The other day we asked the question: Why did Adam fall from heaven?
Before we can answer that we must learn about the story of his (and our) creation:
The reply of the angels when they heard about the creation of man:
“Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” [2:30]
They realized what the creation of man would lead to. They were angels, created from light, they did not have free will nor did they have any desire for it.
How could this creature who has free will become a khalifah, a representative of Allah on earth?
The reply was “Indeed I know what you know not!”
But that wasn’t the whole reply…
What do you think? Share your reflections below!
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leader or succesor who will obey execute apply the laws of God on earth
IMHO a khalifa is a caretaker not a representative of God, because God cannot be represented. But humans can be stewards and caretakers and aspire to acquire Divine Qualities in their quest for personal transformation in order to achieve nearness to God, which is the purpose of our path.
While humans are capable of, and indeed do, spread corruption and shed blood on earth, they also have the free will to overcome this proclivity.
And God in His/Her mercy proceeded to teach Adam the Names to guide humanity. These Names can be interpreted as the Divine Attributes which we endeavor to acquire so that we may transform ourselves into better human beings.
2:31 And S/He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then S/He showed them to the angels and said “Inform Me of the names of these if you are truthful”.
2:32 They said “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise”.
As we can see God had anticipated human weakness and gave us the means to act with knowledge and wisdom through the Divine Names. We can choose to live skillfully on earth being good stewards and caretakers – or not.
Thanks for this opportunity to reflect.
Asalaam alilaykum, I think here the Angels are asking are you going to create a creature that will cause suffering and be in opposition to the will of Allah, cos they’re on the opposite end of the scale only obeying and singing the praises of Allah. And following the commands of Allah