The Authenticity of the Narration: 'Before Your Adam, There Were a Thousand Adams'

Question

This question addresses the authenticity of a narration that states there were a thousand Adams before the current one, and seeks to understand its implications and whether we are the last of God's creations.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. Regarding the narration in question, it is found in well-known books such as 'Bihar al-Anwar' and 'Al-Khisal'. It indicates the existence of creations before ours and after ours. The narration has been discussed by scholars, including Allama Majlisi, who explains that after the current creation and world are destroyed, God will create a new world with beings who worship Him. This suggests that there have been multiple worlds and Adams before us. The narration does not contradict another narration that mentions seven nations created before Adam, as it can be interpreted that these nations existed on our earth, while other worlds and Adams existed elsewhere. Thus, there is no contradiction between the two narrations. This understanding helps reconcile scientific findings about the age of the earth and human existence with religious beliefs, indicating that Adam was not the first creation but part of a continuum of beings. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his pure family.