what is created from the better substance is itself better. A derivative may possess qualities absent from its source. From this very earth are created animals, minerals, and plants that are better than it. Arguing that the human being is superior to other beings because his origin is superior to theirs is a fallacious argument—the very argument used by Iblīs and by those who boast of their ancestry. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Whoever falls short through his deeds will not be advanced by his lineage.”

Third: Although Adam was created from clay, he was ennobled by having the sanctified spirit breathed into him. Hence Allah said:

“When I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down before him in prostration.”

Thus, prostration was made conditional upon His breathing into him of His spirit. What establishes his superiority is this noble quality, the like of which Iblīs does not possess.

Fourth: He was created with Allah Most High’s two hands, as He said:

“What prevented you from prostrating to what I created with My two hands?”

This accords with the report transmitted from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, through a disconnected chain, and also from ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Amr, concerning Adam’s superiority over the angels. The angels said:

“Our Lord, You have created the worldly life for the children of Adam, in which they eat, drink, clothe themselves, and marry. So grant us the Hereafter, just as You have granted them the worldly life.”

He said, “I will not do so.” They repeated their request, and He said, “I will not do so.” They repeated it again, and He said, “By My might, I will not equate a righteous one whom I created with My two hands with one to whom I said, ‘Be,’ and he was.”

Fifth: Even if it were supposed that Iblīs was superior, it could still be said that there is nothing objectionable in the superior honouring the inferior.