Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) Tells the Angels of His New Creation:
In the heavens,
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) informed His angels that He had decided to place a Khalifah, or a vicegerent, which means a "successor" or "ruler" on earth who would reside there from generation to generation.
Wa iz qaala rabbuka lil malaaa’ikati innee jaa’ilun fil ardi
khaleefatan qaalooo ataj’alu feehaa mai yufsidu feehaa wa yasfikud
dimaaa’a wa nahnu nusabbihu bihamdika wa nuqaddisu laka qaala inneee
a’lamu maa laa ta’lamoon
English Translation:
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?”
Allah said, “Indeed, I know that which you do not know.” — (Surah Baqarah, 2:30)
In Islam, angels are considered special creations of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), distinct in their origin and purpose.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) described angels as being "created from light," contrasting them with jinns, who were "created from a smokeless flame of fire" (Sahih Muslim 2996). The Qur'an also gives insight into their purpose as obedient servants of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), never disobeying or questioning his command, "...angels, who do not disobey Allah in whatever He commands them and who perform whatever they are commanded to." (Surah Tahrim, ayah 6)
This characteristic of being in complete submission to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) is further shown in two other verses:
"…In fact, those angels are only His honored servants, who do not speak until He has spoken, only acting at His command." (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:26-27)
"And to Allāh prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant. They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded." (Surah An-Nahl, 16:49-50)
It's important to highlight this because, in the ayah where Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) reveals His creation to the angels, they responded by asking, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?"
This statement by the angels by Qur'an commentators is explained as saying it is neither a form of dispute, rebellion, or out of envy. Rather, this question is an expression of their wonderment, seeking a reason rather than doubting their Lord. Hence why, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) responds, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know," and the verse continues to name how mankind would be bestowed with knowledge, to which the Angels then reply, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise." (Surah Baqarah, ayah 32)
CREATION OF ADAM
عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ - THE FIRST MAN:
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then molded Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) using clay gathered from various parts of the earth, reflecting the diverse complexions and physical characteristics of his descendants. This is corroborated by an authentic narration in Tirmidhi 2955, where The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Indeed Allah Most High created Adam from a handful that He took from all of the earth. So the children of Adam come in according with the earth, some of them come red, and white and black, and between that, and the thin, the thick, the filthy, and the clean."
Furthermore, in Sahih Bukhari 3326, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) mentioned, "Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall [...] And everyone who enters Paradise will be in the form of Adam."
Some scholars interpret this to refer to his stature in Paradise, and upon being descended to Earth, he was given an appropriate height. Regardless, under the command of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) could've been 50ft or 100ft. Nothing is impossible for Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). We are also told in the same hadith, "People have been decreasing in stature since Adam's creation."
In Sahih Muslim 2789, it is reported that Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was created after 'Asr on a Friday. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then made an announcement to the angels about the creation of man, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration." (Surah Sad, ayat 71-72)
For forty years, the first man, fashioned from clay, remained a lifeless figure. During this time, angels passing by would experience a sense of awe and fear. Iblis, in particular, harbored envy towards Allah's new creation. He would often strike the clay figure of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), taunting him, saying, "You are nothing! If I gain dominion over you, I will destroy you; if you gain power over me, I will not obey you." Each blow produced a pottery-like sound.
“
This detail is mentioned in the Qur'an where Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) tells us, "He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery." — (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:14)
ANGELS PROSTRATE BEFORE ADAM عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
The time eventually came for the soul to be breathed into the first man. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) issued the divine command to all the angels, “After I have created him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall you down, prostrating yourselves to him” (Surah As-Sad, ayah 72) With this, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) breathed a soul into Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), giving him life and marking the beginning of human existence.
When the soul reached him, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) he sneezed, saying: “Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah)!” So, he praised Allah with His permission. Then His Lord said to him: ‘May Allah have mercy upon you, O Adam” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367).
As commanded, all the angels fell down in prostration, obeying the command of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), "so the angels prostrated - all of them entirely, Except Iblees; he refused to be with those who prostrated." (Surah Al-Hijr, ayat 31-32)
Now, in this ayah, it gives the impression that Iblis was an angel. However, this confusion is cleared in Surah Kahf, verse 50, where Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says, "And [mention] when We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam,” and they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was of the jinn and departed from the command of his Lord." This is how Iblees was able to refuse Allah's command, he has freedom of will just as we humans do.
“
Allah
سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ
asked Iblees:
“O Iblis! What is the matter with you that you did not join others in prostration?” — (Surah Al-Hijr 15:32)
Iblis, revealing his pride, refused to comply with Allah's command, declaring, "I am better than he. You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." — (Surah Al-A'raf, ayah 12)
This statement not only highlights his arrogance but serves as evidence that Iblees was from the jinn, as opposed to angels, who we know were created from light. Ibles further objected,
“It is not for me to prostrate to a human You created from sounding clay molded from black mud.” — (Surah Al-Hijr 15:33)
Iblis's disdain for Adam, due to his self-proclaimed superiority, set the stage for his subsequent fall from grace, being one of Allah's most favored jinns to an accursed enemy.
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) was angered by Iblees’ response: “So get out! You are truly cursed.” — (Surah Al-Hijr, ayah 34)
Iblees then appealed to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ): “My Lord! Then delay my end until the Day of their resurrection. My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make [disobedience] attractive to them on earth, and I will mislead them all Except, among them, Your chosen servants." (Surah Al-Hijr, ayat 36, 39, 40)
“You are of those allowed respite (until the Day of Judgment),” Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) conceded, adding: “This is a path [of return] to Me [that is] straight. Indeed, My servants – no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators. And indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven gates; for every gate is of them a portion designated.” (Surah Al-Hijr, ayat 37-38, 41-44)
Newly endowed with the gift of life, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) found himself in the middle of an exchange between Iblis and his creator. A deep sense of love and admiration for Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) filled his heart. But, simultaneously, he was struck with awe seeing Iblees' blatant disobedience towards Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was confused by Iblee's hatred towards him without having any knowledge about him. It became clear to Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that this creature was consumed with pride and arrogance and recognized Iblees as the enemy.
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then instructed Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to go to a gathering of angels and greet them with: “As-salaamu alaikum (peace be upon you).”
Upon doing so, the angels replied to Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) with: “wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah (May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you too).”
When Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) returned to his Creator, He said: “This is your greeting and the greeting of your children among each other.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi 3367)
ADAM
عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
LEARNS
THE NAMES OF EVERYTHING:
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) distinguished Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), giving him unique attributes that set him apart from all other creations. Unlike the angels, Adam was granted free will, power of perception and reasoning, and a capacity for creativity. These qualities were given so that Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) could reflect on his true identity, see the truth, and his reason for existence.
Now, what is meant by the names of everything? Some scholars have said he was given the knowledge about the proper names of all things, so he knew the names of the angels, his progeny, and the names of other species. Another opinion is that he learned the names of all regular things and their characteristics, like birds, humans, sky, water, trees, and so on. Another position is he was given knowledge of speech, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) created the first language with all its nouns, verbs, and adjectives and gifted that knowledge to Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) so he could communicate with eloquence.
He also instilled in Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) a love for knowledge and a strong desire to impart knowledge to his offspring. When His creation had learned all that he needed to learn, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) presented him before His angels.
“
He first asked the angels, “Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true?” — (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:31)
They responded, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise,” the angels replied, admitting their inability to do so. — (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 32)
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then turned to Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and instructed: “O’ Adam! Inform them of their names.”
As commanded, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recited the names of everything to the amazement of the angels. It is also quite interesting here Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says to the Angels, "tell me," but in commanding Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he says, "tell them," which is an expression that shows Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as a teacher and the angels taking on the role of a student. This highlights the degree of superiority in knowledge man has been given over angels.
Then Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) speaks to his knowledge, “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?” — (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 33)
The angels recognized that Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed a breadth of knowledge not privy to them. This quality honored man and elevated his status above other creations. Adam’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge spanned the realm of worldly knowledge, knowledge of the Creator, and understanding His creations.
Eager to share and discuss his knowledge, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) often sought the company of the angels. However, the angels were primarily preoccupied with their worship and duties praising Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). This often left Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in solitude, and he began to feel very lonely. So, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) then decided to create a companion for Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This partner, fashioned from Adam's rib, was destined to provide him comfort and companionship.
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The creation of Eve: One day, as Adam (سلام) awoke from his sleep, he
found a human gazing intently at him with tender eyes.
"Who are you?" he asked the creation.
"A woman", came the response.
"Why have you been created?" Adam asked.
"So you can find tranquillity in me", she responded.
The angels were in awe of this new creature, so they
asked Adam "What is her name, O'Adam?"
Не replied: "Eve."
They then asked: "Why has she been named so?"
Adam responded: "Because she was created from living"
While the Qur'an does not explicitly detail the creation story of Hawwa (eve), there are some differences of opinion among scholars. Some traditions hold that Hawwa was created from Adam's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) left rib; others argue that she, like Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) were fashioned in the same way.
The Qur'an addresses our creation and does not distinguish between separate origins: "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allāh, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allāh is ever, over you, an Observer." (Surah An-Nisa, ayah 1)
Additionally, Surah Al-Isra, ayah 189 mentions, "It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in security with her. And when he [i.e., man] covers her, she carries a light burden [i.e., a pregnancy] and continues therein. And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allāh, their Lord, "If You should give us a good [child], we will surely be among the grateful."
However, in one hadith in Sahih Bukhari 3331, narrated by Abu Huraira, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Treat women nicely, for a woman is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely."
The scholars reject the literal interpretation of this hadith. It's similar to the verse where Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) says, “Man has been created from hastiness.” (Quran 21:37) This does not mean the substance a man is made from is hastiness. Rather, this ayah advises how the nature of man includes haste, which is an undesirable quality and a weakness.
Similarly, the hadith tries to teach through metaphor that a man should treat their spouse with respect and kindness. He should accept her uniqueness, just as a rib has a unique curvature to it. A man should accept this nature of a woman and avoid trying to reshape it as it may lead to harm, causing it "to break," meaning the relationship, bond, or even personal well-being.
THE FORBIDDEN TREE:
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa lived a life of complete freedom in paradise. They were granted complete liberty to explore and roam Allah's beautiful gardens and enjoy all it had to offer. However, there was a singular prohibition Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had given them. He warned both Adam and Hawwa not to approach a certain tree; if they did, it would be an act of transgression and disobedience.
“
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) said in the Quran: “But come not near this tree or you both will be of the wrongdoers.” — (Surah Al-Baqarah, ayah 35)
This directive served as a test of their will and obedience in the otherwise unrestricted joys of paradise.
It was clear to both of them that eating from this specific tree was off-limits. However, as is often the nature of man, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) slowly forgot Allah's command. His willpower weakened, and his heart became easy to exploit.
Seizing this vulnerable moment, Iblees saw an opportunity to demonstrate that humans were weaklings after all, and he, Iblees, was the superior being. He was resolute in his mission to lead humans away from the path of Allah's worship. And so, he used this one prohibition to enact his plan of deceit and misguidance.
He started whispering to him day after day; he wanted to bury a seed of doubt in Adam’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mind. He would whisper to the couple, "Shall I guide you to the tree of immortality and the eternal kingdom?"
He would also say to them: "Your Lord has forbidden this tree to you only to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals." And he [iblees] swore to them, “I am truly your sincere advisor." — (Surah Al-A'raf, ayat 20-21)
So, the pair were persuaded into disobeying Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
Before he finished consuming the fruit of the forbidden tree, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was filled with a sense of shame, sadness, and pain. With the single act of disobedience, both Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa became aware of their nudity, and they frantically began to pluck leaves to cover themselves.
"O children of Adam, let not Shaitan tempt you as he removed your parents 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." (Surah Al-A'raf, ayah 27)
CONDEMNED TO EARTH:
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa were summoned before their Lord, who asked: "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?" (Surah Al-A'raf ayah 22)
The pair was sorrowful and consumed by guilt. Upon realizing their mistake, they both turned to seek forgiveness. They pleaded:
“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.” — (Surah Al-A'raf ayah 23)
It was indeed too late; Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) had already planned His sentence.
He expelled Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Hawwa, and Iblees to earth, where He destined humans to be enemies with Iblees
He said:“Descend as enemies to each other. You will find in the earth a residence and provision for your appointed stay. There you will live, there you will die, and from there you will be resurrected.” — (Surah Al-A'raf ayah 24)
LIFE ON EARTH:
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa led a life of hardship on earth. Food did not come easy, unlike in their previous abode. They were compelled to work hard in order to sustain themselves on earth. He was burdened with searching for food, clothing, and shelter for his wife and children. He was also challenged with fighting wild animals who were wandering about in search of a full meal.
However, above all, the biggest burden that Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) had to constantly battle was the whispers of Shaitan. Shaitan stuck to his word and continued to torment the humans with his evil whispers. Nonetheless, he remained resolute and proved himself to his Lord. It was vital that he thrived on earth and brought forth offspring who would remain steadfast in their assigned duty — to worship Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
ADAM عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ CHILDREN:
The lonesome existence of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa on Earth soon changed with the arrival of their children. Their family began with the blessing of twins, Cain (Qabil) and his sister. As time passed, they welcomed another set of twins, Abel (Habil) and his sister.
The children grew, and the family enjoyed a humble life with Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) ample blessings. Qabil cultivated the land, whereas Habil reared the cattle.
Part of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Hawwa’s expulsion to earth was with the aim of populating the land with dutiful humans who worshipped Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). Thus, when the children reached marriageable age, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) revealed to Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to marry each son to the other’s twin sister. There was, after all, no other family in existence besides Adam’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) family.
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) did as Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) instructed. While Habil was ready to follow Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) command, Qabil was not too pleased. Whilst Habil was known for his intelligence, obedience, and readiness to obey the will of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), Qabil was arrogant, selfish, and disobedient to his Lord.
Qabil was unhappy with the command as, according to him, Habil’s twin sister was not as pleasing to the eye as his own. He defied Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) command as he refused to accept his father’s advice.
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was in a quandary. He was uncertain as to what needed to be done, so he called out to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), seeking His assistance. Thus, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) commanded that each son offer a sacrifice in the name of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), and He would favor the son whose sacrifice he accepted.
While Habil offered his best lamb to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), Qabil offered his worst harvest. Therefore, naturally, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) accepted Habil’s offer, whilst Qabil’s disobedience towards Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) command and his insincerity in his offering caused his plea to be rejected.
Habil responded calmly, "Allah only accepts the offering of the sincerely devout. 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. 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." — (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:27-29)
Habil was principled in his response. He was not fazed by his brother's threats, but he made certain that he reminded his brother not to stray from the path of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)
THE FIRST
MURDER:
The hatred that Qabil had towards his brother outweighed all other forms of familial bonds and emotions. The fear of Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) punishment also failed to arise in his mind.
As expected, Qabil did not heed his brother's warnings. He struck Habil with a stone and killed him in an instant. This was the first death and murder in the history of humankind.
As time passed, and Habil did not return home, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) began worrying. He began to look for his son but found no trace. When he inquired about Habil’s whereabouts, Qabil stated that he was not his brother’s keeper nor protector.
It didn’t take Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) long to realize that his beloved Habil was no more. Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was consumed with grief.
Having murdered his brother, Qabil was unsure what needed to be done with Habil’s body. He wandered all over, pondering how he could hide the body from his family.
As his anger slowly subsided, Qabil began to feel remorse for his brother and was overcome with guilt.
In a bid to retain the dignity of the deceased, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) caused Qabil to witness the death and burial of two crows.
Cain watched as the crow used its claws and beak to dig a hole in the earth, push the carcass into it, and cover it with sand.
"Then Allāh sent a crow searching [i.e., scratching] in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said, "O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the disgrace [i.e., body] of my brother?" And he became of the regretful." — (Surah Maidah, ayah 31)
Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) lost both his sons and was overwhelmed with grief. Habil was murdered while Qabil was under the spell of the devil. He made du'a for his son and went on to carry out the duties expected of him.
He continued to warn his children and grandchildren of Iblees and constantly reminded them to worship Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) and not be among those who disobeyed him.
ADAM
عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ DEATH:
One day, Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),who was gravely ill, said to his children: my children, indeed I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.”
Intent on fulfilling their father’s request, the children set out to gather the fruits of paradise. On their way, they met with some angels who carried with them Adam’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) shroud and other materials required for the preparation of a body for burial.
The angels instructed the children of Adam to hasten home as their father was about to meet his end soon. So, the children returned home with the angels.
Upon arrival, the angels took Adam’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) soul. They prepared him for the funeral, wrapped him in the shroud, dug his grave, and laid him in it.
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They told the children of Adam: Children of Adam, this is your tradition at the time of death."
Following the death of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), his son Seth (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) succeeded him. He, too, was made a Prophet and was tasked with the duty of guiding people to the path of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
Hawwa (Eve). However, the name is never mentioned in the Qur'an. حواء is mentioned in hadith.
City/Where:
There is no mention of the place where Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was sent in the Qur'an. However, in some weak hadith narrations there is mention of him being placed around Sri-Lanka or India. Allah knows best.
Children:
Qabil, Habil, Seth - known names, however historians and scholars mention they had many more children. Some reports include 40 set of twins, one boy and one girl.
**It is believed and generally accepted after Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) his son, Seth (Sheeth) was his successor. However, details regarding his life only come from Isra'iliyyat narrations and are not confirmed by Qur'an or Sunnah. So, the successor with known details would be Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
Commonly Asked Questions:
Here we have a dedicated section to answering commonly asked questions regarding Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).