Resolution No.(13) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies:
“The Prophecy of Adam (PBUH)“
Date: 8/7/1409 AH, 14/2/1989 AD.
Question: What is the ruling of Sharia on the Prophecy of Adam (PBUH), and on those who deny it?
Answer: All success is due to Allah.
The Board is of the view that the Prophecy of Adam (PBUH) is established in the Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) because in Sharia terms a Prophet is: a man to whom a law was revealed,and this definition applies to Adam (PBUH) as shown in the following verses: “God did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham,and the family of ’Imran above all people.“ {Al-Imran/33} also, He, The Most Exalted Said (What means) “We had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We found on his part no firm resolve.“ {Taha/115}, “But his Lord chose him (for His Grace): He turned to him, and gave him Guidance. “ {Taha/122}, and “For We assuredly sent amongst every People an apostle, (with the Command), "Serve God, and eschew Evil": of the People were some whom God guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).“ {An-Nahil/36}.
Before Noah (PBUH), humanity was in a dire need for a divine guidance, and that was what Adam (PBUH) has delivered to his sons.
The Quranic verses about Adam-even though they haven`t stated his prophecy as explicitly as that of other Prophets-have strongly indicated his prophecy. Moreover, the majority of the interpreters of the Quran stated that Adam is one of the Prophets; therefore, acknowledging his prophecy is one of the basics of Islamic creed.
Our Scholars have also relied on Sunnah in proving the prophecy of Adam (PBUH). One of the most sound narrations in this regard is the one reported after Abi Ummamah Al-bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) and reads: “A man said to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH): O Messenger of Allah! A prophet was Adam? He replied: Yes.“ {Ibn Habban, Tabarani, and Al-Hakim}. And Allah Knows Best.
