قَالَ: فَمَا مَعْنَى قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ (وَعَصى‏...

The two of them did not approach that tree, nor did they eat from it. However, after being tempted by Satan they ate from another tree.[^5] Satan told them, ‘... Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest you should become angels or such beings as live forever.’[^6] Satan swore to them that he was their sincere advisor. Adam and Eve had never seen anyone falsely swear to God before. ‘So by deceit he brought about their fall...’[^7] Thus trusting his oath they ate from the tree.

This happened before Adam's Prophethood. It was not a major sin to make him deserve to enter the Fire. But it was a minor sin which God forgives.[^8] Such sins are also permitted for the Prophets before their appointment. Once God appointed Muhammad (a.s.) to Prophethood, he became innocent and did not commit any minor or major sins. God says, ‘... Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, and allowed himself to be seduced.

But his Lord chose him (for His Grace): He turned to him, and gave him guidance.’[^9] God also says, ‘God did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all people.’”[^10] Al-Ma’mun asked, “What is then meant by the saying of the Almighty God, ‘But when He giveth them a goodly child, they ascribe to others a share in the gift they have received...’”[^11] Then Imam Al-Ridha’ (a.s.) said, “Then Eve delivered five hundred times for Adam - each time a boy and a girl.

Adam (a.s.) and Eve made a covenant with the Almighty God that they would be grateful if God gave them a healthy child. ‘... If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful.’ [^12] But when God granted them a healthy generation lacking any illnesses, that generation set up others that God had given them as partners to God. They did not thank God the Almighty as their parents had. The Almighty God said, ‘...

But God is Exalted High above the partners they ascribe to Him.’” [^13] Then Al-Ma’mun said, “I testify that you are truly the son of God's Prophet.