The Prostration of Adam (Peace Be Upon Him)

Question

This Q&A addresses the legitimacy of prostration to Adam (PBUH) and the implications of Iblis's refusal to prostrate. It explores the nature of prostration and its relation to worship, as well as the reasons behind Iblis being labeled as one of the disbelievers despite his previous acts of worship. [AR_ID:566]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Answer to the first question: First, it is essential to clarify the main point of contention: the prohibition is against worshiping anyone other than God or showing servitude to anyone other than Him. It is stated that any act intended as worship to someone other than God or meant to show servitude to someone other than Him is forbidden.

Thus, we must examine whether prostration to someone other than God constitutes worship of that person or merely an expression of servitude to them.

Some have argued that prostration itself indicates servitude, which is why they prohibited prostration to anyone other than God. They interpreted the prostration in the verse as not being directed to Adam (PBUH) but rather to God, and some even attempted to redefine the meaning of prostration. However, you are aware of the implications of all this.

Therefore, we assert that prostration does not inherently imply servitude; it can be an act of respect or honor, or even mockery, depending on the intention and the external circumstances surrounding each act of prostration. While it is undeniable that the most prominent examples of prostration are servitude and humility before God, this does not mean that these are its intrinsic qualities.

Consequently, when considering the noble verse, it is clear that the conversation was with the angels, who cannot be suspected of worshiping anyone other than God, especially since it was God who commanded them to prostrate. It is illogical for Him to command them to worship someone other than Himself. With all these indications, the angels and Adam (PBUH) understood that God commanded the angels to prostrate merely as an act of honor and respect for Adam (PBUH), not to show servitude to him. The evidence for this is Iblis's refusal to prostrate and his comparison of himself to Adam (PBUH). It is clear that Iblis was not addressing God by claiming superiority over Adam (PBUH) and asserting that he deserved worship more than Adam did; rather, it is evident that Iblis intended to convey that he was superior to Adam and deserved honor and respect, and that Adam (PBUH) should honor Iblis instead. This is supported by God's words: {And when We said to the angels, 'Prostrate to Adam,' they prostrated, except for Iblis. He said, 'Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay? * He said, 'Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few.'}

Answer to the second question: It is possible that Iblis's situation was similar to that of hypocrites, who outwardly display faith while concealing disbelief, aiming for divine proximity and subsequently leadership and succession. This is supported by God's statement in verse 33 of Surah Al-Baqarah: (And I know what you reveal and what you conceal).

It is also possible that, although he was not aware of his inner disbelief and worshiped God with some conviction, there was a darkness in his heart and soul. If his worship had been purely for God over thousands of years and with complete conviction, it would have prevented him from arrogance and refusal to prostrate. This implies that his faith was at a stage that did not contradict his pride and personal interests. The moment he perceived that this faith conflicted with his pride and imagined personal interests, he rejected faith and worship, choosing to be cursed and expelled from God's mercy.

This is something we observe in many people who display faith, humility, and sincerity during times of poverty and need, but as soon as their afflictions are lifted or their faith conflicts with their personal interests, they turn completely around. Is this not a result of their worship not being purely for God and not stemming from a complete conviction that God deserves absolute worship?

May you be successful in all that is good.