Section: The Story of Adam, the father of humankind—peace be upon him

God has always existed as the First, with nothing before Him, and He has never ceased to do whatever He wills. No moment has ever been empty of deeds and words issuing from His will and choice, each perfectly in keeping with His wisdom; for He is Wise in everything He ordains and decrees, just as He is Wise in every law He prescribes for His servants.

When God’s all-embracing wisdom, His exhaustive knowledge, and His overflowing mercy required the creation of Adam—the father of mankind whom He has preferred above many of His creatures—He informed the angels, saying: “Indeed, I am going to place on earth a khalifah (vicegerent)” (Qur’an 2:30), one who would succeed those beings who had inhabited the earth before, creatures known only to Him.

“They said, ‘Will You place therein someone who will spread corruption in it and shed blood?’” (Qur’an 2:30). Their question sprang from reverence and veneration for their Lord, disliking that He might create a being whose conduct resembled that of the earlier creatures—or, as another view holds, because God had already told them about Adam’s creation and about the criminals who would emerge from his offspring.

God said to the angels, “Indeed, I know that which you do not know” (Qur’an 2:30). His knowledge encompasses everything, including the countless benefits and interests that would follow from the existence of this creature. Thus He made them aware of Himself by manifesting the perfection of His knowledge, teaching them that one must acknowledge God’s vast knowledge and wisdom—wisdom that ensures He creates nothing in vain and for no purpose.