Adam’s Creation
In Islamic tradition, the creation of Adam, the first human and prophet, is a significant event filled with profound meaning. According to Islamic sources, when Allah breathed life into Adam, the first sound he made was indeed a sneeze, followed by the words “al-hamdu lillah” (ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ), meaning “All praise is due to Allah”[10]. This act of praising Allah immediately upon gaining consciousness demonstrates the innate connection between humans and their Creator.
Adam’s role in Islam is multifaceted:
- First Prophet and Muslim: Adam was not only the first human but also the first prophet of Islam and the first Muslim[3]. He was given divine knowledge and taught about Allah’s attributes, enabling him to guide his descendants in the worship of the One True God[2].
- Creation from Clay: Allah created Adam from clay or dust taken from various parts of the earth[3][9]. This diversity in the source material is believed to account for the different skin colors and characteristics found among Adam’s descendants[9].
- Khalifah (Vicegerent): Adam was appointed as Allah’s representative on Earth, given the role of khalifah[3]. This position came with the responsibility of stewarding the Earth and guiding humanity.
- Intellectual Capacity: Allah bestowed upon Adam the ability to think logically and granted him knowledge that even the angels did not possess[3]. This included the knowledge of languages, agriculture, and various crafts necessary for human civilization[8].
- Test and Descent to Earth: After being created in Paradise, Adam and his wife Hawwa (Eve) were tested and subsequently sent to Earth to fulfill their role as Allah’s vicegerents[3].
The story of Adam’s creation and his first utterance of praise to Allah serves as a reminder for Muslims of the importance of gratitude and the recognition of Allah’s blessings in all aspects of life[1][2]. It also establishes the practice of saying “al-hamdu lillah” after sneezing, which continues to be observed by Muslims today[5].
Citations:
[1] https://islamqa.info/en/answers/2750/why-do-muslims-say-al-hamdu-lillah-after-they-sneeze
[2] https://imaninsight.com/understanding-alhamdulillah-a-deeper-look-at-praise-and-gratitude-in-islam/
[3] wikipedia/en/Adam_in_Islam
[4] https://www.alhakam.org/prophets-of-allah-hazrat-adam-the-first-prophet/
[5] https://myislam.org/yarhamukallah-meaning/
[6] https://myislam.org/hamdulilah-or-hamdullah/
[7] https://islamqa.info/en/answers/13286/creation-of-man-in-islam
[8] https://www.islam.ms/en/adam-first-prophet-man
[9] https://en.islamway.net/article/20959/the-story-of-adam-ibn-kathir