Islamic Story and Lessons from Adam (AS)

The Quran mentions stories of 25 Prophets in total which serves as a lesson to Muslims on how to lead their lives in accordance with the teachings of Allah (SWT). The story of Adam (AS) and Eve (Hawwa) teaches us some valuable lessons about obedience to Allah's (SWT) commands and the consequences of not obeying them. 

As the first humans Adam (AS) and Hawwa were created with clay and were given many blessings including a free rein in Paradise. However, when they disobeyed Allah's (SWT) command not to eat the forbidden fruit, they were exiled from Jannah (Heaven) and sent to Earth as a punishment to live out the rest of their lives. 

So, how does this story serve as a lesson for us today and how can we act according to it? That's what we’ll explore in this blog.

5 Valuable Lessons from the Story of Adam (AS)

Here are 5 valuable lessons to remember from the story of Adam (AS):

1. The Importance of Knowledge

As Muslims, we must always try to seek knowledge about the world and how Allah's (SWT) creations work. In Arabic, knowledge is called 'ilm, meaning illumination and empowerment. 

By learning more about this world and our Creator, we understand better what’s happening around us and why. As humans, we are distinguished from animals by our knowledge and rational thinking, and we are distinguished from angels in our ability to act upon our knowledge. Allah (SWT) mentions in the Quran the first thing he taught to Adam (AS) and Eve was knowledge of all the things:

“And He taught Adam all the names (of everything), then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful’. They (angels) said: ‘Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise’. He said: ‘O Adam! Inform them of their names,’ and when he had informed them of their names, He said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the Ghaib (unseen) in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been concealing?'”

(Quran, 2:31-33)

Also, the very first command given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was that of iqraa', or "reading" as mentioned in Surah-Alaq. As parents or guardians, we need to encourage children to learn about their faith and seek knowledge of worldly affairs and how to act accordingly when dealing with these affairs. 

Studying secular subjects like science, medicine, literature, economics, technology, etc is also important in Islam. In fact, the Islamic Golden Age is well known today because of its studies on these matters and subjects. Gaining knowledge is considered worship, and when one gains knowledge, he or she is worshipping Allah (SWT).

2. Don’t Be Arrogant

When Allah (SWT) created Adam (AS) he asked the angels to prostrate before him. Satan immediately refused to do so and considered himself superior to man because he was created with fire and man was created with clay. As a result of this disobedience, Allah (SWT) exiled him from Jannah (Heaven). The Quran mentions this story as:

“Remember, O Prophet when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have fashioned him and had a spirit of My Own creation breathed into him, fall down in prostration to him.’ So the angels prostrated all together, but not Iblîs, who acted arrogantly, becoming unfaithful. Allah asked, ‘O Iblîs! What prevented you from prostrating to what I created with My Own Hands? Did you just become proud? Or have you always been arrogant?’ He replied, ‘I am better than he is: You created me from fire and him from clay.’ Allah commanded, ‘Then get out of Paradise, for you are truly cursed. And surely upon you is My condemnation until the Day of Judgment.”

(Quran, 38:71-77)

As we go through life, we may encounter things that seem to make no sense to us, but as Muslims, we must follow Allah's (SWT) command because He has designed the universe in a way that is beyond our understanding. Ultimately all His commands are for our well-being and benefit, there is no harm whatsoever. When we trust in Allah (SWT) and obey Him, even when it might not make sense, we receive His love and prevent ourselves from becoming arrogant.

Such stories in the Quran are meant to provide insight into their underlying messages and guide us in applying them to our daily lives.

3. Satan Is The Eternal Enemy of Mankind

Allah (SWT) has mentioned multiple times in the Qur'an that Iblis (satan) is our greatest enemy and will always lead mankind astray until the day of judgement. He works in such a clever manner that he does not expressly command us to commit sins. His goal is to glorify sinful acts, and he knows that humans are weak-minded and our egos sometimes get the better of us.

A clear example is in Prophet Adam's (AS) story, where Allah (SWT) told him and his wife not to eat fruit from a specific tree. But then Satan came along sparked their interest, and told them that eating fruit from this tree had several benefits. So, they gave in and disobeyed Allah's (SWT) command. 

Due to their disobedience and weakness, they were sent down to Earth as a punishment.

“Allah said, ‘O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat from wherever you please, but do not approach this tree, or else you will be wrongdoers.’ Then Satan tempted them in order to expose what was hidden of their nakedness. He said, ‘Your Lord has forbidden this tree to you only to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals.’ And he swore to them, ‘I am truly your sincere advisor.’ So he brought about their fall through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their nakedness was exposed to them, prompting them to cover themselves with leaves from Paradise. Then their Lord called out to them, ‘Did I not forbid you from that tree and did I not tell you that Satan is your sworn enemy?”

(Quran, 7:19-22)

After disobeying Allah's (SWT) command Satan warned that he would mislead humanity till the end of times and indulge them in sinful acts. As we go about our daily lives, let’s keep this in mind so that we don’t fall victim to Satan's tricks.

4. All It Takes Is Repentance

Both Prophet Adam (AS) and Satan indeed disobeyed Allah (SWT). The main difference between them is that Adam (AS) sought forgiveness for his sin, while Satan allowed his pride and arrogance to prevail.

“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.”

(Quran, 7:23)

Let’s be honest, we’re all prone to sin and mistakes, but what matters is how we react after committing sin. Whether we seek repentance from Allah (SWT) and promise not to do it again, or we keep doing it without any fear of Allah’s (SWT) punishment.

It’s Allah's (SWT) mercy that He has given us free will to do whatever we want. Even if we keep on committing sinful acts, but ask for forgiveness He forgives all in an instant. 

Prophet Adam's (AS) story teaches us that we must acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) continually. We are always in need of Him, but He does not need us. It’s important to remember that the mercy of Allah outweighs our sins.

5. Have Faith in Allah (SWT)

If we think today, we might feel like sending Adam (AS) to Earth was a harsh punishment. Even though Earth itself is very beautiful with an abundance of resources. It is nothing compared to Jannah (Heaven). 

However, this was all part of Allah's (SWT) plan to allow the planet to be inhabited by humans and test their sincerity and faith. We are here today because of Adam's (AS) exile to Earth. This life is just a test and part of Allah's (SWT) greater plan. How we live this life will decide our fate in the afterlife (Qiyamah). 

So, the big question is: Will we be tempted by Satan and live a sinful life, or will we devote ourselves to Allah (SWT) and live a faithful life?

If you are interested in teaching the stories of other Prophet to your kids in a simple and friendly manner then be sure to check out Riwaya Book Collection for Kids. Our books are simple and easy to understand for kids. We also offer books for kids on other Islamic topics like prayer (Salat), Hajj, Pillars of Islam and Hadith of Prophet (PBUH). Browse through our collection to find a suitable book for your kids. 

Conclusion 

Quranic stories are intended to educate people about character, morality, values, and etiquette since these issues are timeless. Our daily lives can be improved by reading the Holy Book with an open mind and applying the messages contained in it to our daily lives. 

Selling at Riwaya 

If you are an online seller and wish to grow your business and reach a global audience then join Riwaya as a seller. We already have many well-reputed sellers who have listed their products on our marketplace and are earning. You can also become one just by following simple steps. Click on the link now.