said: 'Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.'” [Quran 7:11-25]

When Allaah the Almighty created Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. The purpose behind that was not to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allaah the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have offspring. That is why the angels said to Allaah the Almighty (what means): "…Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood…" [Quran: 2:30]

According to the prominent Muslim scholar Qataadah may Allaah have mercy upon him it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and his progeny by the jinn who lived before Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. Abdullaah bin 'Umar may Allaah be pleased with him said that the jinn had existed for many years before Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and had shed one another's blood. Therefore, Allaah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abu Haatim may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the angels were informed by Allaah that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth.

Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allaah would create a vicegerent on earth. Allaah the Almighty announced that He was going to create a human being out of clay, that He would mould him and blow His spirit into him and that the angels should then prostrate before him.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Allaah created Aadam from a handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Aadam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them." [Al-Bukhaari]

So Allaah shaped Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention into a human being; but he remained a figure of clay for forty years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblees felt the most fear. He would pass by the figure of Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allaah Says (what means): "He created man [Aadam] from clay like [that of] pottery." [Quran: 55:14]

When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention as Allaah decreed, He commanded the angels (what means): "When I breathe My spirit into him, prostrate before him." [Quran 15:29] Allaah breathed His spirit into Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and when it reached his head, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention sneezed. The angels said to him: "Say: 'All praise belongs to Allaah.'" Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention repeated: "All praise belongs to Allaah." Allaah said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy." When the spirit reached his eyes, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen, he may Allaah exalt his mention craved for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise.

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention opened his eyes and saw all the angels prostrating before him except one being, who was standing at a distance. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate before him, nor did he know its name. Iblees was standing with the angels so as to be included in the command given to them, but he was not one of them - he was a jinn. What is clear is that this prostration was to show respect and did not mean that the angels were worshipping Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. Prostrating in worship is done only for Allaah.

Iblees believed that he was more honourable than Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. Therefore, he abstained from prostrating, even though Allaah had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels.

Iblees tried in vain to justify his refusal; he said (what means): "…'Should I prostrate to one You created from clay? Do you see this one who You have honoured above me? If you delay me [i.e., my death] until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy [i.e., lead astray] his descendants, except for a few.'" [Quran: 17:61-62]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was following what was happening around him and had feelings of love, awe, and astonishment - deep love of Allaah, who had created and glorified him and who had made His angels prostrate before him; awe of the Creator's wrath when He excluded Iblees from His mercy. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was surprised by this creature, Iblees, who abhorred him without even knowing him and who imagined himself better than him without having proved that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblees was, and how strange was his excuse for not prostrating!

Shamim Ansary:
Adam Dwells in Paradise

Allaah commanded Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention to dwell in Paradise Saying (what means): "…‘O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" [Quran: 2:35]

The location of this Paradise is unknown to us. The Quran did not mention it, and the Quranic commentators have five different opinions on this. Some said that it was the Paradise of our refuge, and that its place was heaven. Others rejected that statement because if it was the Paradise of refuge, Iblees (Satan) would have been forbidden admission, and disobedience in it would have been forbidden as well. Still others said that it was another paradise that was created by Allaah for Aadam and Hawwaa` (Eve), may Allaah exalt their mention. A fourth group said it was a paradise on the earth located in a high place. Another group of commentators have stated that one should not speculate about this.

We agree with this last opinion, as the lesson we learn from its location is immaterial compared to the lesson we learn from the events that took place there.

Aadam and Hawwaa`, may Allaah exalt their mention, were admitted to Paradise and there they lived the dream of all human beings. Allaah permitted them to approach and enjoy everything except one tree; He Says (what means): "…‘Do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" [Quran 2:35]

Aadam and Hawwaa’, may Allaah exalt their mention, understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit of that tree. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was, however, a human being, and man tends to forget. His heart changes and his will weakens. Satan summoned all the envy within him and took advantage of Aadam's humanity to exploit him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him, as this verse states (which means): "…‘Shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?’" [Quran 20:120] He said to them (what means): "'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.' And he swore [by Allaah] to them: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.'" [Quran: 7:20-21]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention asked himself: "What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the tree of eternity." His dream was to live for ever in the pure innocence of Paradise.

Years went by, and Aadam and Hawwaa’, may Allaah exalt their mention, were preoccupied with thoughts of that tree. Then, one day, they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allaah had warned them not to approach it and that Satan was their sworn enemy. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention stretched out his hand, picked one of the fruits, and offered it to Hawwaa’, may Allaah exalt her mention. They both ate of the forbidden tree.

Allaah Almighty tells us (what means): "So he [Satan] made them fall…" [Quran: 7:22] Allaah also says what means: "…And Aadam disobeyed his Lord and erred." [Quran: 20:121]

At that moment, their eyes were opened to the fact that they were naked, and so they took the leaves of a fig tree to cover themselves. Wahb bin Munabbih may Allaah have mercy upon him who was a Muslim scholar from the second generation, said that their clothing was made of light on the private parts of both of them.

Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): "O Children of Aadam! Let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents [Aadam and Hawwaa’] from Paradise stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe." [Quran: 7:27]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he was filled with pain, sadness and shame. The surrounding atmosphere and his mood had changed. He discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting tree leaves with which to cover themselves. Allaah the Almighty then addressed them (with what means): "…'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?' They said: '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.' [Allaah] said: 'Descend, being to one another [Aadam, Hawwaa’, and Satan] enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.' He said: 'Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.'" [Quran: 7:22-25]

Imaam Ibn 'Asaakir may Allaah have mercy upon him who was a prominent Muslim scholar, narrated that Allaah commanded two angels to remove Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention from His holy proximity. So Jibreel (Gabriel) may Allaah exalt his mention stripped him of the crown on his head, and Meekaa'eel (Michael) took the diadem from his forehead. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention thought that his punishment had been hastened and bowed down crying: "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!" Allaah Said: "Are you running away from Me?" Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention replied: "No, my Lord, but I am shy of You."

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