আউলিয়া কেরামের অমূল্য বাণী

• যতক্ষন না মানুষের মধ্যে পাঁচটি বস্তু দেখা যায় ততক্ষন সে জান্নাতের দাবী করতে পারে না।
  ১। সৎ পথে অবিচল থাকা    
  
  ২। জ্ঞান পরিচালনার দ্বারা কর্ম পন্থা নির্ধারণ করা
  
  ৩। প্রকাশ্যে গোপনে উভয় অবস্থায় আল্লাহর ধ্যান করা
  
  ৪। মৃত্যুর কথা স্মরণে রেখে পরকালের সম্বল অর্জনে ব্রতী হওয়া
  
  ৫। রোজ কিয়ামত আসার আগেই নিজের আমলের হিসাব নিকাশ করা
  
  -হযরত যুননুর মিসরী (রঃ)
  
  
   
• আল্লাহকে পাওয়ার একমাত্র পথ অহম বা আমীত্ত বর্জন করা।
  -হযরত বায়েজীদ বোস্তামী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• হালাল খাদ্যের অনুপস্থিতি এবাদতের একাগ্রতায় বিঘ্ন ঘটায়।
  -হযরত সহল (রঃ)
  
  
   
• যার বিদ্যা উনুযায়ী চর্চা আছে, যার লোভ লালসা নেই, আল্লাহর প্রশংসাই যে দ্বিধাহীন, এই তিন শ্রেণীর মানুষই উৎকৃষ্ট মানুষ।
  

-হযরত ওসমান (রাঃ)

• আগামী কালের কথা না ভেবে বর্তমান নিষ্ট হওয়াকেই বলে নির্ভরতা।
  -হযরত বায়েজীদ বোস্তামী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• দুটি জিনিস হৃদয় ধ্বংস করে। (১) অধিক ভোজন (২) বেশী শয়ন।
  -মালেক দীনার (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• যে ব্যক্তি আল্লাহ ছাড়া কেবল মানুষের সাথে বন্ধুত্ব করে, সে যেন ফেরাউনের বিছানায় উপবিষ্ট হয়।
  -হযরত যুননুর মিসরী (রঃ)
  
  
   
• শপথ ও প্রতিজ্ঞা করা উচিত নহে। তবে শপথ বা প্রতিজ্ঞা করে বসলে তাহা পালন করবেন।
  -হযরত বড় পীর (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• মুহাব্বতের নিদর্শন এই যে, বান্দা আল্লাহ তায়ালার ইবাদত করবে এবং সাথে সাথে তাঁর এ ভয় ও থাকবে যেন তাঁর নৈকট্য হতে সে বঞ্চিত না হয়।
  -খাজা মঈনুদ্দীন চিশতী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• পিতা মাতার দিকে ভক্তি পূর্ণ দৃষ্টিতে তাকানোও ইবাদত।
  -খাজা মঈনুদ্দীন চিশতী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• সত্যিকার বন্ধু ঐ ব্যক্তি যে বন্ধুর দেওয়া বিপদকে হৃষ্ট চিত্তে গ্রহণ করে।
  -খাজা মঈনুদ্দীন চিশতী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• রিপুর বাসনা যে ত্যাগ করেছে সে আল্লাহকে পেয়েছে। আর যে আল্লাহর নৈকট্য অর্জন করেছে, সব কিছু তাঁর নাগালে এসে গেছে।
  -হযরত বায়েজীদ বোস্তামী (রাহঃ)
  
• জ্ঞান অর্জন করতে হবে জ্ঞানী ব্যক্তির কাছ থেকে।
  -হযরত বায়েজীদ বোস্তামী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• মানুষ ছাগল ভেড়ার চেয়েও অসাবধান। রাখালের ডাক শুনে পশুরা ঘাস খাওয়া বন্ধ করে তার কাছে ছুটে যায়। কিন্তু মানুষ তার প্রতিপালকের আহ্বান শুনেও ভ্রুক্ষেপ করে না। অসৎ কর্মেই লিপ্ত থাকে।
  -হযরত হাসান বসরী (রাঃ)
  
  
   
• যখন আল্লাহ অন্তরে বিরাজ করেন তখন মনে শান্তি আসে।
  -হযরত জুনায়েদ বাগদাদী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• প্রকৃত বুদ্ধিমান সে-ই, যে নির্জনতা পছন্দ করে।
  -হযরত জুনায়েদ বাগদাদী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• নিজেকে নিয়ামতের অনুপযুক্ত বলে ধারণা করাই হল কৃতজ্ঞতা।
  -হযরত জুনায়েদ বাগদাদী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• আল্লাহ যাকে যোগ্য ও উপযুক্ত মনে করেন, তার পেছনে এক ফেরাউন লাগিয়ে দেন।
  -হযরত বায়েজীদ বোস্তামী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• যে ধ্যান একাগ্র নয় তা খুব বেশী হলেও ধ্যান নয়।
  -হযরত বায়েজীদ বোস্তামী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• অসুস্থ হৃদয়ের চারটি লক্ষণ। যথাঃ
  (১) সে এবাদতে স্বাদ পায় না
  
  (২) তার মনে আল্লাহর ভয় থাকে না
  
  (৩) পার্থিব কার্যকলাপ থেকে উপদেশ গ্রহণ করে না
  
  (৪) জ্ঞানের কথা শুনেও তার চর্চা করে না।
  
  -হযরত যুনযুন (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• প্রতি মুহূর্তে আযাবের আশঙ্কায় সন্ত্রস্ত হয়ে থাকাকে বলে ভয়।
  -হযরত জুনায়েদ বাগদাদী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• অতি দ্রুত কাজ করা শ্যতানের রীতি। তবু পাঁচটি কাজ দ্রুত করা চাই।
  (১) অথিতির জন্য খাবারের ব্যবস্থা করা
  
  (২) মৃত ব্যক্তির কাফন দাফন
  
  (৩) বয়স্কা কন্যার বিবাহের ব্যবস্থা করা
  
  (৪) ঋণ পরিশোধ করা
  
  (৫) পাপ করলে তওবা করা।
  
  -হযরত হাতেম আসাম
  
  
   
• আল্লাহর সন্তষ্টি মানেই আল্লাহর নির্দেশ পালন করা।
  -হযরত হারেস মুহাসেবী (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• যে আল্লাহ কে ভয় করে সে অবশ্যই আল্লাহর পথে অবিচল থাকে। আর যে আল্লাহর পথে অবিচল থাকে, সে অবশ্যই মুক্তি প্রাপ্ত হয়।
  -হযরত যুনযুন মিসরি (রাহঃ)
  
  
   
• অল্প আহারে সাস্থের উন্নতি আর অল্প পাপে আত্মার অবনতি সাধিত হয়।
  -হযরত যুনযুন মিসরি (রাহঃ)
  

নারীর মর্যাদা ও সম্মান

নারীর মর্যাদা ও সম্মান

   আল্লাহ তা’আলা মহিলাদেরকে যেভাবে দুনিয়াতে মর্যাদাশীলা ও সম্মানীতা বানিয়েছেন, কোন কোন ক্ষেত্রে পুরুষদের সমান অধিকার, আর কোন কোন ক্ষেত্রে পুরুষদের থেকেও বেশী অধিকার দিয়েছেন, তদ্রুপ আখিরাতেও ছাওয়াবের দিক দিয়ে তাদেরকে মর্যাদাশীলা করেছেন। যেমন- আল্লাহ তা’আলা ইরশাদ করেন, “যে ব্যক্তি নেক আমল করবে, চাই পুরুষ হোক বা নারী হোক, যদি ইমানদার হয়, তাকে আমি দুনিয়াতে প্রশান্তির যিন্দেগি দান করব এবং পরকালে তাদের আমলের উত্তম প্রতিদানে পুরস্কূত করব”। এ আয়াতে আল্লাহ তা’আলা পুরুষ ও মহিলা উভয়কেই আমলের প্রতিদানের দিক দিয়ে সমান বলে ঘোষনা করেছেন।

  অন্য আয়াতে আল্লাহ তা’আলা ইরশাদ করেন, “হে মানবমণ্ডলী! আমি তমাদেরকে সৃষ্টি করেছি একজন পুরুষ ও একজন নারী হতে এবং তোমাদেরকে বিভিন্ন জাতি ও গোত্রে বিভক্ত করেছি, যাতে তোমরা পরস্পর পরিচিত হও। নিশ্চই আল্লাহর কাছে সে-ই সর্বাধিক সম্মানিত- যে সর্বাধিক পরহেযগার”। এ আয়াতের ভাষ্যে বুঝা যাচ্ছে যে, কোন মহিলা যদি কোন পুরুষ থেকে অধিক পরহেযগার হয়, তাহলে তার মর্যাদা সেই পুরুষ থেকে বেশী হবে।

হাদীস শরীফে নারীদের সম্মান ও মর্যাদা সম্পর্কে অসংখ্য বর্ণনা রয়েছে। নিম্নে এ বিষয়ে কিছু গুরুত্তপূর্ণ হাদীস পেশ করা হল-

    নারীর অনন্য মূল্যায়নঃ হযরত আনাস (রাঃ) বলেন, রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) ইরশাদ করেন, “পৃথিবীর মধ্যে আমার প্রিয় বানানো হয়েছে-নারী, সুগন্ধী ও নামাযের মধ্যে আমার চোখের শীতলতা”। উক্ত হাদীস দ্বারা জানা গেল যে, মহিলাগণ আল্লাহর নবীর প্রিয় হওয়ার অনন্য সম্মান লাভ করেছেন।

   নেককার নারীদের ফজীলতঃ উম্মুল মুমিনীন হযরত উম্মে সালমা (রাঃ) থেকে বর্ণিত, তিনি বলেন, আমি রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) কে বললাম, ইয়া রাসুলুল্লাহ! দুনিয়ার নারীগন কি সুন্দরী হুরে-ঈনগনের থেকেও উত্তম? রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) ইরশাদ করলেন, হ্যাঁ দুনিয়ার(দ্বীনদার) নারীগন বেহেশ্তের সুন্দরী হুরদের থেকেও উত্তম-যেমন কাপড়ের উপরের পিঠ কাপড়ের ভিতরের পিঠ হতে উত্তম”।

    নেককার নারীদের মরযাদাঃ  হযরত আবদুল্লাহ ইবনে উমর (রাঃ) রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) এর পবিত্র বাণী বর্ণনা করেন যে, “এ বিশ্বভূ-মন্ডলের পুরোটাই ভোগ-সম্ভার। তন্মধে সর্বোত্তম সম্পদ হল সতকরমপরায়ন নারী। একজন নেক ও সতকরমপরায়ন নারী এক হাজার বে-আমল পুরুষ হতে উত্তম। নিশ্চই পৃথিবীর নেক বখত নারীরা জান্নাতের মধ্যে সত্তর হাজার আনত নয়না রুপসী হুরদের চেয়েও উত্তম হবে”।

   নেককার নারী স্বামীর জন্য অমূল্য রত্নঃ হযরত আনাস (রাঃ) বলেন, রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) ইরশাদ করেন, “আল্লাহ তা’আলা যাকে নেককার স্ত্রী দান করেছেন, তাকে অর্ধেক দ্বীন দ্বারা সাহায্য করেছেন। এখন তাঁর কর্তব্য হলো-‘তাকওয়া’ (খোদাভীরুতা) দ্বারা বাকী দ্বীন অর্জন করা”।

   হযরত ইবনে আব্বাস (রাঃ) বর্ণনা করেন, “রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) ইরশাদ করেন, “যে ব্যক্তি কোন মহিলাকে তাঁর দ্বীনদারীর কারণে বিবাহ করল, সে নিজের অধঃপতনের পথে প্রাচীর নির্মাণ করল”।

   মহিলারা জান্নাতে অগ্রগামীনি হবেঃ হযরত আবু উমামা (রাঃ) হতে বর্ণিত, রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) ইরশাদ করেন, হে নারীজাতি! তোমাদের মধ্যে যারা নেককার, তারা নেককার পুরুষদের আগে জান্নাতে প্রবেশ করবে। তাদেরকে গোসল দিয়ে খুশবু মাখিয়ে নিজ নিজ স্বামীর নিকট অর্পণ করা হবে। তখন তারা লাল ও হলুদ বর্ণের বাহনের উপর উপবিষ্ট থাকবে। তারা ছড়িয়ে থাকা মুক্তার মত গেলমান দ্বারা পরিবেষ্টিত থাকবে”।

  হযরত আবদুল্লাহ ইবনে মাসউদ (রাঃ) রাসুলুল্লাহ (সাঃ) এর বাণী বর্ণনা করেছেন যে, "জান্নাতে প্রবেশের সময় সবচেয়ে অগ্রগামীনি  

 ঐ সমস্ত মহিলাগন হবেন, যারা দ্বীনের ব্যাপারে অগ্রগামীনি"।

                                          (দ্রষ্টব্যঃ কিতাবুল হাদীস)

সাতটি গুরুত্তপূরণ আ্ললের উপকারিতা

সাত টি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ আমলের উপকারিতা

   ১।দাওয়াতের দ্বারা নিজের ঈমান মজবুত হয়, শিরক দূর হয়।

2.              ২।নামাযের দ্বারা রিজিক বৃদ্ধি পায়, দিলের কুফরী দূর হয়।

3.        ৩।ইলমের দ্বারা দিলে আমল পয়দা হয়, জাহিলিয়াত দূর হয়।

4.        ৪।জিকিরের দ্বারা দিল জিন্দা হয়, গাফলতী দূর হয়।

5.        ৫।ইকরামের দ্বারা মুহাব্বত সৃষ্টি হয়, অন্যায় দূর হয়।

6.        ৬।ইখলাসের দ্বারা আল্লাহর নৈকট্য লাভ হয়, দিলের রিয়া ও অহংকার দূর হয়।

7.            ৭।আল্লাহর রাস্তায় বের হলে দিলে ইয়াকীন পয়দা হয়, শয়তানী দূর হয়।

কালিমা তাইয়্যিবার দাবী

কালিমায়ে তায়্যিবার দাবী

ইসলাম ধর্মে দীক্ষিত হওয়ার প্রথম শর্তই হচ্ছে কালিমায়ে তাইয়্যিবা ‘লা ইলাহা ইল্লাল্লাহু মুহাম্মাদুর রাসুলুল্লাহ’ পাঠ করা। এ কালিমা পাঠ ব্যতিরেকে কোন ব্যক্তি মুসলমান হতে পারে না। সেই সাথে এই কালিমার কথা অন্তরে ইয়াকীন বা বিশ্বাস করতে হবে। আর পূর্ণ মুসলমান হওয়ার জন্য এ কালিমার শিক্ষা অনুযায়ী আমল করা তথা মহান আল্লাহর ইবাদত করা জরুরী।

মুসলমানের ঘরে কোন সন্তান ভূমিষ্ঠ হওয়ামাত্রই তার ডান কানে আজান এবং বাম কানে ইকামাত উচ্চারণ করতে হয়। এতে শয়তান নবজাতক শিশুর কানে কুমন্ত্রনা দিতে পারে না। মুসলমানের ঘরেই তার জন্ম হয়েছে এ কথা বুঝানোন জন্যই আযান ও ইকামাতের মাধ্যমে আল্লাহর মহান কালাম তাকে শুনাতে হয়। সদ্য জন্ম নেয়া এ শিশু সন্তানের যদিও আল্লাহর কালামের অর্থ অনুধাবন করার শাক্তি নেই, তবুও এর বরকতে সে এ সৌভাগ্য লাভ করতে পারবে যে, সে মুসলমান হিসেবে পরবর্তী জীবনে অতিবাহিত করতে পারবে। তেমনি বড়রা বা মা বাবা সন্তান কথা বলা শিখলেই প্রথমে কালিমায়ে তাইয়্যেবা মুখস্থ করাবেন। এর বাংলা অর্থও বুঝিয়ে দেবেন। অন্য ধর্ম থেকেও যদি কেউ ইসলামে দাখিল হতে চায়, তবে প্রথমেই তাকে এ পবিত্র বাক্যটির কথা হৃদয়ঙ্গম করতে হবে এবং বাক্যটি পাঠ করতে হবে। তাই এ বাক্যটির মাহাত্ম ও মর্যাদা অপরিসীম।

মহান আল্লাহ এ বিশভ্রক্ষ্মান্ড ও কীট-পতঙ্গ কত কিছুই না সৃষ্টি করেছেন। এ সব কিছুই আল্লাহ তা’আলার গুণ কীর্তনে মত্ত। সকল সৃষ্টিকেই তিনি তার ইবাদতের জন্য সৃষ্টি করেছেন। সেই ইবাদতের দিক্ষা রয়েছে কালেমা তাইয়্যবায়।। পৃথিবীর জন্মলগ্ন থেকে যত নবী-রাসুল এসেছেন। সকলেই কালিমার দাওয়াত দিয়েছেন মানুষের কাছে।

এ ব্যাপারে মহান আল্লাহ বলেন, “(হে নবী) আপনার পূর্বে আমি যত নবী পাঠিয়েছি, তাদের সকলের প্রতি আমি ওহী যোগে এই আদেশ দিয়েছি যে,আমি ছাড়া আর কোন ইলাহ বা মাবুদ নেই। অতএব তোমরা সকলে কেবল আমারই দাসত্ত বা বন্দেগী কর”। (সূরাহ আম্বিয়া, আয়াত-২৫)

     পরাক্রমশালী আল্লাহ তা’আলা জিন ও ইনসানকে সৃষ্টি করেছেন তারই ইবাদতের জন্য। কিন্তু পৃথিবীতে অনেক মানুষ আল্লাহকে ভুলে দেব-দেবী, জড় বস্তু বা অন্য কারো পূজা বা উপাসনাই মত্ত হয়ে যায়। কেউ কেউ আবার সৃষ্টিকর্তা নেই বলেও দাবী করে। তাই তাদের হিদায়াতের জন্য আল্লাহ তা’আলা যুগে যুগে নবী রাসুল পাঠিয়েছেন এ কালিমা দিয়ে। মানুষকে যাবতীয় গোমরাহি ও ধ্বংসের গহ্বর থেকে বাঁচাতে পারে এ কালিমার বাণী। যারা এ কালিমায় দীক্ষিত হয়েছে তারাই মুমিন হয়ে মুক্তি লাভ করেছে, ইহ ও পরকালে অধিকারী হয়েছে চীরসুখের জান্নাতের। যারা এ কালিমা গ্রহন করেনি, তারা ইহকালের ধ্বংস ও গজবে নিপতিত হয়েছে,আর তাদের জন্য পরকালে রয়েছে ভয়াবহ জাহান্নাম।

হযরত আদম (আঃ)-এর উম্মতের জন্য কালিমা ছিল ‘লা ইলাহা ইল্লাল্লাহু আদামু সাফিউল্লাহ’, হযরত ইবরাহিম (আঃ)-এর যামানায় তার উম্মতের কালিমা ছিল-‘লা ইলাহা ইল্লাল্লাহু ইব্রাহিমু খালীলুল্লাহ’। আর আখিরী নবীর উম্মত আমাদের জন্য কালিমা হল-‘লা ইলাহা ইল্লাল্লাহু মুহাম্মাদুর রাসুলুল্লাহ সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম’। এ কালিমায় তাওহীদ ও রিসালাতের ঈমান বিদ্যমান।

  

    ‘লা ইলাহা ইল্লাল্লাহু মুহাম্মাদুর রাসুলুল্লাহ’ সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম-এর অর্থ‘আল্লাহ ছাড়া কোন মাবুদ নেই, হযরত মুহাম্মাদ (সাঃ) আল্লাহর প্রেরিত রাসূল’ সুতরাং এ কালীমার দাবী হল মহান আল্লাহর ইবাদত বন্দেগী করতে হবে রাসূলুল্লাহ (সাঃ)-এর তরীকা অনুযায়ী। তাই মনচাহিভাবে কোন বন্দেগী করা যাবে না। মহান আল্লাহর হুকুম ও রাসুলুল্লাহ সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়াসাল্লাম-এর আদর্শ জেনে সেই অনুযায়ী জীবন পরিচালিত করতে হবে। এর মধেই ইহ-পরকালীন সাফল্য নিহিত।

কালিমায়ে তাইয়্যিবা যখন যারাই পাঠ করেছেন। তাদের ঘায়েল করার জন্য শত্রুরা তৎপর ছিল। আমাদের নবীজীও এ পবিত্র বাণী পৌঁছাতে কত না যন্ত্রণা সয্য করেছেন। এমনকি নিজ গোত্রের মানুষেরাও তাঁর সাথে দুশমনী করেছে। এভাবে যখন যে নবী-ই এ বাণী পৌছানৌ্র কাজে নিয়োজিত হন, তখন ই তাঁর ওপর নেমে আসে নির্মম নির্যাতন। তবুও তারা থেমে যাননি। জীবনের সব কিছুর বিনিময়ে এ কালিমাকে পৃথিবীতে প্রতিষ্টিত করে গিয়েছেন। আজও আমরা এ কালিমার ওপর আমল করলে চতুর্দিক থেকে বাধা আসবে, পরিবার ও সমাজে দ্বীনের কথা বলতে গেলে, জুলুম-নির্যাতন আসবে আমাদের ওপর। পরিবেশ-পরিস্থিতি আমাদেরকে ভিন্ন স্রোতে নিয়ে যেতে চাইবে। বেদীনী কালচার আমাদেরকে পদে পদে স্তব্দ করে দিতে চাইবে, কিন্তু এ সকল বাধা পেরিয়ে দ্বীনের ওপর টিকে থাকায়-ই আমাদের এ কালিমার দাবী পূরণের সাফল্য ও ব্যর্থতা নির্ভর করছে।

     

     আসুন, আমরা এ পরীক্ষায় উত্তীর্ণ আমাদের ঈমাণের দাবী পূরনে সফল হই। তখনই আমরা পরিপূর্ণ মুসলমানরুপে পরিগণিত হব।

Benefits of Reciting The Most Beautiful Names Of Allah

Names of Allah! Benefits of Reciting The Most Beautiful Names of Allah

 

   

1. Allah (The Name of Allah)

If you recite this name of Allah 1000 times daily, Allah will remove all doubts and uncertainities from your heart and instill determination and faith. Insha-Allah.

2. Ar-Rahmaan (The Compassionate)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times daily after every Salaah (prayer), Allah will remove hard-heartedness and negligence from your heart. Insha-Allah.

3. Ar-Raheem (The Most Merciful)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times daily after every Salaah (prayer), Allah will safeguard you against all calamities and maladies. Insha-Allah.

4. Al-Malik (The Sovereign)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly every day after Zawaal (the time of mid-day immediately before Duhr prayer), Allah will give you abundant wealth. Insha-Allah.

5. Al-Quddoos (The Most Holy)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly every day, Allah will cure you of all spiritual sickness. Insha-Allah.

6. As-Salaam (The Bestower of Peace)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly, Allah will protect you from all calamities and maladies. If you recite it 115 times and blow on a sick person, Allah will restore his health. Insha-Allah.

7. Al-Mu'min (The Granter of Security)

If you recite this name of Allah 630 times in times of fear, Allah will protect you from all calamities, mishaps and losses. If you write it on paper (or engrave it on a silver ring) and keep it with you (as Ta'weez), your physical and spiritual safety will remain the responsibility of Allah. Insha-Allah.

8. Al-Muhaymin (The Protector)

If you offer 2 rakaat Salaah after ghusl and read, with sincerity, this name of Allah 100 times, Allah will purify you physically and spiritually. If you recite it 115 times, Allah will acquaint you with the unseen. Insha-Allah.

9. Al-'Azeez (The Mighty)

If you recite this name of Allah 40 times each day for 40 days, Allah will grant you honor and self-sufficiency. If you recite it 41 times daily with constancy, Allah will grant you honor and self-sufficiency, if you are being treated with dishonor. Insha-Allah.

10. Al-Jabbaar (The Compeller)

If you recite this name of Allah 226 times every morning and evening, Allah will safeguard you against the oppression of tyrants and despots. Insha-Allah.

11. Al-Mutakabbir (The Majestic)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, Allah will grant you honor and greatness. If you read it continually before any task, it will be accomplished. Insha-Allah.

12. Al-Khaaliq (The Creator)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times for 7 days, Allah will safeguard you against all adversities. If you form the habit of reciting it regularly, Allah will appoint an angel who will worship Allah continuously on your behalf. Insha-Allah.

13. Al-Baari' (The Maker)

If a barren woman fasts for 7 days and each day, after making iftaar with water, reads  (Yaa-Baari'-Ul Musawwiru) 21 times, Allah will grant her male children. Insha-Allah.

14. Al-Musawwir (The Fashioner of Forms)

If a barren woman fasts for 7 days and each day, after making iftaar with water, reads  (Yaa-Baari'-Ul Musawwiru) 21 times, Allah will grant her male children. Insha-Allah.

15. Al-Ghaffaar (The Forgiver)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times after Jumma Salaah (prayer), you will soon begin to perceive Allah's forgiveness. If you say  (Yaa-Ghaffaaru Ighfirli) daily after Asr Salaah (prayer), Allah will include you amongst those whom he has forgiven. Insha-Allah.

16. Al-Qahhaar (The Subduer)

If you recite this name of Allah continually, Allah will free you from the love of this world and, instead, Allah's love will become inborn in your heart. Insha-Allah.

17. Al-Wahaab(The Bestower)  

If a poverty stricken person recites this name of Allah continuously or writes it and keeps it on him (as Taaweez) or recites this name of Allah 40 times in the last sajdah of Salaat-ud-Doha (Chast prayer), Allah will free him from poverty in an unexpected and amazing manner. Insha-Allah.

For particular need to be fulfilled, observe sajdah 3 times in the courtyard of the house or Masjid (Mosque) and then lift your hands (as in Du'a) and recite this name of Allah 100 times, Allah will fulfill your need. Insha-Allah.

18. Ar-Razzaaq (The Provider)

Before Fajr Salaah (prayer), if you blow in all four corners of your house beginning from the right-hand corner while facing Qiblah, after reciting this name of Allah 10 times in each corner, Allah will open the doors of rizq (sustenance) for you; sickness and poverty will never enter your home. Insha-Allah.

19. Al-Fattaah (The Opener)

If you recite this name of Allah 70 times by placing both your hands on your bosom after Fajr Salaah (prayer), Allah will illumunate your heart with the Noor of Imaan. Insha-Allah.

20. Al-'Aleem (The All-Knowing)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly, Allah will open the gates of knowledge and wisdom for you. Moreover, your heart will be filled with the Ma'rifah (cognizance) of Allah. Insha-Allah.

21. Al-Qaabid (The Withholder)

If you write this name of Allah (with saffron or by the mere action of your finger) on four morsels of bread each day for 4 days and eat them, Allah will safeguard you against hunger, thirst, injuries, pain etc. Insha-Allah.

22. Al-Baasit (The Expander)

If you recite this name of Allah 10 times daily by lifting your hands towards the heavens (as in Du'a) after Salaat-ud-Doha (Chast prayer) and thereafter pass your hands across the face (as when finsihing Du'a), Allah will grant you self-sufficiency and independence. Insha-Allah.

23. Al-Khaafid (The Abaser)

If you recite this name of Allah 500 times, Allah will fulfill your needs and remove all your difficulties. If you fast for 3 days and on the fourth day say this beautiful name 70 times while sitting in seclusion, you will gain victory over your enemy. Insha-Allah.

24. Ar-Raafi' (The Exalter)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times in the middle of the fourteenth night of every lunar month, Allah will grant you self-sufficiency and independence of the entire creation. Insha-Allah.

25. Al-Mu'iz (The Bestower of Honor)

If you recite this name of Allah 40 times after Maghrib Salaah (prayer) on every Monday and Friday, Allah will grant you honor and reverence. Insha-Allah.

26. Al-Mudhil (The Humiliator)

If you make Du'a for protection after reciting this name of Allah 75 times, Allah will protect you from the evils of envious persons, oppressors and enemies. Insha-Allah.

If you fear a particular enemy then, after reciting this name of Allah 75 times, you may observe sajdah and invoke Allah's help against the enemy in the following manner: "O Allah! Protect me from the evils of so and so.", Allah will grant you protection. Insha-Allah.

27. As-Sami' (The All-Hearing)

If you recite this name of Allah 500 times or 50 times on Thurday after offering Salaat-ud-Doha (Chast prayer), Allah will surely grant your Du'as. Insha-Allah. It is necessary that no talking be done during the course of reciting it.

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times on a Thursday between the Sunnah and Fardh of Fajr Salaah (prayer), Allah will favour you with with His special blessings. Insha-Allah.

28. Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times after the Jumma Salaah (prayer) constantly, Allah will grant strength to your eye-sight and Noor (light) to your heart. Insha-Allah.

29. Al-Hakam (The Judge)

If you recite this name of Allah 99 times while in the state of Wudhu during the last portion of the night, Allah will cause your heart to perceive all secrets and to be filled with Noor (light). If you recite this name on a Friday night in such a manner that you grow euphoric and ecstatic then Allah will cherish your heart with manifestations and inspirations. Insha-Allah.

30. Al-'Adl (The Just)

If you write this name of Allah (with saffron or by the mere action of your finger) on 20 pieces of bread on the day or night of Jumma and consume it, Allah will cause the entire creation to become subservient to you. Insha-Allah.

31. Al-Lateef (The Most Affectionate, The Knower of Subtleties)

If you recite this name of Allah 133 times daily, Allah will grant abundance in your rizq (sustenance) and cause all your tasks to be accomplished without difficulties. If you are afflicted with poverty, misery, sickness, loneliness or any adversity, then you should make Wudhu in the proper manner and offer 2 rakaat Salaah (prayer) and then bearing in mind the objective, recite this name of Allah 100 times. Allah will surely grant you deliverance. Insha-Allah.

32. Al-Khabeer (The All-Aware)

If you recite this name of Allah continually for seven days, you will begin to perceive hidden secrets. If you have insatiable desire for pleasure, recite this name of Allah continually. Allah will free you from such base desires. Insha-Allah

33. Al-Haleem (The Forbearing)

If you write this name of Allah on paper, soak it in water and then sprinkle or rub the water on something, then Barakah (Allah's blessing) will be imparted to it and Allah will safeguard it against all calamities. Insha-Allah

34. Al-'Azeem (The Magnificient)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, you will be graced with great honor and dignity. Insha-Allah.

35. Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving)

If you recite this name of Allah frequently, all your maladies, sorrow and grief will be removed. Barakah (Allah's blessing) will be imparted to your wealth and offsprings.

As related in a hadith, if you recite  (Yaa-Rabbigh-firli) 3 times while in sajdah, Allah will forgive all your past sins and any sins that you may commit in future. Insha-Allah.

36. Ash-Shakoor (The Grateful)

If you recite this name of Allah 41 times while facing any difficulties (financial, physical, spritual, mental etc), Allah will grant deliverance soon. Insha-Allah.

37. Al-'Aliyy (The Highest)

If you recite this name of Allah daily and constantly and keep with you a written copy of it, Allah will exalt you, grant affluence and fulfill all your desires. Insha-Allah.

38. Al-Kabeer (The Greatest)

If you have been dismissed from a post, then fast for seven days and each day recite this name of Allah 1000 times, Allah will reinstate you to your post and grace you with honor and dignity. Insha-Allah.

39. Al-Hafeez (The Preserver)

If you recite this name of Allah daily and constantly, and keep with you a written copy of it, Allah will protect you from all hazards, losses and harmful things. Insha-Allah.

40. Al-Muqeet (The Sustainer)

If you recite this name of Allah 7 times and blow in a bowl of water and drink it yourself or allow someone else to drink from it or to take a deep breath from the bowl, Allah will fulfill all your desires soon. Insha-Allah.

41. Al-Haseeb (The Reckoner)

If you fear any human being or any thing, recite  (Hasbiyallaahul-Haseebu) 70 times in the morning and 70 times at night for eight days starting from Thursday, Allah will grant you protection against the evil of the person or thing you fear. Insha-Allah.

42. Al-Jaleel (The Exalted)

If you write  (Yaa Jaleelu) on a paper with saffron or musk and keep it with you as a Ta'weez, Allah will give you honor, greatness, rank and dignity. Insha-Allah.

43. Al-Kareem (The Generous)

If you wish to be revered and honored by the Ulama and pious people recite this name of Allah continually and fall asleep. Allah will fulfill your wish. Insha-Allah.

  44. Ar-Raqeeb (The Watchful)

If you recite this name of Allah 7 times each day and blow on yourself and your family, Allah will protect you and your wealth from destruction and calamities. Recite this name of Allah all the time to be safeguarded at all times. Insha-Allah.

  45. Al-Mujeeb (The Responsive)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, you will perceive that all your Du'as are being granted. Insha-Allah.

   

46. Al-Waasi' (The All-Encompassing)

If you recite this name of Allah repeatedly, Allah will grant you spiritual and material self-sufficiency and independence. Insha-Allah.

47. Al-Hakeem (The Wise)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, Allah will open the doors of knowledge and wisdom for you. If you want a particular task to be accomplished recite this name Of Allah frequently and constantly. Insha-Allah.

48. Al-Wadood (The Most Loving)

If you recite this name of Allah 1000 times, blow on food, and consume it along with your spouse, Allah will settle all your disputes and differences and create a strong bond of love and affection . Insha-Allah.

  

49. Al-Majeed (The Most Glorious)

A person who has contracted a fatal disease such as pox, leprosy etc. should fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th of the lunar month and after breaking fast recite this name of Allah profusely, blow on water and drink it. He will soon be cured. Insha-Allah.

  

50. Al-Baa'ith (The Resurrector)

If you place your hand on your bosom and recite this name of Allah 101 times at bedtime, your heart will become alive with knowledge and wisdom. Insha-Allah.

  51. Ash-Shaheed (The Witness)

If you wish your disobedient wife or children become obedient, place your hand on their forehead and recite this name of Allah 21 times and blow on them. They will soon become obedient. Insha-Allah.

52. Al-Haqq (The Truth)

If your family member is missing or absconding or if your belongings have been stolen, write this name of Allah on all 4 corners of a square paper. At the time of Sehri place the paper on your palms and lift it toward the heavens and make Du'a. The missing person or the stolen goods will be returned soon, free from any harm or damage. Insha-Allah.

53. Al-Wakeel (The Trustee)

If you fear any calamity caused by an act of Allah, recite this name of Allah repeatedly, you will be protected from all calamities. Insha-Allah.

54. Al-Qawiyy (The Most Strong)

If you are genuinely oppressed or victimized, recite this name of Allah profusely with a view to counteracting the oppressor. Allah will render you proctection. Insha-Allah. This should never be done if circumstances do not warrant.

  55. Al-Mateen (The Firm)

If a lady's breasts do not yield milk, write this name of Allah on a piece of paper, soak it in water and make her drink it. Her breasts will abound in milk. Insha-Allah.

  56. Al-Waliyy (The Patron)

If your wife is of ill character, recite this name of Allah constantly in her presence. She will soon become of good character. Insha-Allah.

  57. Al-Hameed (The Praiseworthy)

If you recite this name of Allah in seclusion 93 times for 45 days, all your evil habits and bad qualities will change into good habits. Insha-Allah.

  58. Al-Muhsee (The Reckoner)

If you recite this name of Allah 20 times daily and blow it on 20 pieces of bread and consume it, Allah will make the entire creation subservient to you. Insha-Allah.

  59. Al-Mubdi' (The Originator)

If you place your hand on the stomach of your pregnant wife and recite this name of Allah 99 times at the time of Sehri, she will not have a miscarriage or give birth prematurely. Insha-Allah.

  60. Al-Mu'eed (The Restorer)

If a person is lost, recite this name of Allah 70 times in each corner of the house during the night when everyone is asleep. The missing person will either return within 7 days or his whereabouts will be known within that period. Insha-Allah.

  61. Al-Muhyee (The Giver of Life)

If you are sick, recite this name of Allah repeatedly, your health will be restored. If you recite this name of Allah repeatedly and blow on a sick person, his health will be restored. If you recite this name of Allah 89 times and blow on yourself, Allah will safeguard you against all obstacles and bondages. Insha-Allah.

62. Al-Mumeet (The Giver of Death)

If you have no control over yourself, place your hand on your bosom and recite this name of Allah continuously before falling asleep. Allah will give you the strength to control yourself. Insha-Allah.

  63. Al-Hayy (The Ever-Living)

If you desire sound health recite this name of Allah 3000 times daily. If you are sick, write this name of Allah in a bowl with musk and rose water, then wash the inscription with water and drink it, Allah will soon cure you. Insha-Allah.

  64. Al-Qayyoom (The Self-Subsisting Sustainer of All)

If you recite this name of Allah continuously, you will attain honor and dignity amongst people. If you recite this name of Allah constantly in seclusion, you will become wealthy. If you continuously recite  (Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu) after Fajr until sunrise, your laziness will vanish. Insha-Allah.

  65. Al-Waajid (The Finder)

If you recite this name of Allah continuously while having food, the food will become a source of strength, illumination and Noor (light) for your heart. Insha-Allah.

  66. Al-Maajid (The Glorious)

If you recite this name of Allah in seclusion to such an extent and in such a manner that you become euphoric, the Noor (light) of Allah will soon become evident in your heart. Insha-Allah.

   

67. Al-Waahid/Al-Ahad (The One)

If you desire good and pious children, write this name of Allah and keep it with you all the time, Allah will fulfill your desire. Insha-Allah.

68. As-Samad (The Eternally Besought)

If you place your head in Sajdah at the time of Sehri and recite this name of Allah 115 or 125 times, Allah will grant you spiritual and physical truthfulness. If you recite this name of Allah constantly in the state of Wudhu, Allah will soon make you independent of the entire creation. Insha-Allah.

  69. Al-Qaadir (The Omnipotent)

If you offer 2 rakaat Salaah (prayer) and recite this name of Allah 100 times, Allah will humble and disgrace your enemies (provided you are justified). If you recite this name of Allah 41 times before undertaking a difficult task, the difficulty will be removed. Insha-Allah.

  70. Al-Muqtadir (The Powerful)

If you recite this name of Allah 20 times after waking up from sleep, Allah will ensure all your tasks are fulfilled efficiently. Insha-Allah.

  71. Al-Muqaddim (The Expediter)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly at the time of war or during a righteous struggle in the path of Allah, Allah will give you courage to make advances and safeguard you from the enemy. If you recite this name of Allah at all times, you will be come obedient and submissive to Allah. Insha-Allah.

  72. Al-Mu'akhkhir (The Delayer)

If you recite this name of Allah frequently, you will soon resort to genuine repentance. If you recite this name of Allah 100 times daily, you will become dear to and a favorite of Allah. Insha-Allah.

  73. Al-Awwal (The First)

If you desire male children, recite this name of Allah 40 times daily for 40 days, Allah will fulfill your desire. If any wayfarer recite this name of Allah 1000 times on a Friday, he will soon return to his people safe and sound. Insha-Allah.

  74. Al-Aakhir (The Last)

If you wish

•that the love for Allah gets firmly established in your heart or

•that the love of anything or anyone besides Allah be driven out of your heart or

•to compensate for all your sins

•to die in a state of Imaan

recite this name of Allah 1000 times daily, Allah will fulfill your wish. Insha-Allah.

  75. Az-Zaahir (The Manifest)

If you recite this name of Allah 500 times daily after Ishraaq Salaah (prayer), Allah will cause your eyes and heart to be filled with Noor (light). Insha-Allah.

  76. Al-Baatin (The Hidden)

If you recite this name of Allah 33 times daily, you will soon begin to perceive the deeper secrets of Allah and a strong bond of love and affection will form between you and Allah. If you recite  (Huwal-Awwalu Wal-Aakhiru Wad-Dhaahiru Wal-Baatinu Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shaiyyin Qadeer) continously after offering 2 rakaat Salaah, all your needs will be fulfilled. Insha-Allah.

  77. Al-Waalee (The Governer)

If you recite this name of Allah repeatedly, Allah will safeguard you from all unexpected calamities. If this name of Allah is inscribed in a new earthen cup or jug and it is filled with water and the water is sprinkled in the house, the house will be safeguarded against all calamities. If you wish to subdue another person recite this name of Allah 11 times, Allah will fulfill your wish. Insha-Allah.

  78. Al-Muta'aalee (The Most Exalted)

If you recite this name of Allah continously, Allah will solve all your problems soon. If a woman recites this name of Allah abundantly during her menstruation, Allah will relieve her from all ailments. Insha-Allah.

  79. Al-Barr (The Source of All Goodness)

If you are in the habit of taking intoxicants or committing adultery or indulging in any other evil, recite this name of Allah 7 times daily. Allah will guide you. If you recite this name of Allah excessively, Allah will expel the love of this world from your heart. If you recite this name of Allah 7 times and blow on your child soon after birth, Allah will grant your child protection from calamities until puberty. Insha-Allah.

  80. At-Tawwaab (The Acceptor of Repentance)

If you desire that Allah guide you to sincere repentance, recite this name of Allah 360 times daily after Salat-ud-Doha (Chast prayer), Allah will fulfill your desire. If you recite this name of Allah abundantly, all your tasks will be accomplished without any difficulty. If you recite this name of Allah 10 times in the presence of a tyrant, you will soon be freed from the opression of the tyrant. Insha-Allah.

  81. Al-Muntaqim (The Avenger)

If you are justified and desire to take revenge against your enemy, but haven't the power to do so, recite this name of Allah continously for 3 Fridays, Allah Himself will take revenge on your behalf. Insha-Allah.

  82. Al-'Afuww (The Pardoner)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly, Allah will forgive you. Insha-Allah.

  83. Ar-Ra'oof (The Most Kind)

If you desire that the entire creation become affectionate towards you (and vice-versa), recite this name of Allah repeatedly. If you desire that your anger be subdued, recite Darood 10 times and this name of Allah 10 times. If you recite Darood 10 times and this name of Allah 10 times and blow on an angry person, his anger will be subdued. Insha-Allah.

  84. Maalik-ul-Mulk (The Owner of Sovereignity)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, Allah will grant you wealth, self-sufficiency and independence. Insha-Allah.

  85. Dhul-Jalaali Wal-Ikraam (Majestic and Benevolent)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, Allah will grant you honor, dignity and self-sufficiency. Insha-Allah.

  86. Al-Muqsit (The Just)

If you recite this name of Allah constantly, Allah will protect you from evil doubts created by the Shaytaan. If you recite this name of Allah 700 times for a purpose, Allah will fulfill it. Insha-Allah.

  87. Al-Jaami' (The Gatherer)

If your family or relatives are scattered (due to war, earthquate, floods or other calamities), take bath at the time of Doha (Chast), lift your gaze toward the heavens and recite this name of Allah 10 times closing one finger each time, until all 10 fingers are closed. Afterwards pass your hands across your face as when completing Du'a. The disperse members of your family will soon come together. Insha-Allah.

  88. Al-Ghaniyy (The Self-Sufficient)

If you recite this name of Allah 70 times daily, Allah will grant you self-sufficiency and Barakah in your wealth. If you are afflicted with physical or spiritual sickness or any difficulty, recite this name of Allah abundantly and blow on your entire body. Allah will soon heal you and relieve you of your difficulty. Insha-Allah.

  89. Al-Mughnee (The Enricher)

If you recite Darood 11 times, recite this name of Allah 1111 times, recite Darood again 11 times and then Surah Muzzammil (Surah 73) after Fajr or Isha Salaah (prayer) , you will be granted both material and spiritual wealth. Insha-Allah.

  90. Al-Maani' (The Preventer of Harm)

If you have any disputes with your spouse, recite this name of Allah 20 times while lying down on the bed, the dispute will be settled and love and affection will result. If you recite this name of Allah constantly, Allah will safeguard you against all calamities. If you recite this name of Allah for any legitimate purpose, Allah will fulfill it. Insha-Allah.

  91. Ad-Daar (The Distresser)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times on the eve of Jumma (Friday), Allah will safeguard you against all physical and spiritual calamities and draw you nearer to Allah. Insha-Allah.

  92. An-Naafi' (The Propitious)

If you recite this name of Allah abundantly during travel, Allah will safeguard you against all hazards. If you recite this name of Allah 41 times before a task, it will be accomplished efficiently. If you recite this name of Allah prior to intercourse, Allah will grant you good and pious children. Insha-Allah.

  93. An-Noor (The Light)

If you recite this name of Allah 1001 times after reciting Surah Noor (Surah 24), you heart will be illuminated with the Noor (light) of Allah. Insha-Allah.

  94. Al-Haadee (The Guide)

If you raise both hands (as in Du'a) while lifting your gaze toward the heavens and recite this name of Allah several times and then pass both your hands on your face (as when completing Du'a), Allah will grant you complete guidance and associate you with the devout and pious. Insha-Allah.

  95. Al-Badee' (The Originator)

If you are in grief, recite  (Yaa-Badee-us-Samaawaati-Wal-Ardh) 1000 times, Allah will soon grant you relief from your misery. If a particular task is to be undertaken, but you are not certain as to its feasibility, recite this name of Allah before falling asleep, you will receive guidance in a dream. Insha-Allah.

  96. Al-Baaqee (The Everlasting)

If you recite this name of Allah 1000 times on the night of Jumma (Friday), Allah will grant you protection and accept all your good deeds. Insha-Allah.

  97. Al-Waarith (The Ultimate Inheritor)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times at sunrise, Allah will protect you against all sorrows, hardships and calamities and you will die as a Mu'min (believer). If you recite this name of Allah 1000 times between Maghrib and Isha Salaah (prayer), Allah will safeguard you from confusions, agitations and disturbances. Insha-Allah.

  98. Ar-Rasheed (The Guide to the Right Path)

If you are unsure how to complete a particular task or are unable to work out plans for the task, recite this name of Allah 1000 times between Maghrib and Isha Salaah (prayer), the plan will become evident to you in a dream or by instinct. If you recite this name of Allah daily, Allah will safeguard you against all mishaps and grant you financial progress. Insha-Allah.

  99. As-Saboor (The Patient One)

If you recite this name of Allah 100 times before sunrise, Allah will safeguard you against all calamities for the remainder of the day and prevent your enemies from uttering a single word against you. If you are in difficulty, recite this name of Allah 1020 times, Allah will soon provide you relief and contentment of the heart. Insha-Allah.

The Story Of Adam(Peace be Upon Him)

The Story of Adam (Peace be upon him) Allah the Almighty revealed: "And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: 'Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.'" They said. "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You." He (Allah ) said. "I know that which you do not know." 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?" And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before Adam." And they prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah )." And We said: "O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimeen (wrong-doers)." Then the Satan made them slip there from (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. We said: "Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time." Then Adam received from his Lord Words. And his Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful. We said: "Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve. But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever." (Surah 2: 30-39) Almighty Allah also revealed: "And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' and they prostrated, except Iblis, he refused to be of those who prostrate." (Allah ) said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?" (Iblis) said. "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." (Allah ) said. "O Iblis, get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (Iblis) said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. The Day of Resurrection)." (Allah ) said. "You are of those allowed respite." (Iblis) said, "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)." (Allah ) said (to Iblis): "Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all." "And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zalimeen (unjust and wrong-doers)." Then Satan whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals." And he (Satan) swore by Allah to them both (saying): "Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both." So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you?" They said: "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." Allah said: "Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Adam, Eve, and Satan, etc.). On earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment, for a time." He said: "Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e., resurrected)." (Surah 7: 11-25) We imagine when Allah the Almighty decided to create Adam: He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. He did not mean to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allah the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have children and grandchildren who would corrupt the earth and shed each other’s blood. That is why the angels said to Allah the Almighty: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood!" (Surah 2: 30) There are old traditions about the angels before the creation of Adam. According to Ibn Qatadah, it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Adam and his progeny by the jinn who lived before Adam. Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar said that the jinn had existed for about two thousand years before Adam and then shed blood. Therefore, Allah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ali Ja’far Al-Baqer that the angels were informed that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth. It was also said that they knew that no one would be created on earth who would not be wicked and shed blood. Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allah would create a vicegerent on earth. Allah the Almighty announced that He was going to create a human being out of clay, that He would mold him and blow His spirit into him, and then the angels should prostrate before him. Abi Musa Al-Sha’ara’i narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: "Allah created Adam from a handful of dust taken from different lands so the children of Adam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore, from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow ones; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Ibn Mas’ud and other companions of the Prophet said that Allah the Almighty sent Gabriel onto the earth to get Him clay there from. The earth said: "I seek refuge in Allah from your decreasing my quantity or disfiguring me." So Gabriel returned and did not take anything. And he said: "My Lord, the land sought refuge in You, and it was granted." So Allah sent Michael for the same purpose, and the land sought refuge with Allah and it was granted. So he went back and said to Allah what Gabriel had said before him. Then Allah sent the Angel of Death, and the land sought refuge in Allah . The angel said: "I also seek refuge with Allah from returning without carrying out His command." So he took clay from the face of the earth and mixed it. He did not take from one particular place, but rather he took white, red, and black clay (from different places). The Angel of Death ascended with it, and He (Allah ) soaked the clay till it became sticky. Then Allah said to the angels: "Truly, I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." (Surah 38: 71-72) So Allah shaped Adam into a human being, but he remained a figure of clay for forty years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblis felt this fear most. He used to pass by the figure of Adam, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allah told us: "He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery." (Surah 55: 14) When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Adam, as Allah the Almighty decreed, He commanded the angels: "When I breathe My spirit into him prostrate before him." Allah breathed His spirit into Adam and when it reached his head Adam sneezed. The angels said: "All praise belongs to Allah." Adam repeated: "All praise belongs to Allah." Allah said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy." When the spirit reached his eyes, Adam looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen Adam felt an appetite for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise. Allah , therefore, said: "Man is created of haste." (Surah 21: 37). And then: "The angels prostrated themselves all of them together. Except Iblis -- he refused to be among the prostrators." (Surah 15: 31-32). Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: "Allah created Adam from dust after He mixed the clay and left him for sometime until it became sticky mud, after which Allah shaped him. After that Allah left him till it became like potter’s clay. Iblis used to go past him saying: "You have been created for a great purpose." After that Allah breathed His spirit into him. The first thing in to which the spirit passed was his eye and then his nose. He sneezed. Allah said: ‘May your Lord have mercy upon you, O Adam! Go to those angels and see what they would say.’ So Adam went and greeted them. They replied saying: ‘Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah.’ Allah said: ‘O Adam! This is your greeting and that of your off spring.'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Allah the Almighty revealed: "And (remember) when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (or from Adam’s loin his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying): 'Am I not your Lord?' They said: 'Yes! We testify, lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: 'Verily, we have been unaware of this.' Or lest you should say: 'It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allah, and we were (merely their) descendants after them; will you then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practiced Al-Batil (i.e. polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshiping others besides Allah )?' Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, so that they may turn (unto the truth)." (Surah 7: 172-174) Adam’s progeny declared: "Our Lord, we bear witness that You are our Lord; we have no other Lord but Allah." Allah raised their father Adam, and he looked at them and saw those of them who were rich, those who were poor, those who had good forms and those who did not. Adam said: "O Allah! I wish You to make Your servants equal." Allah replied: "I love being thanked." Adam saw among the prophets like lamps among his progeny. Almighty Allah declared: "And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad), and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a strong covenant." (Surah 33: 7) In another verse Allah the exalted commanded: "So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism Hanifan (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in khalqillah (i.e. the Religion of Allah ; Islamic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most men know not" (Surah 30: 30) Another version of the story relates that Allah took a handful of the dust of the earth and mixed into it the colors white, black, yellow, and red. That is the reason why men are born different colors. When Allah mixed the dust with water, it turned into potter’s clay that makes a sound. It was fermented and had a smell. Iblis passed by, wondering what was going to be made of that clay. From the clay Allah created Adam. He molded his form with His own hands and blew His spirit into him. Adam’s body quivered as life was imbued into it. "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, 'Be!' -- and it is!" (Surah 37: 82 ) Allah the Almighty declared: "Verily, the likeness of Jesus, in Allah’s Sight is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust then (He) said to him: 'Be!' -- and he was." (Surah 3: 59) Adam opened his eyes and saw all the angels prostrating before him except one being who was standing at a distance. Adam did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate before him, nor did he know its name. Iblis was standing with the angels so as to be included in the command given to them, but he was not one of them. He was a jinn, and, as such he was supposed to be inferior to the angels. What is clear is that this prostration was to show respect and did not mean that the angels were worshiping Adam. Prostrating, in worship is done only for Allah . Almighty Allah recounted the story of Iblis’s refusal to prostrate before Adam: "And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: 'I am going to create a man (Adam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud. So, when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him (Adam) the soul which I created for him, then fall (you) down prostrating yourselves unto him.' So, the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together. Except Iblis -- he refused to be among the prostrators. (Allah ) said: 'O Iblis! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?' (Iblis) said: 'I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.' (Allah ) said: 'Then, get out from here, for verily, you are Rajim (an outcast or a cursed one). And verily, the curse shall be upon you till the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." (Surah 3: 59) In another Surah Almighty Allah recounted it thus: "And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, Prostrate to Adam and they prostrated, except Iblis, he refused to be of those who prostrate. (Allah ) said: "What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?" Iblis said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." Allah said. "(0 Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (Iblis) said. "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. The Day of Resurrection)." Allah said: "You are of those allowed respite." (Surah 7: 11-15) Ibn Jarir reported that Muhammad Ibn Sirin said that the first one to reach a conclusion by reasoning was Iblis and that the sun and moon were not worshiped except through this method. This means that Iblis tried to compare himself to Adam. He believed that he was more honorable than Adam. Therefore, he abstained from prostrating, even though Allah had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels. If an analogy is made, we see that Iblis is vain. For indeed, clay is better than fire because in it can be found the qualities of calmness, clemency, perseverance, and growth; whereas in fire can be found heedlessness, insignificance, haste, and incineration. Iblis tried in vain to justify his refusal: "Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?" (Iblis) said. "This one whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!" (Surah 17: 62) Adam was following what was happening around him and had feelings of love, awe, and astonishment. Deep love of Allah , Who had created and glorified him and Who had made His angels prostrate before him. Awe of the Creator’s wrath when He excluded Iblis from His mercy. Adam was surprised by this creature, Iblis, who abhorred him without even knowing him, and who imagined himself better than Adam without having proved that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblis was, and how strange was his excuse for not prostrating! He imagined that fire is better than clay, but how did he get such an idea? Such knowledge is exclusive to Allah Who created fire and clay and Who knows which is the better of the two. From the dialogue Adam realized that Iblis was a creature characterized by cunning and ingratitude. He then knew that Iblis was his eternal enemy. He was greatly astonished at Iblis’s audacity and Allah’s tolerance. Immediately after his creation, Adam witnessed the large amount of freedom that Allah gives to His commissioned creatures. Allah knew that Iblis was not going to obey Him in prostrating before Adam. Allah could have totally annihilated him or turned him into a handful of dust or stifled the refusal in his mouth. Yet, Allah gives His commissioned creatures absolute freedom even to the extent that they can refuse Allah the Almighty’s commands. He grants them the freedom of denial, disobedience, and even disagreement with Him. His kingdom will not diminish if the disbelievers do not believe in Him, nor will it be extended if many people believe in Him. On the contrary, the disbelievers will lose, and the believers will gain, but Allah is above all of that. There were many traditions about Iblis at the time of the Prophet Muhammad . Ibn Mas’ud, Ibn’Abbas, and a group of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad said that Iblis had been the head of the angels in the worldly heavens. Ibn ‘Abbas said in one narration that his name had been ‘Azazil, and in another narration he said it had been Al-Harith. Ibn ‘Abbas also said that Iblis was a jinn and that they had once been the keepers of Paradise, with Iblis the most honorable, the most learned and the most pious of them. Another tradition says that he had been one of the famous four possessors of wings (i.e. angels), before Allah transformed him into the accursed Satan. Allah Almighty recounts Iblis’s disobedience in another Surah: "(Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Truly, I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them: except Iblis, he was proud and was one of the disbelievers. (Allah ) said: "O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both my hands. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?" (Iblis) said: "I am better than he, You created me from fire, and You created him from clay." (Allah ) said: "Then get you from here, for verily, you are outcast. And verily My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense." (Iblis) said: "My Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are resurrected." Allah said: "Verily! You are of those allowed respite till the Day of the time appointed." Iblis said: "By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen slaves amongst them (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism)." (Allah ) said: "The truth is, and the truth I say, that I will fill Hell with you (Iblis) and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together." (Surah 38: 71-85) After this lesson about freedom, Adam learned another lesson, one about knowledge. Adam realized that Iblis was the symbol of evil in the universe and that the angels were the symbol of good. However, he did not yet know anything about himself. Then Allah made him perceive his true identity, the reason for his creation, and the secret of his glorification. Allah the Exalted said: "And He taught Adam all the names (of everything)." (Surah 2: 31) Almighty Allah granted Adam the power to know the natures of all things and to summarize them by names: that is a bird, that is a star, that is a tree, that is a cloud, etc. Allah implanted in Adam an insatiable need for and love of knowledge and a desire to bequeath knowledge to his children. This was the reason for his creation and the secret in his glorification. After Adam had learned the names of all things, along with their properties and uses, Allah presented them to the angels and said: "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful." (Surah 2: 31) The angels admitted their inability: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily, it is You, The All-Knower, The All-Wise. " (Surah 2: 32) Allah Almighty then turned to Adam: "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?" (Surah 2: 33) Allah wanted the angels to know that He knew of their astonishment when He had told them about the creation of Adam and that He also knew of their confusion which they had not revealed, as well as what Iblis had concealed of his disobedience and ingratitude. The angels realized that Adam was the creature who knew what they did not know and that his capacity to learn was his noblest quality. His knowledge included knowledge of the Creator which we call Faith or Islam, as well as the knowledge he would need to inhabit and master the earth. Adam knew the names of everything. Sometimes he talked to the angels, but they were preoccupied with worshiping Almighty Allah . Therefore, Adam felt lonely. One day he slept and when he awoke he found, near his head, a woman gazing at his face with beautiful, tender eyes. Perhaps they had the following conversation: Adam: You were not here before I slept. She: Yes. He: From what ... ? She: I came out of you. Allah created me while you were asleep. Do you not desire to restore me to you while you are awake? He: Why has Allah created you? She: To be your solace. He: Thanks to Allah I was feeling lonely. The angels asked him her name. He replied: "Eve (Hawwa)." (The root of the name "Hawwa" means ‘living things.') They asked: "Why did you call her Eve?" Adam said: "Because she was created of me, and I am a living being." Ibn ‘Abbas and a group of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) narrated that when Iblis was sent out of Paradise and Adam was accommodated therein, Adam was alone in Paradise and did not have a partner from whom he could get tranquility. He slept for some time and when he woke up, he saw a woman whom Allah had created from his ribs. So he asked her: "Who are you?" She replied: "A woman." He asked: "Why have you been created?" She replied "So that you could find tranquility in me." The angels, trying to find out the extent of his knowledge, asked him: "What is her name, O Adam?" He replied: "Eve." They asked: ‘Why was she so named?" He replied: "Because she was created from something living." Muhammad Ibn Ishaaq and Ibn ‘Abbas related that Eve was created from the shortest left rib of Adam while he was sleeping, and after a while she was clothed with flesh. That is why Allah the Exalted said: "O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women." (Surah 4: 1) Allah also said: "It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her." (Surah 7: 189) Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "O Muslims! I advise you to be gentle with women, for they are created from a rib, and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part. If you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked, so I urge you to take care of the women." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Allah commanded Adam to dwell in Paradise: "O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimeen (wrong-doers)." (Surah 2: 35) The location of this Paradise is unknown to us. The Qur’an did not reveal it, and the commentators had five different opinions. Some said that it was the paradise of our refuge and that its place was heaven. Others negated that statement because if it was the paradise of refuge, Iblis would have been forbidden admission and disobedience would have been forbidden as well. Still others said that it was another paradise that was created by Allah for Adam and Eve. A fourth group said that it was a paradise on the earth, located in a high place. Another group of commentators accept what was in the Qur’an without questioning where this paradise was located. We agree with this last opinion, as the lesson we learn from its location is immaterial compared to the lesson we learn from the events that took place there. Adam and Eve were admitted to Paradise and there they lived the dream of all human beings. Allah permitted them to approach and enjoy everything except one tree, that might have been the Tree of Pain or the Tree of Knowledge. Allah forbade them before they were given abode in Paradise: "But come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimeen (wrong-doers)." (Surah 2:35) Adam and Eve understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit of that tree. Adam was, however, a human being, and man tends to forget. His heart changes and his will weakens. Iblis summoned all the envy within him and took advantage of Adam’s humanity to exploit him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him: "Shall I guide you to the Tree of Immortality and the Eternal Kingdom?" And he said to them: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals." And he (Satan) swore by Allah to them both (saying): "Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you it both." (Surah 7: 20-21) Adam asked himself, "What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the Tree of Immortality." His dream was to live forever in the pure innocence of Paradise. Years went by, and Adam and Eve were preoccupied with thoughts of that tree. Then, one day, they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allah had warned them not to approach it and that Iblis was their sworn enemy. Adam stretched out his hand, picked one of the fruits, and offered it to Eve. They both ate of the forbidden tree. Allah Almighty told us: "So he [Satan] misled them with deception." (Surah 7: 22) Allah also said: "Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray." (Surah 20: 121) According to the Old Testament, Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat of the forbidden tree. She ate because of the words of the serpent and fed Adam some of it. At that moment, their eyes were opened to the fact that they were naked, and they took the leaves of the fig tree to cover themselves. Wahb Ibn Munabah said that their clothing (before their sin) was made of light on the private parts of both of them. This story in the Old Testament is a falsification and deception. Allah the Almighty revealed: "O Children of Adam! Let not Satan deceive you, as he got your parents (Adam and Eve) out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiment, to show them their private parts. Verily he and Qabiluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the devils (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not." (Surah 7: 27) Adam had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he was filled with pain, sadness, and shame. The surrounding atmosphere had changed and the internal music had stopped. He discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting tree leaves with which to cover themselves. Allah the Almighty addressed him: "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you?" They said: "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." (Allah ) said: "Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e., Adam, Eve, and Satan, etc.). On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment, for a time." He said: "Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e. resurrected)." (Surah 7: 22-25) Again there are old stories about these events. Al-Hafez Ibn ‘Asaker narrated that Allah commanded two angels to remove Adam from His holy proximity. So Gabriel stripped him of the crown on his head, and Michael took the diadem from his forehead. Adam thought that his punishment had been hastened and bowed down crying: "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!" So Allah asked: "Are you running away from Me?" Adam replied: "No, my Lord, but I am shy of You." Abdul Rahman Ibn’Amru Al-Awza’iy said that Adam spent one hundred years in Paradise. In another narration it was said that he spent sixty years. Ibn ‘Asaker reported that Adam wept for sixty years for his loss of Paradise and seventy years for his mistake, and he wept for another seventy years when his son was killed. They left Paradise and descended upon the earth. Adam was sad and Eve was crying. Allah accepted their repentance because it was sincere, and He told them that the earth would be their realm and origin where they would live and die and whence they would come on the Day of Judgment. Allah the Almighty recounted this third lesson Adam learned in Paradise: "And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power. And (remember) when We said to the angels "Prostrate yourselves to Adam." They prostrated (all) except Iblis, who refused. Then We said: "O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. So let him not get you both out of Paradise, so that you be distressed in misery. Verily, you have (a promise from Us) that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you (will) suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun’s heat." Then Satan whispered to him, saying, "O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?" Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. (Allah ) said: "Get you down (upon the earth), both of you, together (from Paradise), some of you are an enemy to some others. Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Quran nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection." He will say: "O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)." (Allah ) will say: "Like this, Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-Fire, away from Allah’s Mercy)." And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allah ) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Qur’an, etc.], and believes not in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting." (Surah 20: 115-127) Some people believe that the reason why mankind does not dwell in Paradise is that Adam was disobedient and that if it had not been for this sin, we could have been there all along. These are naive fictions because when Almighty Allah wanted to create Adam, He said to the angels: "I shall make a vicegerent on the earth." He did not say: "I shall make a vicegerent in Paradise." Adam’s descent on earth, then, was not due to degradation but rather it was a dignified descent. Allah knew that Adam and Eve would eat of the tree and descend to earth. He knew that Satan would rape their innocence. That experience was essential for their life on earth; it was a cornerstone of their vicegerency. It was meant to teach Adam, Eve, and their progeny that it was Satan who had caused them to be expelled from Paradise and that the road to Paradise can only be reached by obedience to Allah and enmity to Satan. Could it be said that Adam and the rest of mankind were predestined to sin and to be expelled from Paradise and sent to the earth? In fact, this fiction is as naive as the first one. Adam had complete free will, and he bore the consequences of his deed. He disobeyed by eating of the forbidden tree, so Allah dismissed him from Paradise. His disobedience does not negate his freedom. On the contrary, it is a consequence of it. The truth of the matter is that Allah knew what was going to happen, as He always knows the outcome of events before they take place. However, Allah does not force things to happen. He grants free will to His human creatures. On that He bases His supreme wisdom in populating the earth, establishing the vicegerents, and so on. Adam understood his third lesson. He knew now in a practical way that Iblis was his enemy, the cause of his losing the blessing of living in Paradise, and the cause of his distress. Adam also understood that Allah punishes disobedience and that the way to Paradise has to be through submission to the will of Allah . And he learned from Almighty Allah to ask for forgiveness. Allah accepted Adam’s repentance and forgave him. He then sent him to the earth as His first messenger. Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: "Adam and Moses argued with each other. Moses said to Adam: ‘Your sin expelled you from Paradise.’ Adam said to him: ‘You are Moses whom Allah selected as His messenger and as the one to whom He spoke directly. Yet you blame me for a thing which had already been written in my fate before my Creation?...' Allah’s Prophet Muhammad said twice: "So, Adam outclassed Moses." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Umar Ibn Al-Khattab also narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: "Moses (PBUH) said: ‘My Lord! May I see Adam who removed us and himself from the Paradise?’ So Allah made him see Adam, and he said to him: ‘Are you Adam?’ Adam said: ‘Yes.’ And he said: Were you the one in whom Allah breathed His spirit, and before whom He bowed His angels, and to whom He taught the names of all things?’ Adam answered: ‘Yes.’ So Moses said: ‘What made you remove us and yourself from Paradise?’ Adam said unto him: ‘Who are you?’ He said: ‘I am Moses.’ Adam said: ‘So you are Moses the prophet of the Children of Israel. Were you the one Allah spoke to directly?’ Moses answered: ‘Yes.’ Adam said: ‘Why do you blame me for a matter which Allah had predestined?... So Allah’s Prophet Muhammad said twice. "Adam outclassed Moses." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) There are many traditions concerning the place of Adam’s descent upon earth. Ibn Abi Hatim narrated that Ibn ‘Abbas said: "Adam descended on land called ‘Dihna’ between Mecca (Makkah) and Taif." Al-Hassan said that Adam descended in India, Eve in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Iblis in Bodistiman (Iraq), and the serpent in Ashahan (Iran). This last was also reported by Ibn Hatim. Ass’ady related that Adam descended with the Black Stone (A large black stone set into the wall of the Ka’ba in Mecca. It is said to have come from Paradise) in India, and he had a handful of the seeds of Paradise. He sowed them in India and they grew into the fragrant tree therein. Ibn ‘Umar said that Adam descended on As-Safa and Eve on Al-Marwa (As-Safa and Al-Marwa are the names of two mountains in the vicinity of the Sacred House in Mecca. Part of the rites of pilgrimage (Hajj) include pacing between these two hills in commemoration of Hajar’s search for water). This was also reported by Ibn Hatim. ‘Abdul Razzaq reported that Abi Musa Al-Sh’ari said that when Allah ordered Adam to descend from Paradise to earth, He taught him the making of everything and provided him with the crops from Paradise. Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The best of days on which the sun has risen is Friday. On this day Adam was created, and on this day he was descended to earth. (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Adam knew he bade farewell to peace when he left Paradise. On earth he had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. He also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from the wild beasts. Above all, he had to struggle with the spirit of evil. Satan, the cause of his expulsion from Paradise, continued to beguile him and his children in an effort to have them thrown into the eternal hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allah’s guidance should fear nothing, while those who disobey Allah and follow Iblis will be damned along with him. Adam grasped all of this, and, with the knowledge of this suffering, he started his life on the earth. The only thing that allayed his grief was that he was master of the earth and had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate the earth. He was also the one who had to procreate and raise children who would change and improve the world. The pinnacle of earthly bliss was reached when Adam and Eve witnessed the birth of their first children, a set of twins. Adam was a devoted father and Eve a contented mother. The twins were Cain (Qabil) and his sister. Later Eve gave birth to a second set of twins, Abel (Habil) and his sister. The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young adults. Cain tilled the land, while Abel raised cattle. The time arrived when the two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allah’s plan for mankind, to multiply and form nations with different cultures and colors. Allah revealed to Adam that he should marry each son to the twin sister of the other. Adam instructed his children according to Allah’s command, but Cain was displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Abel’s twin-sister was not as beautiful as his own. It appears that since the beginning of time, physical beauty has been a factor in the attraction between men and women. This attraction caused Cain to envy his brother Abel. He rebelled against Allah’s command by refusing to accept his father’s advice. At first glance Cain’s rebellion might appear strange, but we should remember that, although man has a pure nature, the potential for dichotomy exists. In other words, he has both good and bad qualities. He can become greedy, covetous, possessive, selfish and even destructive. Man is, therefore, capable of seeking self-satisfaction even if it leads to failure in this life and in the hereafter. The path to goodness lies in harnessing the enemy within him, his baser self, by controlling evil thoughts and deeds and practicing moderation in his desires and actions. His reward then will be the delights of this world and the hereafter. Thus Allah tests us through our divided nature. Adam was in a dilemma. He wanted peace and harmony in his family, so he invoked Allah for help. Allah commanded that each son offer a sacrifice, and he whose offering was accepted would have right on his side. Abel offered his best camel, while Cain offered his worst grain. His sacrifice was not accepted by Allah because of his disobedience to his father and the insincerity in his offering. This enraged Cain even further. Realizing that his hopes of marrying his own beautiful sister were fading, he threatened his brother: "I will kill you! I refuse to see you happy while I remain unhappy!" Abel, feeling sorry for his brother) replied: "It would be more proper for you, my brother, to search for the cause of your unhappiness and then walk in the way of peace. Allah accepts deeds only from those who serve and fear Him, not from those who reject His commands." Abel was intelligent, obedient, and always ready to obey the will of Allah . This contrasted sharply with his brother, who was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Abel did not fear his brother’s threats, but neither did he want his brother to be hurt. Allah had blessed Abel with purity and compassion. Hoping to allay the hatred seething in his brother, Abel said: "My brother, you are deviating from the right path and are sinful in your decisions. It is better that you repent to Allah and forget about your foolish threat. But if you do not, then I will leave the matter in the hands of Allah. You alone will bear the consequence of your sin, for the Fire is the reward of the wrong-doers." This brotherly plea did nothing to lessen the hatred in Cain’s heart, nor did he show fear of Allah’s punishment. Even familial considerations were cast aside. Cain struck his brother with a stone, killing him instantly. This was the first death and the first criminal act committed by man on earth. When Abel had not appeared for some time, Adam began to search for him but found no trace of his beloved son. He asked Cain about Abel’s whereabouts. Cain insolently replied that he was not his brother’s keeper nor his protector. From these words his father understood that Abel was dead and Adam was filled with grief. Meanwhile, Cain did not know what to do with his brother's corpse. He carried it on his back wandering from place to place, trying to hide it. His anger had now subsided, and his conscience was saddled with guilt. He was tiring under the burden of the corpse which had started to have a stench. As a mercy, and to show that dignity could be retained even in death, Allah sent two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, rolled its victim into it and covered it with sand. Witnessing this, Cain was overcome with shame and remorse. ‘Woe unto me!" he exclaimed. "I was unable to do what this raven has done, that is to hide my brother’s corpse." Cain then buried his brother. This was also the first burial of man. Allah the Almighty revealed: "And (O Muhammad) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam [Abel and Cain -- Habil and Qabil respectively] in truth, when each offered a sacrifice (to Allah ), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former, "I will surely kill you." The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqeen (the pious). If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah; the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists). Verily I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the Zalimeen (polytheists, and wrong-doers)." So the Nafs (self) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair-seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers. Then Allah sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said. ‘Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?" Then he became one of those who regretted. " (Surah 5: 27-31) Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn Mas’ud and a group of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) related that inter-marriage of the male of one pregnancy with the female of another had been in practice among Adam’s children. Abel wanted to marry Cain’s sister, but Cain wanted her for himself because she was very beautiful. Adam ordered him to give her in marriage to his brother, but he refused. So Adam ordered both of them to offer a sacrifice, then went to Mecca (Makkah) to perform the pilgrimage. After Adam had left, they offered their sacrifices: Abel offered a fat lamb -- he was a shepherd -- while Cain offered a bundle of the worst grain. A fire descended and devoured Abel’s sacrifice, leaving that of Cain, so he became angry and said: "I will surely kill you so that you will not marry my sister." Abel replied: "Allah accepts from those who fear Him." According to Abu Ja’afar Al-Baqer, Adam was watching their offering and was sure that Abel’s sacrifice would be accepted. Cain complained to Adam that the acceptance was due to his supplication for Abel and that he had not done the same for him, so he promised his father to settle the matter between himself and his brother. One night, Abel was late returning from tending his flock. Adam sent Cain to see what had happened to him. When he found him, he glared at him saying: "Yours was accepted, and mine was not." Abel replied: "Allah only accepts from the Allah-fearing." Cain became angry on hearing this and hit him with a piece of iron that was with him, thus killing him. In another version it was said that he killed him with a rock to the head while he was sleeping. Adam was utterly grief-stricken by the loss of his two sons: one was dead, the other was won over by the devil. Adam prayed for his son and turned to mundane matters, for he had to toil for his sustenance. At the same time, he was a prophet, advising his children and grandchildren, telling them about Allah , and calling them to believe in Him. He told them about Iblis and warned them by recounting his own experience with the devil and of how the devil had tempted Cain to kill his brother. Years and years passed, Adam grew old, and his children spread all over the earth. Muhammad Ibn Ishaq related: "that when Adam’s death drew near, he appointed his son Seth (Shiith) to be his successor, and taught him the hours of the day and night along with their appropriate acts of worship. He also foretold to him the flood that would come." Abu Dhar narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Allah sent down one hundred four psalms, of which fifty were sent down to Seth." Abdullah Ibn Al-Iman Ahmad Ibn Hanbal narrated that Ubai Ibn Ka’b said: "When Adam’s death was near, he said to his children: ‘O my children, indeed, I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.’ So they went away searching for what Adam had requested. They met with the angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with. They said to them: ‘O Children of Adam, what are you searching for? What do you want? Where are you going?’ They said: ‘Our father is sick and has an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.’ The angels said to them: ‘Go back, for your father is going to meet his end soon.’ So they returned (with the angels), and when Eve saw them she recognized them. She tried to hide herself behind Adam. He said to her: ‘Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the angels of my Lord.’ So they took his soul, embalmed and wrapped him, dug the grave and laid him in it. They prayed on him and put him in his grave, saying: ‘O Children of Adam, this is your tradition at the time of death."’ Before his death Adam reassured his children that Allah would not leave man alone on the earth, but would send His prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united in one thing: the call to worship Allah alone. This was Adam’s bequest to his children. Adam finished speaking and closed his eyes. Then the angels entered his room and surrounded him. When he recognized the Angel of Death among them, his heart smiled peacefully. After Adam’s death, his son Seth (Shiith) took over the responsibilities of prophethood, according to a Hadith narrated by Abu Dhar. Abu Dhar also narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Allah sent down one hundred four psalm of which fifty were sent down to Seth" (Sahih Al-Bukhari) When the time of his death came, Seth’s son Anoush succeeded him. He in turn, was succeeded by his son Qinan, who was succeeded by his son Mahlabeel. The Persians claim that Mahlabeel was the King of the Seven Regions, that he was the first one to cut down trees to build cities and large forts and that he built the cities of Babylonia. He reigned for a period of forty years. When he died his duties were taken over by his son Yard, who on his death, bequeathed them to his son Khonoukh, who is Idris (PBUH) according to the majority of the scholars (‘Ulama). These stories are based on the book, "Stories of the prophets", by Ibn Kathir. Translation is by Sheikh Muhammad Gemeiah. The book was edited by Aelfwine Acelas Mischler.