Belief & Creed (Aqeedah)

Creation of Humans (Adam & Hawwa)

The Creation of Humans (Adam & Hawwa)

Introduction

In the Islamic tradition, the story of humanity's creation isn't merely a historical account—it's a breathtaking tale overflowing with wonder, deep meaning, and powerful emotions. Imagine for a moment: a pristine, untouched world, waiting in quiet anticipation as Allah lovingly brings forth the very first man, Adam, and from him, his beloved companion, Hawwa (Eve). Their creation wasn't just an event—it marked the start of a beautiful journey, a journey that answers life's most profound questions: Who are we? Why are we here? And what is our ultimate purpose?

Understanding this sacred story doesn't just fill our hearts with awe and gratitude; it also strengthens our faith and equips us with firm knowledge. In a world where skepticism often challenges faith, being deeply rooted in the true story of Adam and Hawwa allows us to confidently and compassionately counter criticisms, guiding others gently toward the truth. As we dive into their extraordinary lives, we uncover profound lessons about the value of knowledge, the strength in obedience, and the boundless mercy of a compassionate Creator.

Why Did Allah Create Us?

A natural question is why Allah created Adam and, by extension, all of us. In the Quran, Allah clearly states our primary purpose:

“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56)​

Allah made us to recognize Him and worship Him. Worship (‘ibadah’ in Arabic) in Islam isn’t just prayer and rituals – it includes knowing Allah, loving Him, obeying His commands, and living life in a way that pleases Him. Allah doesn’t need our worship; rather, we need Him. By worshipping Allah, we fulfill the very reason for our existence and attain happiness in this life and the next.

So why create humans, when Allah already has angels who constantly worship Him and never sin? The difference is that humans (and jinn) have free will and a unique mixture of qualities. Let’s compare:

Imagine this: Allah, the Almighty, chooses to create a unique being—a creature who cannot directly see the hidden realities of the unseen realm, yet must discover them solely by reflecting upon the wonders of the universe. Humans, guided by curiosity and intellect, are tasked with the incredible challenge of recognizing the Creator through thoughtful observation and contemplation alone. Isn't it astonishing? This isn't merely existence; it's the ultimate test of faith, insight, and sincerity. Could there be a more profound way for Allah to reveal His boundless greatness and wisdom?

Allah created humans to be His representatives (khalifah) on earth​. This means we have the responsibility to uphold justice, cultivate the earth, and follow Allah’s guidance in our lives. Unlike the angels, we experience temptation and must strive to resist it. This struggle can raise us even above angels in rank, when we choose righteousness out of our own free will.

Adam’s story highlights the human potential for knowledge and moral choice. When Allah taught Adam the names of all things, it showed that humans would be intelligent and curious, capable of learning about the world. The angels were impressed by this knowledge. In fact, scholars mention that Allah was hinting to the angels that although humans could err, they would also produce great believers, prophets, truthful saints, martyrs, scholars, and righteous people​. Through humans, Allah’s plan was to bring forth beings who worship Him by choice, who repent from mistakes, and who experience Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

Another important purpose of our creation is to test us. Life on earth is a test to see who will do good deeds. Allah says in the Quran:

“[He] who created death and life to test you (as to) which of you is best in deed” (Quran 67:2).

Our existence allows for qualities like patience, gratitude, charity, and faith to manifest – things that wouldn’t have meaning if we were just in a world of robots or pre-programmed angels.

Humans are also created to know Allah through His attributes. We come to appreciate Allah’s mercy when we seek forgiveness; we know His generosity when we enjoy blessings; we witness His power in the wonders of creation. A famous hadith (saying) tells us that Allah said: “I was a Hidden Treasure and I loved to be known, so I created creation in order to be known.” (This is a saying found in Islamic tradition, although not from the primary hadith books, it conveys a wisdom: that Allah created us so that we may come to know and love Him).

Allah did not create us only to leave us wandering alone, uncertain and confused. Rather, out of His infinite love and mercy, He constantly guides, supports, and provides for us throughout our lives. He sent prophets, holy scriptures, and clear signs in the universe to gently lead us toward Him, illuminating our path every step of the way. Allah clearly reassures us in the Quran:

“Did you think that We had created you without purpose, and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:115)

Even when life feels challenging or lonely, we are never truly alone—Allah’s care and compassion are always with us, closer than our own heartbeat.

In summary, Allah created us with great purpose: to worship Him, to be caretakers of the earth, to exercise intellect and choice, and to ultimately return to Him. Unlike animals, we aren’t just here to eat, sleep, and reproduce; unlike angels, we aren’t simply doing what we’re told without challenge. We are here to choose goodness, armed with intellect and guided by revelation. This noble purpose is what gives every human life dignity and value in Islam.

The Creation of Adam

Imagine the time before any human walked the earth. Allah informed the angels of a grand new creation: mankind. The Quran describes this moment:

“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.’” (Quran 2:30)

The angels were curious and even a bit concerned. They knew that creatures with free will (like the jinn before) could cause mischief​. Allah, however, had a wise plan that the angels could not fully understand​. This plan was to create Adam, the first human, who would have knowledge and a special role on earth (as a khalifah, or trustee of Allah).

According to Islamic teachings, Allah created Adam from the soil of the earth. In fact, many different types of soil were gathered to shape this first man​. Some narrations say angels collected red, white, brown, and black earth, soft and hard, from various parts of the world​. This mix of soils symbolizes the diversity of Adam’s descendants – humans have many colors and qualities because we came from a rich blend of earth.

One possible reason Allah used earthly materials containing DNA from other species in creating Adam is to equip humans with the necessary biological building blocks to thrive naturally on Earth. By using clay that may have carried genetic material from other forms of life, Allah established a common foundation for all living beings. This commonality in genetic markers helps humans adapt seamlessly to their environment, utilizing similar biological functions like digestion, respiration, and growth. It also explains why humans share certain DNA sequences with animals and even plants—these shared elements indicate a single, intelligent Designer using consistent building materials, rather than suggesting humans evolved from other species. Ultimately, Allah knows best the wisdom behind His method of creation.

Once the soils were collected, Allah mixed them with water, turning dust into clay. The Quran uses several words for clay, hinting at stages in Adam’s creation. Early scholars explained it like this:

Stage Arabic Term Meaning Quranic Reference
1 تُرَاب (Turab) Dry dust “And one of His signs is that He created you from dust.” (Surah Ar-Rum 30:20)
2 طِين (Teen) Clay mixed with water “We created man from sticky clay.” (Surah As-Saffat 37:11)
3 طِينٍ لَازِبٍ (Teen Lazib) Sticky, moldable clay “Indeed, We created them from sticky clay.” (Surah As-Saffat 37:11)
4 حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ (Hama’in Masnun) Black, aged, altered mud “And We created man from aged black mud.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:26)
5 صَلْصَالٍ (Salsal) Dried clay that sounds when tapped “He created man from clay like pottery.” (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:14)
6 صَلْصَالٍ كَالْفَخَّارِ (Salsal Kal-Fakhkhar) Fully baked clay like pottery “He created man from dry clay like [that of] pottery.” (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:14)

In other words, Allah took dust, added water to form mud, let it become sticky, then let it darken and solidify into a clay statue of a man​. These are sometimes called the “six stages of clay” in the Quran, describing how lifeless earth was shaped into the form of Adam.

At this point, Adam’s body was fully formed but had no life in it yet. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Adam was created from what has been described – dust turned to clay​. For a period, Adam’s clay figure stood hollow. The scriptures describe that Iblis (Satan) came to examine this new creation curiously. He knocked on the dried clay, and it made a ringing sound​, and Iblis realized this creature was hollow and would need Allah’s guidance.

Then came the miraculous moment: Allah blew the soul into Adam. When the breath of life reached Adam’s head, he sneezed, and by Allah’s guidance he immediately said, “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to God). Allah answered him with mercy. As life poured into Adam’s body, he came alive – flesh, blood, and a beating heart – by Allah’s command “Be!”​.

Adam opened his eyes and saw the world and the angels around him. Allah honored this first human in a very special way. The Quran tells us that Allah commanded all the angels to bow down to Adam (out of respect, not worship):

“So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in prostration to him.” (Quran 38:72)

“Then the angels – all of them – fell prostrate [to Adam]. Except Iblis (Satan), he refused to be among those who prostrated.” (Quran 38:73-74)

All the angels obeyed Allah and showed respect to Adam. This prostration was a sign that Adam was honored as a special creation of Allah. Imagine the scene: countless angels bowing, but one being – Iblis, who was actually a jinn – arrogantly refused. Iblis thought he was better than Adam. In another verse, Iblis says he was made of fire while Adam was made of clay, as if to claim fire is superior (Quran 7:12). His jealousy and pride caused him to disobey Allah, and thus began a long enmity between Satan and mankind.

For Adam, however, the world was just beginning. He knew how lovingly Allah had created him. Allah even taught Adam about the world around him, giving him knowledge that even the angels did not have. The Quran illustrates this:

“And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He showed them to the angels and said, ‘Tell Me the names of these, if you are truthful.’ They (the angels) said, ‘Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the All-Knowing, All-Wise.’” (Quran 2:31-32)

Allah gave Adam the ability to understand and name things – whether it was the animals, the elements of nature, or other aspects of creation. This was a demonstration of the human gift of intellect. It showed that Adam (and humankind) would have the capacity to learn, to use language, and to develop knowledge, far beyond what the angels knew by themselves​. This knowledge was one reason Allah told the angels that He knew a special wisdom in creating humans.

Thus, Adam was created: from humble clay but raised to a place of honor. He was the first human, formed by Allah’s own hands (as expressed in Islamic scripture) and given life by Allah’s breath. In Islam, this direct and purposeful creation of Adam is a fundamental truth, setting the stage for all human beings to come.

The Creation of Hawwa (Eve)

Now our story turns to the creation of the first woman, Hawwa (known as Eve in English). After Allah created Adam, He gave him a dwelling in Jannah (Paradise). This was a special garden where Adam could live in peace. Yet, even in the beautiful gardens of Paradise, Adam felt something was missing. He was alone as the only human. Allah, in His wisdom, knew that Adam would need a companion – someone like him, from his own kind, to live with and find comfort with.

Allah caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. Then, Allah created Hawwa from Adam’s own self. The Quran tells us this in a brief but powerful way:

“O humanity! Be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from them both spread many men and women.” (Quran 4:1)

The “single soul” here refers to Adam, and “its mate” is Hawwa. Islam teaches that Hawwa was made from Adam’s side (often understood as one of his ribs) while he slept​. When Adam woke up, he found a new human beside him – a woman, perfectly made and alive. Some narrations describe that Hawwa was beautifully covered in Yathkīn, a radiant cloth from Paradise, when Adam first saw her. Adam was astonished and delighted.

According to one traditional report, when Adam awoke and saw Hawwa, he instinctively asked her, “Who are you?” She replied that she was a woman. The angels then asked Adam, “Why did you name her Hawwa (Eve)?” Adam responded, “Because she was created from something living (the word Hawwa is related to Hayy, meaning ‘life’)​.” In other words, she was made from a part of Adam, who was alive – unlike Adam who was made from clay. This established a connection: man and woman are of the same essential origin, made to be together.

Hawwa was not created independently from dust as Adam was, but from Adam’s body. This was perhaps to emphasize the closeness between man and woman. She was literally of him, to be his partner. The wisdom behind her creation in this way includes the ideas of love, empathy, and natural attraction between the sexes. Unlike other living creatures Adam had seen, Hawwa was someone he could truly relate to. She was the first wife and the mother of all humans to come.

Islamic scholars note the wisdom in Hawwa’s creation story: Allah created Hawwa to end Adam’s loneliness and to establish the human family. Right after mentioning their creation, the Quran talks about the institution of marriage and mercy between spouses. In another verse, Allah says,

“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you love and mercy.” (Quran 30:21).

Adam and Hawwa’s union was the first marriage, and it was full of tranquility, love, and mercy.

By creating Hawwa from Adam, Allah also taught humans an important lesson: men and women are fundamentally connected. We are partners and complements to one another, not enemies or entirely separate species. Hawwa was made after Adam, but this does not imply she is inferior – rather, she was the culmination of creation so far, made as a sign of Allah’s generosity (because now Adam had company). In fact, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized kind treatment of women by alluding to this origin, saying:

“Treat women kindly, for woman was created from a rib” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith suggests understanding and gentle care, acknowledging that men and women are part of one another.

So in Paradise, Adam now had Hawwa as his wife. They lived together in ease. They were the first human couple, the parents of all future humans. In Islam, we sometimes call them Abu’l-Bashar (the father of mankind) and Ummul-Bashar (the mother of mankind). Their story, however, was just beginning – soon, they would face a great test that would change their lives and set the course for the rest of human history.

The Test in Paradise & Descent to Earth

Adam and Hawwa were living together in the Garden of Paradise, enjoying its bounty. The Quran says that Allah told Adam:

“O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise, and eat from it freely as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.” (Quran 2:35)

In Paradise, Adam and Hawwa had everything they needed. They did not feel hunger or thirst, heat or cold. They wore garments of Paradise (some say they were clothed in light). Allah allowed them to eat from all the delicious fruits of the gardens – all but one tree. This was their test: a single tree whose fruit Allah told them not to eat. The Quran does not specify what kind of fruit it was (unlike the Bible which mentions an apple, the Quran just says “the tree”). The lesson wasn’t about the fruit itself; it was about obeying Allah’s command.

Enter Iblis (Satan). The same being who refused to bow to Adam was now bent on proving that humans were unworthy. He wanted to mislead Adam and Hawwa out of envy. Since Iblis had been expelled from Allah’s grace, he found a way to whisper to Adam and Hawwa. He lied to them and tried to trick them regarding the forbidden tree. The Quran describes how Satan approached them with enticing words:

“Then Satan whispered to them, to reveal to them what was hidden of their nakedness. He said, ‘Your Lord only forbade you from this tree lest you become angels or become of the immortals.’ And he swore [by Allah] to them, ‘Indeed, I am truly your sincere advisor.’” (Quran 7:20-21)

Satan essentially said: “Do you know why Allah doesn’t want you to eat from that tree? It’s because it will make you live forever or turn you into angels! I’m just advising you; I care for you.” He even swore by God that he was telling the truth. This was a great deception. Adam and Hawwa had never heard a lie before – they were pure and innocent, and they mistakenly trusted the whisperer.

Eventually, Adam and Hawwa gave in to temptation and ate from the tree. The Quran states it plainly:

“So he (Satan) made them fall to deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their nakedness became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together leaves from Paradise to cover themselves” (Quran 7:22).

In that moment, the special garments or light that covered them disappeared, exposing their private parts. They felt shame and panic. They hurried to cover themselves with large leaves from the garden.

Adam and Hawwa realized that they had disobeyed Allah. It was a mistake – the first sin committed by humans. They were filled with regret. Unlike Iblis, who showed no remorse for his sin, Adam and Hawwa repented sincerely. They didn’t try to blame someone else (though in some hadiths Adam does mention that Iblis tricked them, he still owned up to his fault). They turned to Allah in repentance and prayer. The Quran tells us the beautiful words they used in their prayer:

“They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will surely be among the losers.’” (Quran 7:23)

This humble plea was from the depths of their hearts. They admitted their error and begged for Allah’s mercy. Allah, the Most Merciful, accepted their repentance​. In Islam, this is very important: there is no concept of “original sin” remaining on their souls after this point. Adam and Hawwa were forgiven by Allah. They would not be eternally punished for this mistake, nor did Allah curse them. However, there were still consequences for the earthly life.

Allah informed Adam and Hawwa (and also Iblis, who was present) that they all must now leave Paradise and go down to the earth. This might sound like a punishment – and in a way it was a result of the mistake – but it was also part of Allah’s original plan. Remember, Allah had always said He would place humans on earth as His vicegerents. So now the time had come for Adam and Hawwa to begin their life on earth. The Quran says:

“[Allah] said, ‘Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another. You will have on earth a place of settlement and provision for a time.’ He continued, ‘Therein you will live and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth [on the Day of Resurrection].’” (Quran 7:24-25)

So Adam and Hawwa descended from Paradise to the earthly realm. Islamic narrations say Adam landed in one area (some say India or Sri Lanka, on a mountain peak) and Hawwa in another (perhaps near Jeddah in the Arabian Peninsula), and later they found each other by Allah’s guidance at a place called Arafat. The exact locations aren’t confirmed, but these stories indicate they had to search and reunite on earth. One can imagine how joyful their reunion would have been, and how they thanked Allah for giving them another chance.

On earth, Adam and Hawwa started their human family. Adam became the first Prophet of Allah, receiving guidance for himself and his future children. Allah taught Adam how to live on earth: how to grow food, how to use fire, how to repent and seek guidance, etc. They would remember their experience in Paradise and the trick of Satan, and warn their children about him. In fact, this whole episode established a few key things for all of humanity:

Thus, the “Fall” of Adam in Islam is not a curse, but a transition as part of Allah’s plan. Adam was honored to be the first prophet and father of humanity on earth. His life continued for many hundreds of years (some traditions say Adam lived about 1000 years). He and Hawwa had many children who spread out and started civilizations. All humans today, according to Islam, descend from this original family. This means, in truth, humanity is one big extended family – a fact that should encourage us to avoid racism and prejudice, because we’re literally brothers and sisters.

The story of Adam and Hawwa’s test in Paradise is told in the Quran not to blame them, but to teach us. It teaches us about Satan’s tactics (lying and stirring envy), about the consequence of disobedience, about the power of repentance, and about the mercy of Allah. Their descent to earth was not the end of the story, but the beginning of human history. And Allah did not leave them despairing – He gave them guidance and hope. In Islam, we actually consider Adam a great prophet, not a villain. He made one mistake, he repented, and he spent the rest of his life worshipping Allah and guiding his children on the right path.

The Impossibility of Adam’s Creation Through Evolution

At this point, some readers might wonder: does the Islamic story of Adam conflict with scientific theories about human origins? For example, the theory of evolution suggests that human beings evolved from other life forms over a long time. However, from an Islamic standpoint, Adam’s creation could not have been the result of evolution in the way modern science describes it. Here’s why:

Islam teaches that Adam had no parents – he was not born of a mother or father, but directly fashioned by Allah’s own hands. This is a unique, miraculous act of creation. The Quran even compares Adam’s creation to that of Jesus (who was born miraculously without a father) to make this point clear:

“Indeed, the example of Adam to Allah is like that of Jesus. He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” (Quran 3:59)

Just as Jesus was created in Mary’s womb by divine command (“Be!”), Adam was created from earth by divine command. This instantaneous creation doesn’t fit the slow, gradual change that evolution proposes. There was no evolutionary ancestor (no ape-man parent) for Adam. He started life as a fully formed human by Allah’s will.

All Muslims agree that human beings ultimately come from Adam and Hawwa. There were no other humans before them. Therefore, the idea that humans evolved from other species (like apes) contradicts the Islamic belief that Adam was the first man, created exceptionally. In fact, to say “Adam had monkey-like parents” would directly contradict the Quran and Hadith​. Islamic scholars through history have unanimously taught that Adam was created directly by Allah, not through an evolutionary ancestry​.

However, Islam does not necessarily deny all aspects of evolution. We see variation and adaptation in nature all the time (for example, different breeds of dogs or varieties of plants can come from common ancestors). This “micro-evolution” is simply how genetic traits can change within limits. But the origin of the human species is a special case. Adam’s creation was a miracle – and miracles, by definition, are outside the normal natural process.

Some modern Muslim thinkers have speculated about whether Allah used existing materials or genetic templates when creating Adam. Since the Quran says Adam was made from earthly clay, could that clay have contained genetic material (DNA) from other creatures that lived in the earth? This is an interesting idea: Allah could have designed Adam’s DNA in a way that, if analyzed by modern science, shows some similarity to other creatures. This would not mean Adam “evolved” from them, but rather that Allah used common building blocks for life. It’s similar to how a potter might use clay that has bits of earlier pots in it – the new pot is handcrafted, not naturally descended from the old ones, yet it shares the same clay ingredients.

Whether or not that is the case, the main point remains: Adam did not go through a biological evolutionary process. He did not have a biological mother or father. Hawwa did not have a biological mother either (she was created from Adam). This is a core belief in Islam. Allah created Adam directly and deliberately, in His own perfect design. Human beings are not a random accident of nature; we are a product of divine creation with a purpose.

The Quran presents creation by God as the best and only true explanation for human origins. It frequently reminds us that Allah created Adam from clay, and then from Adam and Hawwa all of us have spread. This is mentioned not just to tell a story, but to make humans humble (since our origin is dust) and grateful (since our Creator formed us and gave us life). For Muslims, saying “Allah created us” is far more satisfying and spiritually meaningful than saying “We evolved by chance.” It gives us identity (servants of Allah) and direction (to fulfill our purpose in worship and goodness).

We can list a few philosophies or views on human origins and how they line up with Islamic teaching:

In summary, Islam is strongly creationist regarding human origins – not in a blind-faith way, but through revealed truth that gives humans a noble status. While scientific findings about fossils, genetics, and other species are studied with interest, Muslims hold that when it comes to how we specifically came to be, Allah’s act of creating Adam is the true account. Any theory that contradicts the explicit Islamic teachings is viewed as false, or at best, a misinterpretation of the evidence. For Muslims, our lineage isn’t from apes; it’s from a divinely created human who had no parents, and that makes our existence intentionally willed by God.

Scientific Theories & Their Weaknesses

Over the past two centuries, several scientific theories have emerged trying to explain the origin of human beings (and life in general) without direct reference to divine creation. It’s helpful to understand these theories, as well as why they do not disprove the Islamic view of creation. In fact, they each have weaknesses and unanswered questions. Let’s go through some major ideas:

In summary, none of the scientific theories have proven how humans came to be in a purely materialistic way. They remain theories – some aspects have evidence, but many big questions remain unsolved. For Muslims, these gaps are not just “goddidit” fallacies, but signs that guidance from revelation is needed to know our true origin. Science is excellent at studying natural processes we can observe today, but when it comes to one-time events of the ancient past (like the creation of man), scientists have to play detective with limited clues. And sometimes their interpretations change with new findings.

Importantly, no scientific discovery has ever disproven God’s existence or His role in creation. Evolution, even if parts of it are true in describing how species adapt, does not answer why everything exists or who set it in motion. Islam encourages the study of nature – the Quran often invites us to look at the stars, the animals, the growth of plants, as signs of Allah’s creative power. So Muslims aren’t anti-science; rather, we don’t accept speculative conclusions that contradict clear divine revelation. The story of Adam and Hawwa as our first parents is one such revelation we hold firmly. Science has theories, but Allah has the truth – and truth, in the end, prevails over conjecture.

DNA Similarities as Evidence for Creationism

One argument often raised by proponents of human evolution is the genetic similarity between humans and other living things. It’s true that if you compare the DNA of a human and a chimpanzee, they are very similar (often quoted around 98% similarity). Even more amusingly, humans share about 50–60% of their genes with a banana​! How do we understand this in light of creation? Doesn’t this DNA similarity prove we evolved from common ancestors?

From an Islamic creationist perspective, DNA similarities do not necessarily prove common ancestry – they can just as well prove a common designer. Think about two paintings by the same artist. They might have a similar style, use the same colors or brushstrokes. Does that mean one painting evolved from the other? No – it means the artist had a trademark touch. Likewise, Allah created life with a certain “language” of DNA. All living organisms use DNA as their information code. It makes sense that many organisms share similar genes because they share similar biological functions. For example, almost every living creature needs to break down glucose for energy, so the genes that handle basic metabolism might be similar across different species. This isn’t surprising from a design perspective – why invent a completely new gene for every single species if one gene works well across many forms of life?

Let’s consider the human–banana comparison. Humans and bananas share about half of our genes in common​. Does anyone suggest that at some point a banana turned into a human or vice versa? Of course not. Evolutionists would say we shared a distant ancestor if you go back far enough (in evolutionary theory, very early single-celled organisms that eventually led to both plants and animals). But creationists can say: Allah formed the banana plant and the human using some of the same efficient templates. Both bananas and humans have cells, need to respire, have DNA replication, etc. So certain core genes will be present in both. It doesn’t mean one came from the other; it means both came from the same brilliant Creator, using the same “biological toolkit.”

Now, specifically for humans and chimps: high DNA similarity can also be explained without full-on evolution from a common ancestor. First, consider that even a 2% difference in DNA is actually huge. The human genome has about 3 billion base pairs. A 2% difference is 60 million differences – which is a lot of information. It’s those differences that make us human with our unique capacities. Second, some recent research shows that the similarity may have been overstated when you consider structural differences in chromosomes and so on; but regardless, let’s assume a high similarity.

If Allah created Adam from clay, as the Quran says, what was in that clay? The Quran doesn’t detail it, but earth’s soil contains remains of microorganisms, possibly even genetic material from plants or animals that died and became dust over ages (if one considers a longer timeline before Adam). Allah could have taken an “extract” of earth to create Adam. In fact, the Quran (23:12) says “We created man from an extract of clay.” One interpretation is that this extract could have had the ingredients needed for life, which Allah then fashioned into the first human form. So, the genetic code of Adam could show overlap with other creatures not because he physically descended from them, but because they were made of the same earthly ingredients or blueprint.

Another simple way to see it: Allah made humans and animals to live on the same planet, same environment – so we have some common features. For instance, humans and many mammals have two eyes, a nose, a mouth, four limbs, five fingers, hair, etc. This is a common design. Rather than having one creature with 8 eyes and another with no eyes, a common structure is seen. This again points to one Designer using a good design repeatedly. Engineers do this too: a car company might use the same engine design in different car models. The cars didn’t evolve from each other; the engineers just found an efficient design.

It’s also worth noting that similarity is not the whole story. Humans have unique stretches of DNA and, more importantly, unique attributes (like complex speech, abstract reasoning, moral consciousness, and spiritual soul) that cannot be explained by a few gene differences. Even if our bodies are biochemically similar to some animals, in Islam what makes us human is not just our DNA – it’s the soul and the honor Allah breathed into Adam. That soul has no DNA and no evolutionary comparison.

Finally, the presence of DNA and its coded information is itself an evidence of a Creator. DNA is often likened to software or language. If you found text written in the sand, you wouldn’t assume the waves wrote it by accident; you’d assume an intelligence wrote it. DNA is a language using letters (A, T, C, G nucleotide bases) to spell out instructions for life. Such complex, specified information points to an intelligent source. So rather than DNA similarities proving evolution, one could argue they show the signature of one Author behind all life.

In short, from the Islamic perspective: Yes, humans share DNA with other living things – but that’s because we share the same Originator. Allah created all living beings, and He did so with consistency and purpose. The overlap in our genetic code is like the repeating patterns in a masterful tapestry, all woven by one Maker. It does not force the conclusion that we morphed from one species to another through blind evolution. In fact, the more we learn about DNA, the more we marvel at Allah’s design. As the Quran says, “[Allah] has perfected everything He created” (Quran 32:7) and “In yourselves, do you not see?” (Quran 51:21) – encouraging us to reflect on the signs of creation within our own bodies.

Philosophical & Theological Arguments

Stepping back from the specifics of the story, one might ask: which makes more sense – that an All-Knowing God created us, or that we are here by a cosmic accident? Islam teaches that its creation narrative is the most rational and coherent explanation of human existence. Let’s consider a few philosophical and theological points that support this:

In summary, the Islamic narrative of creation passes both the logical test (it doesn’t contain contradictions or impossibilities) and the existential test (it gives fulfilling answers to our deepest questions). It tells us we come from a Powerful, Wise God, and that gives us inherent worth. It tells us life has a purpose – to know and worship God – which gives direction and focus. It tells us moral choices matter, which underpins ethics. And it promises ultimate justice and mercy, which appeals to our sense of fairness. On the other hand, a worldview without God struggles to ground purpose or morality, and often leaves a person feeling adrift. Thus, Islam argues that believing in the creation of Adam and Hawwa by Allah isn’t just religious doctrine – it’s a rational foundation for a meaningful life and worldview.

Conclusion

The story of Adam and Hawwa (Eve) in Islam is far more than an ancient tale – it’s a living lesson for all of us today. Through this story, we learn who we are, where we came from, and what our role is in the grand scheme of things. Let’s reflect on a few final takeaways:

In conclusion, the creation of humans in Islam is a beautiful account that interweaves storytelling with profound truth. It invites every reader – Muslim or non-Muslim – to consider that life is not random; it has a divine origin and purpose. We are encouraged to reflect on our beginnings so that we may understand our end and destiny. As you close this story, think about your own life. We all have a bit of Adam and Hawwa in us: the potential to know, to err, to repent, and to grow. May the truth and lessons of this story illuminate our path, and may we all fulfill the noble purpose for which we were created, finding our way back to the gardens of Paradise, ameen.

Further Reading: