The Creation of Adam

The Creation of Adam Knowing, the All Wise.’ Then He said, ‘O Adam, tell them their names.’ When Adam had told them the names, God said to the angels, ‘Did I not say to you: I know the secrets of the heavens and of the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?’” (2:30-33) The question arises as to why the Angels expressed doubt about Adam. Further, what was the thing that the angels were satisfied with after God’s explanatory answer? This reply is given indirectly in the Quran. By understanding this indirect indication, one can learn God’s planning for man’s creation and how it was to be carried out. We find another such indication in this verse of the Quran: We have indeed created man in the best of mould, then We cast him down as the lowest of the low, except for those who believe and do good deeds—theirs shall be an unending reward! (95:4-6) This shows that God granted man a blessing which has been called honour (takrim) in the Quran (17:70). That is to say, God created man with great potential, gave him complete freedom and the opportunity to choose the right path for himself of his own free will. Moreover, in recognition of his noble deeds, God will