Adam: The Father of Humanity
The Prophet Adam is widely recognized as the Father of Humanity, being the first human created by God. Initially, God existed in solitude, after which He created the Throne, the angels, and both righteous and unrighteous jinn. Following this, He formed the heavens and the earth along with all that resides within them, culminating in the creation of creatures. God then informed the angels of His intention to appoint a vicegerent on Earth: humanity, from whom He would designate prophets, messengers, and righteous individuals who would follow the guidance provided by these prophets and messengers. The angels expressed their astonishment at this new creation, voicing concerns to God about the potential for humanity to cause bloodshed and corruption on Earth. However, in His divine wisdom, God intended to create from humankind both the righteous worshipers and those who would fulfill His commandments and intentions on Earth.
The Creation of Adam and Eve
God took a handful of clay and mixed it with water to fashion Adam in the likeness of a human being. He then breathed His spirit into him, bringing Adam to life, enabling him to move and perceive the world around him. God then taught Adam the names of various things, including trees, fruits, and springs. Subsequently, as an act of honor, God commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam as a sign of respect. All the angels complied willingly with God’s command, except for Iblis, who refused to venerate Adam, thus becoming his adversary.
Adam – peace be upon him – resided in Paradise, where he enjoyed its comforts at will. Yet, he began to feel a sense of loneliness due to the profound silence and lack of companionship. To alleviate this solitude, God created Eve to be Adam’s spouse, thereby making Paradise a more joyful abode as Adam and his wife enjoyed each other’s company.
The Descent of Adam and Eve to Earth
Divine will dictated that Adam and Eve’s stay in Paradise would be temporary. When they were tested with the prohibition against eating from a specific tree, they forgot the command and both partook of its fruit. Consequently, they were sent down to Earth, fulfilling God’s will. Adam lived on Earth until his death. There is no definitive evidence pinpointing the exact location of Adam’s burial; scholars suggest that there is no confirmed grave for any prophet besides Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him. The various accounts regarding the burial places of other prophets remain inconclusive.