Moral issues are clearly highlighted in the Qur’anic stories, to the extent that they inspire the minds of every listener and serve as a light by which seekers are guided on their journey to Allah. Below is an explanation of the moral issues found in the story of Adam (peace be upon him), the ethical values it encompasses, and some aspects of its greatness, to inspire efforts in shaping contemporary generations.

First: Moral Issues in the Story of Adam:

1. The discussion of morality even before the creation of humankind, warning against the consequences of moral corruption. Allah the Exalted says, “And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'” (Al-Baqarah: 30)

2. Encouraging the adoption of comprehensive morality by adhering to divine commands and avoiding prohibitions, and clarifying the consequences of disobedience. Allah the Exalted says, “But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.” (Al-Baqarah: 35)

3. Explaining the causes of moral deviation, whether external—such as the whispers of Shaitan and bad companions—or internal, like love of dunya (worldly life), the dominance of desires over the soul, and its weakness before temptations. Allah says, “But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said, 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.'” (Al-A’raf: 20)

4. Urging piety and highlighting the consequences of wronging oneself through sins, presented in a tangible image that repels sound souls, encouraging them to avoid it. Allah SWT says, “So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, 'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?'” (Al-A’raf: 22) This is a condition that repels sound souls. Then Allah endeared to them the garment of piety, stating that it is better than outward clothing. Allah says, “But the clothing of righteousness — that is best.” (Al-A’raf: 26)

5. Clarifying the effects of moral corruption on the individual and society, and warning against belittling bad morals such as tyranny, envy, injustice, and miserliness. This was evident in the story of the two sons of Adam (peace be upon him). Allah says, “And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], 'I will surely kill you.' Said [the former], 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].’” (Al-Ma’idah: 27)

6. The importance of immediate repentance from sin, by abandoning it, regretting it, and seeking forgiveness. Allah says, “Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.” (Al-Baqarah: 37) As for repentance at a time when it is no longer beneficial, it is not accepted, such as in the case of Pharaoh when drowning: “Until, when drowning overtook him, he said, 'I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel have believed, and I am of the Muslims.’” (Yunus: 90)

How to Implement the Qur'anic moral system?

Second: The Most Crucial Ethical Values in Adam’s Story:

1. The value of knowledge and the importance of learning: The first matter the Qur’an mentions in the story of Adam (peace be upon him) is Allah teaching him all the names. Allah the Exalted says, “And He taught Adam the names — all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.’” (Al-Baqarah: 31) This demonstrates the importance of knowledge and encourages its pursuit, as well as pointing to the necessity of respecting scholars and virtuous people.

2. The value of humility: This appears in the angels’ obedience to Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam: “So the angels prostrated — all of them entirely.” (Sad: 73) This teaches the soul that humility is a path to closeness to Allah and to creation.

3. The value of seeking closeness to Allah: The greatest relationship a servant has is his relationship with Allah. Even when he errs, he repents, and Allah forgives him and guides him. Allah says, “And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred. Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him].” (Taha: 121–122) This also highlights the importance of forgiveness and pardon, and that it is more befitting for a person to embody these qualities.

4. The value of rising above base desires: Allah honored mankind by choosing them for succession on earth and creating them in the best form, clarifying the paths of guidance and misguidance. He made clear that those who do not follow the way of the prophets have indeed humiliated themselves. Allah says addressing Adam (peace be upon him) and his descendants: “And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance — there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs — those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” (Al-Baqarah: 38–39)

5. The value of moral responsibility: Allah reproached Adam (peace be upon him) and his wife for not adhering to the divine command, and they admitted their sin. This highlights the value of moral responsibility for the individual, and that one must bear the consequences of his actions. Despite their regret and Allah's acceptance of their repentance, they were expelled from Paradise.

6. The value of patience in bearing obligations: The servant is constantly tested in this world, and thus needs patience to comply with Allah’s commands, to refrain from prohibitions, and to endure trials for His sake. Whenever the servant’s resolve weakens, he should remember Adam’s expulsion from Paradise so he may patiently strive to return to it.

7. The value of being content with Allah’s provision: Iblis was not content with what Allah had allocated for him, and he envied the position Allah granted to Adam (peace be upon him), leading to his eternal misery. This teaches the soul to sever the causes that lead to envy.

8. The value of absolute obedience to Allah the Exalted: When Adam (peace be upon him) disobeyed Allah’s command, he regretted it and was expelled from bliss. This shows that drawing near to Allah requires complete submission to His commands and avoidance of His prohibitions; otherwise, the disobedient one deserves punishment.

9. The value of regulating motives: The story illustrates the importance of understanding the motivations behind human actions. Following desires and the footsteps of Satan leads to ruin. This calls for educating oneself to control desires and not neglect the divine guidelines.

10. The value of gratitude to Allah the Exalted: Adam (peace be upon him) was living in a state of bliss but was deprived of it. This indicates that neglecting to show gratitude for blessings by performing acts of obedience and avoiding sins leads to the loss of blessings.

The story of Adam (peace be upon him) is indeed filled with magnificent educational values essential for refining human behavior. It is the story of the first creation; in truth, it is the story of every one of us in our journey of striving, testing, repentance, and ultimate fate.

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