First Human and First Prophet
Hazrat Adam (A.S)
Hazrat Adam (A.S.) – Abul Bashar, The First Prophet of Islam
Hazrat Adam (A.S.) is known as Abul Bashar – the father of all humanity – and the very first Prophet of Allah. His life is not just the beginning of mankind, but also the beginning of Prophethood. The Qur’an and Hadith present a detailed picture of his creation, his honour, his test, and his mission. Scholars of Islam have elaborated upon his story with depth, so that humanity can learn the lessons hidden within.
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Creation of Hazrat Adam (A.S.)
Allah Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (A.S.) with His divine power. The Qur’an mentions:
“Indeed, the example of Isa to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:59)
According to authentic reports, Allah gathered soil from different parts of the earth – soft and hard, red and white, black and brown – then mixed it with water and shaped the form of Adam (A.S.). This diversity in the soil symbolizes the diversity in human beings: some soft-natured, some harsh; some light-skinned, some dark; some gentle, some firm.
Ibn Kathir, in his Tafsir, narrates that Allah shaped Adam (A.S.) with His own will and then left his form as clay for a period until it made a hollow sound. This is why the Qur’an also calls mankind “salsaal” (dried clay that makes a sound). (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah al-Hijr 15:26)
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The Honour of Knowledge
The most distinguished gift given to Adam (A.S.) was knowledge. Allah says:
“And He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.’” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:31)
Imam Qurtubi explains that these “names” refer to the knowledge of things, their properties, and their purposes. Adam (A.S.) was given the ability to identify and articulate, something the angels themselves did not have. (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 1, p. 248)
Through this, Allah established the superiority of Adam (A.S.) over the angels, not because of physical strength but because of knowledge.
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After granting Adam (A.S.) knowledge, Allah commanded the angels to bow down to him. The Qur’an records:
“And when We said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam’; so they prostrated, except for Iblis. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:34)
The prostration of angels was not worship, but a gesture of respect and honour to Allah’s creation. All the angels obeyed except Iblis, who was filled with pride. He said:
“I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.” (Surah Sad, 38:76)
This arrogance became the first act of disobedience in the history of creation.
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Allah settled Adam (A.S.) and his wife, Hawwa (A.S.), in Paradise. They were allowed to enjoy everything except one tree. Allah warned them:
“O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:35)
Shaytan deceived them, whispering that the tree would grant them immortality. Out of human weakness, they ate from it. Their mistake was not kufr, but an error in judgment.
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Descent to Earth
As a result, Allah commanded Adam (A.S.), Hawwa (A.S.), and Iblis to descend to earth. The Qur’an mentions their repentance:
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.” (Surah al-A‘raf, 7:23)
Allah forgave them, but declared earth as their place of dwelling and trial. Thus, the earthly life of mankind began.
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Hazrat Adam (A.S.) as the First Prophet
Hazrat Adam (A.S.) was not just the first man but also the first Prophet. Allah revealed guidance to him, teaching him the basics of halal and haram, worship, and obedience. Imam Tabari writes in Tareekh al-Umam wal-Muluk that Adam (A.S.) was sent with divine guidance to teach his children the oneness of Allah.
According to narrations, Adam (A.S.) also built the first House of Allah, the Kaaba, which later was rebuilt by Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and Hazrat Ismail (A.S.). (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah al-Baqarah 2:125)
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His Children and the First Trial
Hazrat Adam (A.S.) had many children. Among them, the most famous are Habeel (Abel) and Qabeel (Cain). The Qur’an narrates their story:
“And recite to them the story of Adam’s two sons in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but not from the other. He said, ‘I will surely kill you.’ The other said, ‘Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous.’” (Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:27)
Qabeel, out of jealousy, killed Habeel, committing the first murder in human history. This tragedy reflects the struggle between good and evil that continues among the children of Adam.
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Sayyiduna Muhammad ﷺ and Hazrat Adam (A.S.)
One of the profound connections between Adam (A.S.) and our Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned in Hadith. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I was a Prophet while Adam was between clay and water.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23408)
This indicates the Nur of Muhammad ﷺ was created before Adam (A.S.) and that the mission of Prophethood was decreed from the very beginning.
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Lessons from Hazrat Adam (A.S.)
1. Human Dignity – Allah created mankind with honour and knowledge.
2. The Danger of Pride – Iblis fell due to arrogance, teaching us humility is key to faith.
3. Obedience – Even the smallest disobedience can lead to downfall.
4. Repentance – Adam (A.S.) taught humanity the power of turning back to Allah.
5. Unity of Humanity – All humans share the same origin and are equal as children of Adam.
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Passing of Hazrat Adam (A.S.)
According to authentic reports, Hazrat Adam (A.S.) lived for around 960 years. When his time came, the angels descended, performed his ghusl, and offered his janazah, setting the Sunnah for funeral rites. (Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya, Vol. 1, p. 83)
He was laid to rest on earth, marking the completion of a life filled with tests, lessons, and guidance.
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Conclusion
Hazrat Adam (A.S.) is not only the first man but also the first Prophet, the father of all mankind, and the one whose story carries eternal lessons. His creation shows Allah’s power, his honour reflects the value of knowledge, his test highlights human weakness, and his repentance displays Allah’s mercy.
From Adam (A.S.) to the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad ﷺ, the mission of Prophethood has been one continuous chain: guiding humanity to the worship of one Allah.
As the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah chose Adam, Nuh, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran above all the worlds.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:33)
Thus begins the story of mankind, rooted in faith, knowledge, humility, and mercy – with Hazrat Adam (A.S.), Abul Bashar, the very first Prophet of Islam.
References used: Qur’an, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Tarikh al-Tabari, Musnad Ahmad, Al-Bidaya wa’l-Niyyaha.
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