In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

The creation of the earth, of the atmosphere around it, and, in fact, of the entire outer space, it seems, was for a purpose. That is, for the institution of the vicegerency of Adam and his progeny on the earth! This purpose is the subject matter of Verses 30 to 39 of the 2nd Chapter of the Qur’aan. Let us now study these Verses one by one.

Verse 2:30

Translation: And when your Lord told the angels, “I am indeed going to establish a vicegerency on the earth”, they said, “Will You establish therein those who would spread discord therein and shed blood? And we glorify You with praises and sanctify You!” HE (Allah) said, “I know that which you do not know.”

Commentary: In the context here, the word khalifatan in the Arabic text connotes a deputation for ruling/controlling/managing an area in the name of Allah, the Creator and real Ruler of all things. Human beings have been so deputed to this earth, in their respective area of activity, just for testing them how they act. The test is whether they recognise the existence of Allah without seeing Him, whether they remain aware that Allah is monitoring every little thing they do rightly or wrongly, and whether they are aware that they will be rewarded or punished accordingly! This fact is distinctly brought out in the Verses below.

Verse 2:31

Translation: And He taught Adam all of the attributes. Then He placed those before the angels and said to them, “Describe these attributes to me, if you do really know the Truth.”

Commentary: Adam, of course, is the first man created by Allah. Allah imparted to him the knowledge of certain things the angels knew nothing about.

Verse 2:32

Translation: They said, “Glory to You! We do not have any knowledge other than what You have taught us. You indeed are the One having knowledge of everything and the One possessing all wisdom!”

Verse 2:33

Translation: Said He, “O Adam! Describe to them the attributes.” And when he described to them the attributes, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the atmosphere and skies beyond and of the earth and that I know what you have declared and what you have concealed?”

Verse 2:34

Translation: And when We asked the angels to prostate before Adam, prostrated they all except Iblees. He (Iblees) refused and was proud and became one among the suppressors of Truth!

Verse 2:35

Translation: And We said, “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden. And eat therefrom freely as you please. But come not near this tree! You both would then be among the wrongdoers.”

Verse 2:36

Translation: Then Satan made them slip from that (commitment) and got them out of where they were. And We said, “Down you go with some of you as enemies to some others. And on the earth, for a while. will there be board and lodging for you.”

Verse 2:37 

Translation: Adam then received words (of guidance) from his Lord, Who then pardoned him. Surely, He is the One Who pardons, the One Merciful!

Verse 2:38

Translation: We said, “Down you all go from here! Then whenever Guidance comes to you from Me, all those who follow My Guidance shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.”

Verse 2:39