Remember when your Lord said to the angels, “I am about to place a representative (Khalifah) on earth.” The angels wondered, “Will You put someone there who makes mischief and sheds blood? Yet we praise and honor You always.” Allah ﷻ answered, “I know what you do not know.”
Allah ﷻ taught Adam the names of all things. Then He showed these things to the angels and tested them: “Tell Me the names of these, if your words are true.” The angels replied, “Glory be to You! We know nothing, except what You have taught us. You’re the All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
Allah ﷻ turned to Adam and told him, “Name these things.” When Adam did so, Allah ﷻ showed the angels: “Did I not tell you I know what is hidden in the skies and earth—and what you show and what you hide?”
He told the angels to bow to Adam, and all bowed except Iblis. He refused and became arrogant, earning the title of rejecter/disbeliever.
Adam and his wife were allowed to live freely in Paradise, but warned, “Don’t go near this tree or you’ll become wrongdoers.” Iblis tricked them and they tasted from the tree—and their state changed. Allah ﷻ called to them: “Did I not warn you? This is the enemy!” Adam and his wife asked forgiveness. Allah ﷻ accepted, then sent them down to earth with a purpose: “Some guidance will come from Me; whoever follows it will have no fear or sadness. But those who reject and falsify will live in sorrow.”
These verses were revealed in Madinah (1–2 AH). At the time, Muslims, Jews, and all people were being taught: humanity’s story starts with purpose, not accident. Unlike old tribal myths or tales of fate, the Qur’an shows each person as a representative of Allah ﷻ on earth, trusted with knowledge, choice, and deep responsibility.
Muslims living in Madinah needed this message. Old tribes boasted about their history, claimed inherited power, or treated faith like a set of rituals without real connection. The Qur’an made it clear: Allah ﷻ chose Adam not because of status, but because he accepted knowledge, learned, and repented. Every person, today and then, is called to be a khalifah—to bring goodness, truth, and justice wherever they are.
The angels’ question shows that even perfect creatures can wonder about Allah’s ﷻ plan. His wisdom is deep—He sees how knowledge, humility, and right action can change everything.
Adam’s ability to name things represents human learning, curiosity, and the power to build. The angels’ acceptance, their bowing, shows that knowledge and faith must come together.
Iblis (Satan) refused—out of arrogance. His story reminds us: pride and stubbornness lead to downfall, no matter past greatness.
When Adam and his wife fell for Iblis’s trick, they didn’t blame anyone or make excuses. They admitted their mistake, turned to Allah ﷻ sincerely, and were forgiven. This moment teaches: whoever messes up, if they regret it and ask for mercy, Allah ﷻ is always open to forgive.
The final message is clear. Life is full of tests and choices. Guidance will come from Allah ﷻ. If you follow it, fear and grief will fade—even when life is hard. But ignoring or twisting the truth leads to sadness and emptiness.
In Madinah, these lessons strengthened the Muslims. They saw themselves not just as people of a new community, but as bearers of trust, purpose, and a history bigger than any tribe or old division.
For us today, Adam’s story matters because it speaks to every one of us. Mistakes happen. Sometimes pride or temptation win. But the way forward is always honest learning, humble forgiveness, and steady effort to follow what’s right. In return, Allah ﷻ promises peace, hope, and a true place in the world.
Ready for the next part (Ayat 40 onwards: The Children of Israel and their lessons)?