Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 19

Overview (Verses 19 - 20)

Temptation of the Forbidden Tree

Fast on the heels of the scene ending with Satan’s expulsion from Heaven follows a scene in which we see God looking at Adam and his wife. Only at this point do we realize that Adam has a wife of his own species. We do not know how she came to exist. This passage which relates this story of the creation of man and similar passages in the Qur’ān do not tell us anything about the creation of the female human being. All the reports that speak of her being created out of Adam’s rib belong to Israelite literature. As such, they are not totally reliable. What we can say without fear of being contradicted is that God created for Adam a spouse of his own type, to make them a couple. Making all species in couples is the law applicable to all creation. God says in the Qur’ān: “Of all things We have created couples so that you may reflect.” (51: 49) Keeping this rule in mind, it seems to us that it was not long before Eve was created, and that it must have been in the same manner as Adam’s creation.

Be that as it may, both Adam and his wife are now addressed to outline God’s commandment to them. They are to be given their experiences so that they are prepared for the fulfilment of their basic role for which they have been created. This is the role of vicegerency on earth, as is stated clearly in the second sūrah, The Cow, or, Al-Baqarah, in which we are told: “Your Lord said to the angels: I am appointing a vicegerent on earth.” (2: 30)

“And (as for you), Adam: dwell you and your wife in this Garden, and eat, both of you, whatever you may desire; but do not come near this tree, lest you become wrongdoers.” (Verse 19) The Qur’ān remains silent about what kind of tree it was, because providing any specific information on this point does not add any particular information about the purpose of its prohibition. Withholding such information lends weight to the view that the prohibition itself was the objective. God has permitted Adam and his wife the enjoyment of what He has made lawful, and commanded them to steer away from what has been forbidden. It was necessary to identify something as forbidden so that the human race could learn that people must not exceed their limits. Thus man’s will is restrained such that he controls his desire and caprice. He is thus able to elevate himself above the level of animals who respond involuntarily to their desires and cannot control them. This is indeed the quality that distinguishes man from animals.

Now Satan begins to play the role for which he dedicated himself. This against a unique creation whose birth God so graciously announced Himself before the Supreme Society in grand celebration. Furthermore, He ordered the angels to prostrate themselves to him, and expelled Satan from heaven on his account. We are told how God created man with a dual nature, capable of following both the right and wrong paths. He has inherent weaknesses and desires which can lead him astray, unless he observes God’s commandments.

Thus Satan saw his chance and began to play on human desires: “But Satan whispered to them both, so that he might show them their nakedness, of which they had previously been unaware. He said to them: ‘Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you two become angels or immortals.’ And he swore to them: ‘I am indeed giving you sound advice.’” (Verses 20-21)

We do not know how the whisperings of Satan took place, because we do not even know Satan’s nature or from what he is made, let alone understand how he acts. We cannot say how he establishes his contact with man or how he tempts him. But we know for certain, on the basis of true information given to us by the only source acceptable in connection with such matters known only to God, that temptation to do what is evil does actually happen in order to encourage man to do what he is forbidden. Such temptation relies on the weaknesses in human nature, but such weakness can be transformed into strength through faith and remembrance of God. None of Satan’s schemes can be of any effect with a believer who remains conscious of his Lord.

Thus Satan whispered to them in order to show them their nakedness. This was his aim. They certainly had unsightly parts of which they were unaware because they were made not to see them. We will soon learn from the Qur’ānic passage that these were in their physical constitution, requiring to be covered. Hence, we may understand this as a reference to their private parts. Satan did not reveal to them his objective but continued to play on their desires: “He said to them: ‘Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you two become angels or immortals.’” (Verse 20) He knew the inner desires of man who loves to be immortal or at least to have a very long life. He also loves to be an angel who is not limited to a short lifespan.

The Arabic word in the Qur’ānic text which refers to ‘angels’ is also read in a different form so as to make it mean ‘kings’. Only a change of a short vowel, which is not normally written in Arabic script, is needed to make the word denote either meaning. This second reading is further supported by the statement reporting Satan’s word in Sūrah 20, “Ţā Hā”, when Satan is quoted as saying to them: “Adam, shall I lead you to the tree of life eternal, and to a kingdom that will never decay?” (20: 120) According to this reading, the temptation offered by Satan was that of everlasting wealth and immortality. They represent man’s two strongest desires. It may be said that sexual desire itself is only a means to fulfil a desire for immortality, perpetuating human existence one generation after another. If we take the first reading which makes Satan’s words refer to angels: “Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you two become angels or immortals”, then the temptation is slightly different. He is tempting them with removal of the limitations of their bodies so that they are like angels and with unending life. Although the first reading, speaking of an everlasting kingdom, is less well-known, it is more in line with the other Qur’ānic statement quoted above and fits more perfectly with Satan’s scheming when he tries to play on man’s desires.