The Story of Human Creation (Based on the Qur’an)


In the beginning, before the earth was ready for life, the heavens and the earth were silent and lifeless. Then came a great Divine Will: to create a being with reason and free will, capable of choosing its own path. God said to the angels: “I will place a vicegerent on earth” (Qur’an 2:30). The angels asked in wonder: “Will You create someone who will spread corruption and shed blood, while we glorify and praise You?” God replied: “I know what you do not know”—a secret hidden within the creation of a being who would carry a trust that even the heavens and earth refused to bear.


God took dust from the earth and mixed it with water, forming clay. Over time, this clay became mud with a smell, and then dried clay like pottery. The Qur’an says: “We created man from dry clay, like pottery” (55:14). This lifeless form lay on the earth for a long time, until God breathed into it His spirit: “When I have shaped him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down before him in prostration” (38:72).


Thus, Adam—the first human—opened his eyes as life surged through him. He became aware, conscious. God commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam. They all obeyed, except for Iblis (Satan). He was from the jinn, made of fire, and refused to bow. He said: “I am better than him. You created me from fire and him from clay” (7:12). His pride led to his downfall. God expelled him from His presence. But Iblis asked for respite until the Day of Judgment, so he could mislead humankind. God granted his request, saying: “You are allowed, but My sincere servants will not be deceived by you.”


Adam was placed in a beautiful garden—Paradise—where everything was prepared for him. God gave him peace and abundance, with only one command: “Do not approach this tree, or you will be wrongdoers” (2:35). Adam was not alone; God created for him a companion—Hawwa (Eve). They lived in comfort, until Satan plotted his revenge. He whispered to them secretly: “Shall I show you the tree of eternity and a kingdom that never ends?” (20:120). Tempted, they both ate from the tree. At once, their heavenly garments fell away, and they began to cover themselves with leaves. Then they heard God’s voice: “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is your clear enemy?” (7:22).


Regret filled Adam’s heart. With deep sorrow, he prayed: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the losers” (7:23). God accepted their repentance, but Paradise was no longer their dwelling. He commanded: “Go down to the earth, all of you. You will be enemies to each other, and you will have on earth a place to live and provisions for a time” (2:36).


Adam descended to earth—not as a rejected outcast, but as the father of humanity and God’s representative on earth. With the knowledge God taught him—the names and secrets of creation—he learned to live and guide his offspring. From there, the story of humankind began: a being standing between angel and devil, free to choose its destiny—either rising to closeness with God or falling into ruin. And this test will continue until the end of time.