ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Holy Quran Text. Translation & Commentary (volume One) Why Did Iblis (satan) Oppose? Satan is a common NOUN, that denotes the first devil, as well as all of them or the devilish power; but IBLIS is a PROPER NOUN, including that very devil who tempted and seduced ADAM and EVE. He was not one of the angels but was a JINN in their line as QURA"N testifies.

(According to a definition by OXFORD, JINN is supposed to be s suppernatural being that is able to appear in human and animal form). The following verse shows that IBLIS was a JINN, and not an angel: ``And when WE said to the angels prostrate yourselves for ADAM.

They prostrated except IBLIS, who was one of the JINNS, who disobeyed his Lord.'' QURA"N - S 18: 50 His denial and rejection was due to false pride and arrogance, thinking that he was higher than ADAM, in creation and position, and due to such a haughtiness he rejected and disobeyed the commandments of his Lord, and as a result of that; he lost faith and burnt out a life- time of service and worship that he had piled up!! [ 63 ] WAS THE PROSTRATION FOR ADAM OR FOR GOD?

Prostration which is the act of laying face downwards in submission and worship, belongs only to God, as ``praise belongs only to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.'' Here in this case Adam must have been some sort of a QIBLEH, towards which the angels have prostrated themselves to God, and this is what is meant by the MONOTHEISM OF WORSHIP.

Therefore there is no doubt that the angels did not prostrate themselves to worship ADAM, but rather to praise and glorify God, for having created such a wonderful creature and learned teacher, as ADAM was. Even if we want to admit that they prostrated themselves before ADAM, in the classical form of prostration, that was of surety, merely a sign of their humility and respect, an exclusive of worship.

Imam Reza (AS) has said: ``The angels by their prostration worshipped God and esteemed ADAM, appreciating his worth and merits.'' VERSE NO. 35 After the mentioned events and affairs. ADAM and his wife were ordered to dwell in the GARDEN OF BLISS: ``And we said: O, ADAM!

Dwell you and your wife, in the Garden, and eat of the bountiful things therein, wherever you wish, but approach not this tree, lest you be of the transgressors.'' (ZA"L¤MIN ROOTED IN ZOLM) (The Arabic word ZOLM, (TRANSLATED TRANSGRESSION)implies harm, wrong, injustice, or transgression, a symbol of which might be darkness.