We are one. It is a phrase we all say, but do we truly reflect on its depth and meaning? Well, we all indeed come from the same origin: Adam and Hawa (Eve).
In Islam, the story of Adam and Hawa teaches many lessons that can shape our children's understanding and values.
As parents, we are responsible for passing down the teachings of Islam to our children. Every story you share today is a seed planted for their future. Of course, we all want it to grow into something beautiful.
Today, we share Islam’s story of Adam and Hawa (Eve). Let’s explore it together, and as we do, think about how you can share these lessons with your little ones.
The Story of Adam and Hawa in the Quran
You can find the story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) in several surahs in the Quran:
- Al-Baqarah (30-39)
- Al-A`raf (11-27)
- Ta-Ha (115-126)
- Sad (71-88)
From all these surahs, we see the story of humanity and how it began. Adam (Alyeh Al-Salam) is the first human Allah created; he is also the first prophet and messenger.
Allah created him and created Hawa (Eve) as his partner and companion, and they both lived in paradise. They lived in bliss, but Iblis (Shaytan, Satan, or Devil), who refused to bow to Adam, plotted to lead them astray.
One day, Iblis succeeded in convincing them to eat from the forbidden tree. However, they realized their mistakes and repented, and Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgave them.
Adam and Eve's story isn't about the mistake; it's about learning from it. However, that’s not the only prophet's story they can learn from; you can also introduce them to the story of Prophet Ibrahim to learn more valuable lessons.
How Were Adam and Hawa Created? - Islamic Story for Children
Have you ever thought about the origin of everything and how to share the Islamic story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) with your kids? Let's break it down and make it simple using the most trusted source: The Quran
What Was Adam Created From?
According to the Quran, Allah created Adam from dust; we are part of the earth we live on.
“…He created Him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” [3:59]
It shows the greatness of Allah, who transformed us from simple dust on earth into beings with a soul, intellect, and the ability to make choices.
“Indeed, Allah Most High created Adam from a handful that He took from all of the earth. So the children of Adam come in according with the earth; some of them come red, white, and black, and between that, and the thin, the thick, the filthy, and the clean.” (at-Tirmidhi, 2955)
After that, Allah turned this dust into "sounding clay" and "black mud altered.
"He created man from clay like [that of] pottery." (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:14)
We created Man from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape…} (Al-Hijr 15:26)
{He began the creation of Man from clay and made his progeny from a quintessence of fluid} (As-Sajdah 32:7-8)
Simple, right? But this verse carries a deep lesson. Ask your kids, Why did Allah choose the word pottery, and why wasn't it just clay? Let them think for a moment, then explain that just as the clay can be shaped into different things, Allah shaped us into different shapes and characters.
Your actions and good deeds shape who we are. It’s a powerful message about the potential within each of us. The clay is a symbol of humility yet of great power.
Allah didn't just create Adam; he also taught him the names of everything. He even taught him things that the angels didn't know of.
And He taught Adam the names—all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.’ They said, ‘Exalted are You; we do not know what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the 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 unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.’” [2:31-33]
This means that we were not created ignorant; we were created knowledgeable. This shows how important it is for us to always seek learning and knowledge.
Allah also honored Adam (and humankind) above all creatures. How so? Allah asked all the angels to bow down to Adam.
This was a gesture of honoring the first human Allah created. They bowed as a form of respect, not worship.
Now you might wonder? How was Hawa created?
The creation of Hawa (Eve) (Hawa)
Though the Quran does not mention her name, Hawa (Eve) is known in Islamic tradition by the Arabic name Hawwa`. The Quran keeps on telling us the story of creation and how men and women are created from the same soul.
O humanity! Be mindful of your Lord who created you from a single soul, and it, He created its mate,1 and through both, He spread countless men and women. And be mindful of Allah—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and "honor” family ties. Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you. (Surah An-Nisa 4:1).
{It is He Who created you from a single person and made his mate of like nature, so that he might dwell with her in love.} (Al-A`raf 7:189)
Although this wasn't mentioned in the Quran, some Islamic traditions say Hawa was created from Adam's rib. To be equal, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved. This is based on the Hadith.
“Treat women kindly. Woman has been created from a rib, and the most curved part of the rib is the uppermost. If you try to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it alone, it will remain curved. So treat women kindly." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Whether it is from the same soul or Adam's ribs, this signifies the idea of companionship and that men and women are created to live together in harmony and mutual respect.
“And We said, ‘O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.’” [2:35]
However, the bliss didn't last long. So what happened? Keep reading to know the story of how we all now live on Earth instead of in paradise.
Iblis and Adam: A Story of Choices and Consequences
The story of Iblis and Adam is the simple and first example of a constant battle between good and evil. When Allah breathed life into Adam, he commanded the angels, including Iblis, to show their respect by prostrating to him.
All the angels obeyed, but Iblis, being a Jinn, refused to do so. why? He was arrogant; he believed he was better than Adam because he was created from pure flame.
“[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.’ So the angels prostrated—all of them entirely. Except Iblees; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.” [38:71-74]
But his story didn’t end there. Out of anger and envy, he made it his mission to make Adam and his descendants disobey Allah, too! And he started with Adam and Hawa.
"[Iblis] said, 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path.'" (Surah Al-A'raf 7:16)
Iblis continuously lured Adam and Hawa into defying Allah's commands. He tempted them to eat from a tree that Allah had specifically forbidden. Allah has warned them that Iblis is their enemy, and he will attempt to remove them from heaven.
“So we said, ‘O Adam, indeed, this is an enemy to you and your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer.’” [20:117]
Indeed it was! He kept telling lies and false promises, as if they did, they were going to be immortals.
Unfortunately, they fell for this temptation. When they ate from the forbidden tree, they realized how big their mistake was, and they were ashamed.
{By deceit, he [Satan] brought them to their fall: when they tasted the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them, “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was your avowed enemy?” They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged our souls, and if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost.”} (Al-A`raf 7:22-23)
Allah forgives their mistakes; he is the most merciful. However, they were sent to Earth.
“We said, ‘Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance—there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs—those will be companions of the fire; they will abide therein eternally.’” [2:38-39]
5 Important Lessons from Adam and Hawa's Story for Kids
The story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) is full of fundamental lessons; let's look at a few of them.
1. Allah created us (Humans) to worship and obey him.
When thinking of this story, many people only look at their mistakes and believe that if it weren't for them, we would all be in paradise. However, this is not true. When Allah created humans and honored them. He created us for a primary reason: to be His vicegerents on earth. To live, build, and worship him.
“‘Verily, I am going to place mankind generation after generation 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 and sanctify You?' God said, ‘I know that which you do not know.’” (Quran 2:30)
Adam and Hawa had everything in paradise; they were only given one command: to obey Allah and avoid one tree.
However, their disobedience had consequences. This teaches us that we should always obey Allah because when we don't, we are faced with difficulties.
2. Shaytan is the enemy of humans.
Mankind was always faced with Iblis' temptation, and just like the first man and prophet fell for it, we do fall for it as well.
The Islamic story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) is the best reminder that Shaytan is the enemy. Iblis knew that human nature was to be attracted to forbidden things. He took advantage of this (and still takes advantage of it to this day).
He will always try to deceive us into making mistakes and disobeying Allah. It's his mission. So we should always remember that!
“Do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168)
“Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy.” (Surah Fatir 35:6)
Encourage your kids to always remember this and to stay strong and make good choices, just like Adam and Hawa eventually did.
3. The Role of Free Will
Allah created Adam and taught him everything; he raised him over all other creatures. In addition to all this, he gave him free will and the power to make decisions. Adam and Hawa were given the ability to choose, and they made a mistake.
This captures the core of the human experience; we always face choices where we must distinguish between right and wrong. We must also be willing to deal with the consequences that follow those choices.
4. We should always repent and ask for forgiveness for our mistakes.
This is perhaps the most crucial lesson of Adam and Hawa's story in the Quran. After their mistake, Adam and Hawa immediately sought forgiveness, and Allah forgave them.
Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (2:37)
This teaches the importance of repentance in Islam. Moreover, it is a reminder that Allah is the most merciful and forgiving. Allah loves us; when he created mankind, he made us superior; he taught us everything, and he placed us in paradise.
And even though Adam and Hawa (Eve) made the gravest mistake of disobeying his orders, he forgave them. Why? Because they asked his forgiveness and repented.
Everyone makes mistakes; as humans, we are not free of sin (it's part of who we are). But unlike Satan, we are always seeking forgiveness.
So no matter how grave our mistake is, the most important thing is to return to Allah, ask for forgiveness, and repent of this sin. Because Allah’s mercy is always greater than our mistakes. Just like the prophet taught us:
"Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent." (at-Tirmidhi, 2499)
As you teach your children about the story of Adam and Hawa (Eve), remember you don’t have to do it alone.
At Islamic Galaxy, we offer you various resources and engaging content. We can help you engage your kids more in learning about Islam with our educational Islamic games to keep them entertained and interested!
A Final Thought
The story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) isn't just a story about the origin of mankind; it teaches us many lessons, such as the importance of obeying Allah and being aware of Shytan's whispers. Remember, just like Adam and Hawa, we’ll make mistakes along the way.
However, what matters is that we learn from them, seek forgiveness, and strive to be the best version we can be. Moreover, we live under Allah’s mercy, and if it weren't for us, we would have been doomed since day one.
So, the next time you read the story of Adam and Hawa (Eve) in the Quran, don’t look at it as history. See it as your own story as well. A story of potential, knowledge, forgiveness, and endless possibilities.
A story that’s still being written, by you and your kids and your grandkids to come, Insha'Allah. Stay tuned for the next story! Also, you can subscribe to Islamic Galaxy and get access to the best programs for Muslim kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Did Adam and Hawa Meet on Earth?
After being separated on Earth, Adam and Hawa were believed in some Islamic traditions to be reunited on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca. Today, millions gather there during Hajj, seeking forgiveness as Adam and Hawa once did.
Where Is Adam Buried in Islam?
The exact burial place of Adam is debated, with traditions suggesting India, Mount Abu Qubais near the Kaaba, or the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. What matters most is Adam’s legacy as the first prophet and his example for all humanity.
