The Islamic Bulletin Volume I No. 1 Page 7 Adam is an Arabic word for ‘man’. He was the progenitor of human race. He is reckoned to be the first Prophet by the Muslims. He was also the first man whom Allah had created from the elements of clay. The Holy Qur’an affirms: “O mankind! Surely We created you from dust.” (Qur’an 30:20) The gradual process of man’s physical development has been referred to in the following verses of the Holy Qur’an: “He began the creation of man from dust. Then He made his progeny of an extract of water held in light esteem. Then he made him complete and breathed into him of His spirit and made for you ears and eyes and heart.” (Qur’an 32:7-9) According to the latest scientific research, the man has been created from clay with all its elements and their inherent properties. It is discovered by a chemical analysis of the human body that a defect occurs in its normal functioning when the quality of any of these elements gets diminished. In such case vitamins are used to supplement the deficiency and restore normal health. The Creation of Prophet Adam: Before the creation of mortal, Allah directed all the angels to assemble. Thousands upon thousands of angels (created from light) and Jinns (created from fire) gathered in groups. They bowed respectfully in the presence of Allah. The Creator of the universe declared that He intended to create the man. The angels and Iblis (Satan) disapproved the idea and pointed out that human beings would cause disorder on the earth. They would make mischief and shed blood indiscriminately. The Holy Qur’an gives a description of this even in the following verses: “And when your Lord said to the angels: I am about to appoint a vicegerent in the earth. They said: Will you place therein such as will cause disorder in it or shed blood? We celebrate your praise and extol your holy names. He answered: I know what you know not.” (Quran 2:30) Angels were asked to make Obeisance to Adam: Allah taught Adam the names of all things and inculcated into his mind the knowledge of their properties. The Holy Qur’an says: “And He taught Adam the names of all things; then presenting them to the angels, He said: Tell Me the names of these if you are right.” (Quran 2:31) The angels did not know their names and said: “Glory be to You. We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Surely, You are the Knowing, the Wise.” (Quran 2:32) After that, Allah questioned Adam in the presence of all angels about the names of different objects. He gave correct answers. On the basis of this superiority, Allah asked all the angels to bow as a mark of respect to Adam who was created so miraculously. The Holy Qur’an affirms: “O angels! Fall down making obeisance to Adam.” (Quran 15:29) Angels Prostrated but Iblis (Satan) Refused: When the angels heard the commandment of Allah, they all complied without hesitation. They bowed with respect and admiration to the new creation and that was Adam. However, Iblis (Satan) did not surrender on various pretexts and stood still. They Holy Qur’an says: “And when We said to the angels: Make obeisance to Adam, they did obeisance, not so Iblis, he refused and was haughty and he was of the rejecter.” (Quran 2:34) Challenge of Iblis: Iblis disobeyed Allah and became defiant. He arrogantly refused to accept the authority of a creature who was made of rubbish. Iblis thought himself superior to human being. The Prophet Adam ((AS)
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