Adam

Who He Was

Adam is the name given in Genesis 1–5 to the first human. Adam is the first human being aware of God, and features as such in various belief systems (including Judaism, Christianity, Gnosticism, Islam, and the Baháʼí Faith). According to Christianity, Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This action introduced death and sin into the world. This sinful nature infected all his descendants, and led humanity to be expelled from the Garden. Only through the crucifixion of Jesus, humanity can be redeemed. In Islam, Adam is considered Khalifa (خليفة) (successor) on earth. This is understood to mean either that he is God's deputy, the initiation of a new cycle of sentient life on earth, or both. Similar to the Biblical account, the Quran has Adam placed in a garden where he sins by taking from the Tree of Immortality, so loses his abode in the garden. When Adam repents from his sin, he is forgiven by God. This is seen as a guidance for human-life, who sin, become aware of their mistake, and repent. In Gnostic belief systems, the bodily creation of Adam is viewed in a negative light. Due to the underlying demonization of matter, Gnostic cosmologies depict the body as a form of prison of Adam's soul. This soul would have been transferred by Sophia (wisdom) onto the creator (Demiurge) of the material world, who in turn is tricked into blowing the soul into a body. Recognized in: Islam, Christianity, Judaism.

Birth and Early Life

Traditional and historical sources place Adam in the era of Primordial (traditional first human). Where such dates are traditional, mythic, or disputed rather than historically established, they should be read as the tradition's own reckoning rather than confirmed chronology.

His Calling / Mission

The scriptures and traditions of Islam, Christianity, Judaism describe the calling and mission of Adam; the key passages are listed under Sacred Texts and Scripture below.

Religion and Teachings

Adam is honored within Islam, Christianity, Judaism. His teaching and significance are set out in the sacred texts that record his life.

Sacred Texts and Scripture

Scriptural references: Quran 2:30–39, 7:11–27, 20:115–123; Genesis 1–5

Major Accomplishments and Events

The account of Adam's life, works, and significance is preserved in the scriptures cited above and in the living tradition of Islam, Christianity, Judaism.

Death and Legacy

Adam is remembered across Islam, Christianity, Judaism as one of the foundational figures of faith, and continues to be honored in scripture, devotion, and scholarship. Source: Wikipedia