(2:30). This shows that the creation of Adam AS, his fall from Paradise, and living and populating Earth was all within the plan of Allah, as human beings were given the immense honour of being a caretaker of Earth, under the command of Allah. Other roles of humans that have been mentioned in the Qur’an include being the abd (servant) of Allah and that human purpose is the worship of Allah. Allah says, ‘’And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me…’’ (51:56).

This role of worship is also in the fitrah (nature) of humans as Prophet Muhammad stated, ‘’ Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah alone) …” Another important part of human nature shown is the breathing of Allah’s soul, i.e. the divine spirit, into him that was mentioned in the Qur’an (15:29). This verse teaches us that some Godly characteristics (such as free thought, rational thought, clear speech etc) have been given to human beings (in a limited way), something which no other creature has. This also explains part of why Adam AS was worthy enough to be prostrated to by all the angels, due to the clear honour that was given to humanity. The last important element of human nature that we’ll talk about is the human potential for both good and bad. The Qur’an says, ‘’ We have indeed created man in the finest of molds (Ahsan al-Taqwim), then We reversed him to the lowest of the low (Asfal as-Safileen) …” (95:4-5). Furthermore, the Prophet said, “If you did not sin, Allah would create a creation that would sin, so He will forgive them.’’ As such, human beings have the ability for both extremes, however, as shown in the story of Adam who asked for forgiveness after his error of eating from the tree, what is important is to repent sincerely and grow as a person.

So, what does this tell us? One important concept we can understand is that, unlike the Christian belief of original sin, Islam encourages the idea of individual responsibility for one’s mistakes. The Quran shows that it was Satan who led Adam and Hawa into eating from the forbidden tree (2:36), displaying to us that human beings will be tested through the attempts of Satan in diverting them from worship. As such, fighting against urges is a normal part of human life, meant to test and help better a person. The Quran also mentions that, “Then Adam received from his Lord (some) words, and He accepted his repentance…’’ (2:37).

Hence, human beings are meant to make mistakes and learn through those experiences, it is part of both their roles and nature. In conclusion, human beings have been tasked with taking care and being in charge of the earth, while they do this however, they must remember that they have to worship Allah as humans are the abd of Allah. Allah has given human beings abilities unlike any other creature (such as those God-like characteristics of speech, high cognitive abilities)  and given them gifts unlike other creatures (like the prostration of the angels to Adam) so that humans can grow closer to Allah and spiritually excel. Through the story of Adam, we learn that the true purpose and nature of human beings is to spiritually excel in this world, whilst making mistakes, repenting and becoming stronger in faith.

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