Ramadan Lecture Series 1445 A.H.
Presented by Al-Sayyid Abdul Malik Badruddin Al-Houthi
Lecture Seven
Monday, 8 Ramadan 1445 A.H. (18 March 2024 A.D.)
The Creation Story of the First Human: Adam, the Father of Humankind!
(Part One)
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I believe that there is no god but Allah, the Sovereign and the Manifest Truth, and that Muhammad, our master, is His servant, Messenger, and Last Prophet.
O Allah! Confer Your salat and blessings upon Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad as You conferred Your salat and blessings upon Ibrahim and the Family of Ibrahim. You are Owner of Praise, Owner of Glory! And be pleased with Muhammad's good companions and all Your righteous servants and mujahidin.
O Allah! Guide us and grant us acceptance, for You are the Hearing, the Knowing; accept our repentance, for You are the Relenting and the Merciful.
Brothers and sisters, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
In light of the blessed verses that present to us stories containing lessons and insights and in which there is great guidance for us in what we need in our real lives, in carrying our responsibilities, and in facing life challenges, we will start from the beginning: what the Holy Quran said about the beginning of human existence and creating Adam (PBUH), the father of mankind. It is a great, important story that contains many lessons and insights: lessons even for the angels, as well as for jinn and humans.
The story of Adam (PBUH) and how he was created appeared about thirty times in the Holy Quran. The story of Adam, how he was created, his story with the angels and the prostration, and his entry into the garden, in which he lived and then ejected from it appeared frequently in the Holy Quran. This is due to the extremely important lessons contained in these stories. However, we (the human race), unfortunately, did not give due attention to such lessons that could have spared us many troubles and hardships and significantly contributed to allowing us to benefit from our first experience on this earth.
Allah (Glory be to Him) says in the Holy Quran, {‘Has there come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing mentioned?’}. Long before the existence of humans, Allah created the heavens and the earth and also created numerous and immense numbers of angels. He also created many other creatures on the earth and filled it with all kinds of animals, and He prepared it in advance for human beings long before creating them.
Before creating humans, there were other creatures that Allah had created, as we mentioned, about the vast, immense numbers of angels in the heavens, whom Allah spread throughout the heavens. Additionally, Allah also created jinn before creating humans, as He (the Almighty) has said in the Holy Quran, {‘And We created the jinn before}—which means before creating humans—{from scorching fire’}. A long time had passed on the earth before humans were created and before their existence on the earth. Then, Allah (Glory be to Him) created humans thereafter.
The Holy Quran speaks about some of the roles and diverse tasks of the angels in the heavens, including their constant worship of Allah (Glory be to Him) through glorifying and praising Him, saying, {‘They glorify day and night, never wavering’}. Then there are tasks related to the universe that Allah assigned to them and tasks that were later connected to humans, such as protecting humans, recording their deeds, taking out their souls, and descending with revelation to the prophets and messengers of Allah, among various other tasks. We can discuss some of these tasks later, Allah willing.
The blessing of human creation and the subjugation of everything in the heavens and the earth for humankind!
It is important for humans to first remember the fact that they were nothing ever mentioned before their creation and that Allah had created the heavens and the earth, created the angels, created the jinn, and spread on earth every creature before human beings were created. Then, Allah (Glory be to Him) created humans, bestowed life upon them, appointed them as vicegerents on this earth, and subjected for them what is in the heavens and the earth. That is why Allah (Glory be to Him) says, {‘How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life’}.
Before that, humans did not exist, were not alive, and were not in the state they are in after Allah created them (i.e. existence, being vicegerents on this earth, and having uncountable, unmeasurable blessings from Allah). Before that, they were non-existent and considered among the lifeless elements in the soil of the earth as humans were created from it; therefore, they were just lifeless elements and minerals that are devoid of life, within the soil of the earth. Then Allah created humans from the soil of the earth, starting by creating Adam (the father of humankind, PBUH) and then his descendants, as even the humble liquid from which the descendants of Adam are formed is created from the elements of the soil of the earth that transfer to humans through food, which then undergoes transformation by the creation of Allah (Glory be to Him) into that humble liquid, from which Allah creates humans.
In the beginning of their existence, humans as a kind, as a species, and as individuals were not mentioned or present in this life. Rather, humans were lifeless elements without any vitality or existence, and they had no role within the framework of vicegerency. {‘How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life,}—it is Allah who created us, gave us life, bestowed existence upon us as humans, appointed us as vicegerents on this earth, and bestowed His abundant blessings upon us—{then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you to life, and then to Him you will be returned’}. Indeed, our beginning is from Allah as He created us, made us exist, bestowed life upon us, and surrounded us with His care, provision, and blessings that are countless and immeasurable. In addition, our ultimate destination is to Him (Glory be to Him): {‘And then to Him you will be returned.’}
{‘It is He Who created for you all of that which is on the earth’}. Allah (Glory be to Him) made the needs and requirements of humans in this life linked to numerous things. Nothing is more than the requirements of humans; their needs are vast, numerous, and diverse: food, clothing, medical care, housing, etc. Indeed, their needs are extensive, and Allah (Glory be to Him) provided them with these needs and requirements and their livelihood on the earth, covering all their needs and requirements. Actually, He made them greatly and extensively provided for mankind on the earth. {‘It is He Who created for you all of that which is on the earth}—everything is from Him (the Almighty) as a blessing for humans. {'Then He turned to the sky and made it seven heavens. And He has knowledge of everything’}.
Appointing a vicegerent on the earth and the reason behind the angels' wonder and inquiry!
{‘And when your Lord said to the angels, “Verily, I am going to make upon the earth a vicegerent”’}—addressing the angels, whom Allah (Glory be to Him) created in vast numbers with various tasks long before creating humans and whom Allah spread throughout His heavens in immense numbers. Considering the role that angels would play in relation to humans after being created and appointed as vicegerents on this earth and considering the events of this story that hold valuable lessons and guiding examples even for the angels and the test they would face, Allah (Glory be to Him) informed the angels that He would appoint a new being, a new creation, as a vicegerent on the earth, with an extensive role that differs from the roles of other creatures on it: the role of vicegerency on the earth. We will discuss the concept of vicegerency later.
Indeed, Allah (Glory be to Him) informed the angels in advance because they would have a role in the life of mankind. The angels possessed knowledge due to what Allah told them about human beings who would be appointed vicegerents on the earth and what they would do during their time as vicegerents. Therefore, it is not true that the angels relied on mere predictions or just judged from the conduct of other beings, as perceived by some including interpreters. The certainty of their inquiry indicated that Allah had informed them beforehand. He informed them a second time when He was about to create this human. Indeed, Allah informed them in advance that He would assign humans as vicegerents on this earth, explaining to them about the conditions of humans and perhaps giving them a general overview of what humans would do. Then He informed them a second time when it was time for it: {'Verily, I am going to make upon the earth a vicegerent.'} This means Allah intended to create this human, and the time for this creation came: the time set by divine planning and knowledge.
{‘And when your Lord said to the angels, “Verily, I am going to make upon the earth a vicegerent.” They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we exalt You with praise and proclaim Your holiness?" He said, "Verily, I know that which you do not know"'}. Allah told the angels about the events that would unfold among some humans, including acts of injustice and evils on the earth, such as bloodshed, which is one of the greatest tragedies in human reality and one of the most heinous crimes and injustices where humans kill one another in aggression and injustice. And the angels therefore were distressed with that exceedingly terrifying crime and found it dreadful and appalling. The same was true for spreading corruption on the earth, which can take many forms.
As they honour, glorify, and worship Allah by the means of praise, glorification, and exaltation, the angels do not want anyone on this earth who might engage in spreading corruption, shedding blood, doing injustice, or committing sins. On the one hand, this is due to their glorification of Allah and their impressive faith—they do not want there to be in any part within Allah's creation of the heavens and earth and this vast and expansive universe, including this planet (this spot of celestial bodies), anyone who disobeys Allah (the Almighty) or commits evils, crimes, or injustices. This manifests their faith-based reality, their impressive state of faith, on the one hand.
On the other hand, they did not have full knowledge of the concept of vicegerency and the nature of the role assigned to humans on this earth. They looked at the matter from one perspective: injustices, crimes, and corruption on the earth that would be caused by some human beings.
They did not ask that out of objection to Allah (Glory be to Him), for they are humble before Allah and obedient to Him: He said about them, {'Who never disobey whatever Allah commands and do whatever they are commanded'}, {'They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded'}, and {'Rather, they are honoured servants. They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command'}. So Allah speaks highly of them in the Holy Quran for their submission to the command of Allah, compliance with Him, obedience to Him, and complete devotion in servitude to Him, the Almighty. However, it was a state of amazement, confusion, and surprise due to looking at the matter from one particular perspective: disapproval of the actions of some human beings in this life. So the angels were surprised, astounded, and confused, as well as frustrated at that negative role of some humans that involves disobeying Allah, spreading corruption on His earth, shedding blood, and committing crimes and atrocities. That was why they raised that inquiry and expressed their readiness to undertake the mission of vicegerency on the earth, according to their basic understanding: The angels believe that any role for any creature should only reflect servitude to Allah (the Almighty), just as they worship Allah through praising, honouring, glorifying, and exalting Him, the Almighty. So when they said, {'while we exalt You with praise and proclaim Your holiness?'}, the angels demonstrated their willingness to fulfil this role of vicegerency on the earth within the framework of servitude and worship to Allah, the Almighty.
{'He said, "Verily, I know that which you do not know."'} Actually, the angels were not supposed to ask in the first place because they believe in Allah's knowledge—that is, He is knowledgeable about everything, including what some humans would commit. It was Allah Who informed them in advance what some humans would do and gave them an account of the state of humans. In addition, He (Glory be to Him) is the Most Just of Judges, the Knowing, the Wise, and the Holy. It is through His wisdom that He designed the plan to create man, to assign him this role on the earth, and so on. Therefore, owing to their faith, the angels were not supposed to raise this inquiry and instead to submit to the will of Allah (Glory be to Him) and to accept this matter because it is from Him. He said to them, {'Verily, I am going to make …'}, so it is from Him: the Knowing, the Wise, the Most Just of Judges, the Holy, the Great, the Most High, the Almighty, and the list goes on with His other perfect attributes.
Therefore, the angels should have submitted to the command of Allah (Glory be to Him) out of faith. This is because He already knows what some people will do, and He is the Wise. However, the angels were in a state of astonishment, confusion, and curiosity, and they wanted to know the wisdom behind that. They also, as we mentioned, were displeased with that negative role of some humans. Indeed, they were very displeased with that negative role of some humans.
Allah (glory be to Him) addressed them, saying, {'Verily, I know that which you do not know.'} They lacked knowledge about the nature of this role concerning human beings, the suitability of human beings for this role of vicegerency on the earth, and what was hidden from them, the angels themselves. We are going to shed light on these matters based on the blessed verses we will discuss. They looked at this matter from only one perspective and did not fully understand in detail the nature of this role, its implications, and its ultimate outcome.
Allah (Glory be to Him) intended to make the incident itself and that question a means of guidance for them. Therefore, He (Glory be to Him) thereafter addressed this question in a way that allowed even the angels themselves to ascend in following His guidance. After all, every creature (be it an angel, jinn, or human( needs the guidance of Allah, the Almighty. No one can reach a state of self-sufficiency where they do not need the guidance of Allah. The angels themselves were in need of divine guidance. In the face of this question and the problem that arose before them, Allah (Glory be to Him) provided them with a practical way that would help them understand the wisdom behind the appointment of human beings as vicegerents and their existence. This is why after He said, {'He said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know,"’} He said, {‘And He taught Adam the names—all of them'}.
The beginning of the creation of Prophet Adam (PBUH)
Before learning the names, Adam was created by Allah (Glory be to Him) in the way mentioned in the blessed verses: Allah (Glory be to Him) says, {' when your Lord said to the angels, " Verily, I am going to create a human being from clay"'}, and He (the Almighty) also says {'And when your Lord said to the angels, "Verily, I am going to create a human being out of clay from an altered black mud. And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My soul, then fall down to him in prostration"'}. Allah created Adam, who marked the beginning of human existence and humankind. The existence of this kind, which is the human being, began with Adam, whom Allah created from the clay of the earth. Therefore, from the beginning of their existence and throughout their presence on the earth, human beings are created from the clay of this same earth. They are earthly creatures, not creatures from outside the earth who came to the earth: Allah created them from this earth, from its clay and elements.
When Allah (the Almighty) created Adam, it was as he said, {‘out of clay from an altered black mud’}. This refers to a type of clay that remains subjected to moisture and water for a long period until it transforms into sticky black soil. So this clay was made to take the shape of man. It was moulded into that specific shape and structure, resembling what we see in statues. The form of the human being was shaped and assembled entirely from this clay, and then it was left until it dried.
Some details regarding the stage of forming the human being from clay, specifically at the beginning of Adam's creation (PBUH), are mentioned in some hadiths and narrations. However, for the sake of brevity and to avoid delving into unreliable narrations, we will only discuss the matter based on the Quranic verses. The verse makes it clear that Adam was created from the black mud that had undergone extensive moulding and shaping before it was fashioned into the complete structure of a human being. Then Allah breathed the soul into it and bestowed life upon it, transforming it into a being with flesh, fat, bones, veins, blood, and skin, just as is the case with every human being. Allah also endowed him with senses, perceptions, talents, power, etc.
{'And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My soul, then fall down to him in prostration'}. Indeed, Allah (Glory be to Him) created Adam, shaped him, and breathed some of His created spirit into him. In addition, in the creation of man, Allah (Glory be to Him) first created him from the clay of the earth, as we have mentioned, so humans are earthly beings, as Allah also says, {'From it, We created you; into it, We will return you; and from it, We will extract you another time'}.
Allah also created humans in the best of forms. Allah created them as a distinguished creation from the rest of the creatures on the earth. He created them in the best of forms and honoured them in the way He created them, at the level of beauty, composition, and what He bestowed upon them in accordance with the nature and role of vicegerency on the earth and with their vast tasks in this life. Furthermore, He gave them hearing, sight, heart, and intellect, which assist them in fulfilling this extensive role, which differs from the rest of the creatures on this earth. Also, He honoured humans and bestowed upon them great blessings, as He (the Almighty) has said, {'And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them far above most of our creation'}.
So bringing human beings into existence started with Adam and in this manner. This means that Allah began the creation of humans from clay, and He has established and explained it to His servants in the Holy Quran and in the previous Books of Allah. This is an important truth that humans must realise, and they should know that Allah (Glory be to Him) created him as an original being from the very beginning. This means that humans have always been human since Allah created them, starting with the first human, Adam (PBUH), who is the father of mankind.
Therefore, the theory of evolution is absurd and false, lacking any basis or truth. It is a silly and absurd theory, and the West should never have accepted it. In fact, it should not have spread through Western societies for decades or a long period of time, given the fact that it was never based on any scientific foundation from the beginning. It was just a theory and an erroneous conception that is not based on any facts at all, and it contradicts the verses of Allah (Glory be to Him) and the realities of life that we see in the world around us.
If the theory of evolution were correct, it would be a continuous process. That is, if there were some truth in their claim that humans descended from monkeys, which over time evolve into human beings, the process would still be ongoing, and monkeys would continue to evolve and transform into humans. In other words, there would be a new group of monkeys transforming into human beings periodically. Nonetheless, it is a false and silly theory with no scientific basis. It is also part of the absurdities presented in the West that are insulting the human and his origin, his role, and his responsibilities and duties on this earth. In fact, they do not want to believe in the dignity that Allah has bestowed upon humans and that Allah has honoured them in their creation by creating them in the best form, in addition to their way of life, their lifestyle, and their provision, as He said that He {‘carried them on the land and sea, provided for them of the good things’}. Allah has honoured human beings and distinguished them from the rest of the creatures on the earth in every aspect: in their creation, provision, lifestyle, way of life, and broad, important, and fundamental role on this earth. Actually, through these absurdities, they insult humans and seek to change their view, even towards themselves, and to make them deny the blessings of Allah upon them and disregard their true role and important responsibility on this earth.
So, man is an earthly creature and being who had such a beginning: Allah created him, honoured him, and commanded His angels to prostrate to him. Indeed, Allah made the angels prostrate to Adam, the father of mankind, and in this, there is an honour for human beings themselves in general, and also an honour for humans as a kind.
Why did Allah create humanity?
Humans, as earthly creatures, are also created for the purpose of being a vicegerent. What does the concept of vicegerency on the earth mean? Human vicegerency on the earth lies within the framework of servitude to Allah, the Almighty. In other words, humans play a role as servants to Allah, Who is the One Who created them, bestowed His blessing upon them, and endowed them with capabilities, abilities, and faculties that help them fulfil a specific role within the framework of servitude to Him, the Almighty. This role has to do with building this life and ensuring its progress, for humans are bound by their life needs and requirements to this earth in order to work in it, to develop it, to produce in it, to extract the blessings that Allah has placed in it, and to benefit from these blessings, as well as to make sure that their efforts to build this life and their movements in this life (which lead to many consequences) are based on justice and the guidance and instructions of Allah (Glory be to Him).
When man fulfils this role according to the guidance of Allah (the Almighty), Allah's power, mercy, and generosity, as well as His remarkable planning and divinity, become evident in the blessings He has bestowed upon him and in his everyday life. It is true that they are evident in all aspects of life and the universe, but the case is different when it comes to human life as it is of a unique pattern. Through all this, one can then see what bears witness to the perfection of Allah, the Almighty. Therefore, humans have a role that serves as an act of worship to Allah (the Almighty), but this worship encompasses various dimensions that are distinct from those of the angels. Humans, by their nature, have many needs, such as food, drink, clothing, and other life requirements, including healthcare and shelter. Human needs are vast, continuously expanding and evolving. Indeed, human needs have expanded and evolved since the beginning of human existence. People have consistently expanded their production and capabilities in this life, moving across the earth and benefiting from what Allah has placed within it and made available for them. This is why the Quran frequently speaks of Allah's abundant blessings and the act of divine facilitation, highlighting that Allah has provided these blessings for humanity so that they can benefit from them in many forms and diverse ways. Their needs continue to grow and diversify to an astonishing extent.
Ultimately, the role that humans play as part of their worship to Allah culminates in bearing witness to His perfection. When they move on this earth according to the guidance and instructions of Allah and based on justice, utilising what He has provided and subjected to them in this life, then this elevates them and greatly reveals the manifestations of Allah's mercy, generosity, and immense blessings. Through this, humans bear witness to Allah's perfection, greatness, and mercy, just as the many things that fill the universe but in a unique way, as we mentioned.
When humans turn away from the guidance of Allah (the Almighty), they harm themselves. When they cause corruption on the earth, shed blood, or deviate from Allah's instructions, they inflict harm, misery, and suffering upon themselves. In doing so, whether they realise it or not, they still bear witness to the greatness of Allah’s guidance and His sacred, blessed instructions, which reflect His knowledge and wisdom.
The martyr leader (May Allah be pleased with him) gave a magnificent example that makes it easier for a person to understand this matter: If a sick person is given a medical prescription by the doctor and advised against certain things harmful to his health and then follows that prescription and as a result becomes better, then this will attest to the skills, competence, experience, knowledge of that doctor. Similarly, if one does not follow the prescription (for example, not to keep away from activities or certain foods he is warned against) and then consequently suffers harm, this also attests to the doctor's wisdom, knowledge, and experience, for the doctor has warned and explained the risks associated with using or consuming such things.
Therefore, when one follows the guidance of Allah (Glory be to Him) in fulfilling his role in this life, he will see and also bear witness (through the realities of his life) to the wisdom of Allah, His knowledge, His mercy, His grace, and His generosity. This becomes evident through his actions and the consequential outcomes. Similarly, when one deviates, this makes him suffer those dangers and consequences that Allah has warned and therefore bears witness to the knowledge of Allah and His wisdom, for He has warned humans against such actions and made them forbidden.
Humans are appointed as vicegerents on the earth to play a significant and broad role that is different from the one of other creatures on the earth. Therefore, humans are honoured with this role and the immense responsibility it entails, whose reward demonstrates its magnitude and importance. It is a great blessing bestowed on them that Allah created them in the best form, in that manner, and then appointed them as vicegerents on the earth and entrusted them with this immense responsibility. This is also a form of honour bestowed on humanity, as humans were essentially brought into existence on this earth to fulfil this role. Therefore, humans were not exiled to the earth, as some wrongly believe.
Some argue that humans were exiled to this earth: They say that humans were initially created in Jannah, which they perceive as the Jannah of the Hereafter, and that it was Adam's transgression that led to their exile on this earth.
Humans are not in exile on this earth: they are created from it and destined to serve as vicegerents on this earth. They were brought into existence for this role, which is a great role. This role is not degrading or demeaning to humans; rather, it holds immense benefits and blessings for them. We will shed light on this point and speak about the rest of the story in the next lecture, Allah willing.
We ask Allah (Glory be to Him) to grant us success in seeking what pleases Him. O Allah! Have mercy on our virtuous martyrs, heal the wounded among us, set free our captives, and grant us victory. You are the Hearer of Prayer!
Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.