بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Before the existence of mankind, the world was occupied by another creation of Allah named the jinn. They, just like us, have a choice in life – to choose right or wrong and whether or not to worship the creator. Unlike the mala’ika (angels) who simply follow Allah’s commands without option.
The jinn occupying the earth caused great calamity. Blood shed and corruption diseased the land until Allah sent the angels to fight against them pushing them into the seas. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority [mankind].’ 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.'” 2:30
Allah paints a scene where He announces to the angels that he is to create another life form to live on earth. To which they responded knowing very well what previously happened with the jinn – that a life form with choice will cause more blood shed. They doubted the new creation and Allah responded accordingly.
Allah continues:
“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.'” 2:31
They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.” 2:32
Allah then created mankind gave them knowledge which the angels did not have – thus proving to them His mightiness. They, as humble creatures accepted that they were wrong. Allah introduces the first human being:
He said, ‘O Adam, inform them of their names.’ And when he had informed them of their names, He said, ‘Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.'” 2:33
Moving forward Allah ordered Adam – of human creation – to prove the knowledge he was given. Allah then commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam.
And [mention] when We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers. 2:34
The shaytan (devil) who was formerly known as Iblees (he is from the jinn) reached such a noble state as to be with the angels. Thus why he was commanded to prostrate along with them which he then refused.
“[ Allah ] said, ‘O Iblees, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant [then], or were you [already] among the haughty?'” 38:75
“He said, ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.'” 38:76
He was arrogant and thus was expelled as a disbeliever and cursed until the day of judgement. He then asked Allah to give him until mankind is resurrected.
Shaytan wishes to get back at mankind, through his humiliation his plan is to take us all with him to jahanam (hell). He blames the humans as a whole for his expulsion and curse thus will be relentless with his revenge.
[ Allah ] said, “Then get out of Paradise, for indeed, you are expelled.
And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense.”
He said, “My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.”
[ Allah ] said, “So indeed, you are of those reprieved
Until the Day of the time well-known.”
[Iblees] said, “By your might, I will surely mislead them all
Except, among them, Your chosen servants.”
[38:77-83]
Iblees vows to manipulate humans to do sin and do evil – except the true righteous servants who follow the path of Allah. This is the greatest test put upon mankind by Allah through the shaytan.
This is the introduction to mankind that is given to us in the Qur’an. Allah created us with the ability to make choices and these choices determine our fate when we return to Him after we pass.
Allah knows best.