Fallen down: the descent of Iblis

As the days in Paradise unfolded, Adam and Hawa reveled in the splendors of their divine abode. The lush gardens, the crystal-clear rivers, and the melodious songs of birds provided them with endless joy and contentment. Yet, a shadow loomed in the background—a shadow that had been biding its time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Iblis, the eternal adversary, had been observing Adam and Hawa closely, his obsession growing with each passing day. He watched their love and companionship with a mix of envy and resentment, determined to shatter their bliss and prove himself right. He knew he needed a plan, a scheme that would lead them astray and allow him to exact his revenge.

One day, as Adam and Hawa strolled through the pristine gardens of Paradise, the memory of the Supreme One's command had gradually faded with the passage of time. Their idyllic existence had lulled them into a false sense of security, and they found themselves drawn to the allure of the forbidden tree. What was once a distant command now stood before them, its fruit glistening in the dappled sunlight, its scent wafting through the air, tantalizing and irresistible. It was the ultimate test of their obedience, and their curiosity led them to the very edge of temptation.

Their belief that they were in control and that nothing could possibly go wrong had clouded their judgment. The once-clear warning from the Supreme One had become a distant echo, and they approached the forbidden tree with a false sense of invincibility. They believed they could skirt the boundaries set by the Divine, oblivious to the consequences that awaited them.

Iblis seized this opportune moment. Disguised in the form of a cunning serpent, he slithered forth, his words dripping with deceit. He whispered seductive promises, painting a vivid picture of the tree's fruit. He spun a web of lies, convincing them that eating from it would grant them eternal life and sovereignty. His words, like a siren's call, enticed them further into temptation.

Iblis, the deceiver, whispered suggestions to both Adam and Hawa, exploiting their newfound curiosity and eroding the memory of the Supreme One's warning. He cunningly suggested that the tree's fruit held the key to becoming angels or attaining immortality. Iblis swore by the Supreme One, using oaths and flattery, to persuade them further. He claimed to be one of their sincere well-wishers, all the while concealing his malevolent intentions.

 Adam and Hawa, though initially skeptical due to their innocence, succumbed to the craftiness of Iblis's words. Their naivety led them to believe that no one would mean them harm, and they were momentarily swayed by the serpent's cunning. 

As Adam and Hawa reached out to pluck the forbidden fruit, their hearts raced with fear, but they persisted. The angels, keenly aware of the gravity of the situation, could not help but express their concern before the Supreme Ruler. They said, "Oh Supreme Ruler, man intends evil."

 In response, the Supreme Ruler, who is All-Knowing and All-Wise, replied with profound insight, Indeed, If he leaves it, write down a blessing from Me to him for he would have left it for My sake.

 And so, the fate of Adam and Hawa hung in the balance as they were left to make their decision. The allure of the forbidden fruit was irresistible, and the temptation was too great to resist. With a mixture of curiosity and desire, they took a bite from the fruit, suddenly, an immense and otherworldly pressure descended upon them, its weight beyond anything they had ever imagined. It crushed their very beings, rendering them powerless and incapable of even the slightest movement. Fear, not of this world, gripped them with an intensity that only comes when one encounters a higher life form, as though a primordial being had casually cast His gaze upon these insignificant creatures. The mere presence of this overwhelming force made them feel like ants before a titan.

Their eyes widened in terror as a sudden realization washed over them. Shame and regret flooded their hearts as they understood the gravity of their transgression. Had they finally done it? had they committed an act so heavy that it warranted punishment beyond imagination, as stated by the divine challenge? Their minds raced with dread as they contemplated the consequences of their disobedience.

But then, in an instant, the incomprehensible pressure was gone, dissipating as swiftly as it had appeared, it was as though someone had paused and played reality. As the juices of the forbidden fruit touched their lips, a profound transformation had occurred. They felt a surge of sensations—a newfound knowledge of good and evil, a heightened awareness of their own vulnerability, and an overwhelming sense of regret. If it weren't for the sweat trickling down their backs and the lingering fear in their hearts, they might have believed they had simply imagined the entire ordeal. They had fallen from grace, their innocence lost, and they felt vulnerable and exposed in the wake of this divine encounter.

As Adam and Hawa stood before the tree, seduced by the forbidden fruit and ensnared by Iblis's deceitful words, they failed the ultimate test of their obedience to the Supreme One. Their hearts sank, burdened by the weight of their disobedience.

Then, in their newfound awareness of their nakedness, since their blessing of heavenly clothes had been stripped away. As a consequence of their disobedience, their private parts became apparent to them, and they felt the need to cover themselves. They hurriedly gathered leaves from Paradise to conceal their shame. It was a poignant moment, a stark contrast to the purity and innocence they had once enjoyed.

In the midst of this profound remorse, the Supreme One, in His infinite wisdom, was keenly aware of their transgression. Adam and Hawa's hearts ached with remorse and regret, and their heads bowed in humility as they faced the consequences of their actions. Perhaps they first consulted the angels, or at least listened to their hearts.

It was then that the Supreme One reminded them of the covenant they had made before, a sacred agreement that had slipped from their memories in the lush paradise. They had pledged their obedience and loyalty to the Supreme One, but in their moment of weakness, they had faltered.

The Supreme One declared, "Indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm willpower." Their covenant with the Supreme One, once a steadfast commitment, had been clouded by the allure of the forbidden tree and Iblis's cunning words.

As they bowed their heads in humility, Adam and Hawa understood the magnitude of their lapse, the depth of their forgetfulness, and the necessity of seeking forgiveness from the Supreme One. It was a pivotal moment in their existence, one that marked the beginning of their journey to redemption and a deeper understanding of their Creator's infinite wisdom and boundless mercy.

As the consequences of their actions became clear, the Supreme One declared their banishment from Paradise. The idyllic life they had known was forever lost, and they were to descend to the earthly realm, a world filled with trials, challenges, and the relentless passage of time.

"Get you down (upon the earth), all of you together, from Paradise," commanded the Supreme One. The expulsion from Paradise marked the beginning of their earthly journey, a journey that would test their resolve, faith, and obedience.

Yet, amidst the solemn decree of banishment, there was a glimmer of hope. The Supreme One promised guidance, a divine light that would shine upon those who sought it. "Then, if there comes to you guidance from Me, whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray nor fall into distress and misery."

As Adam was being taken away from the paradise he once called home, he turned to his Lord and began to ask questions. His first question was laden with profound understanding. He said, "My Lord, did You not create me with Your own two hands?" To which The Supreme One replied, "Yes, I did."

Adam continued, "Did You not breathe into me the breath of life and cause me to live?" Again, The Supreme One responded, "Yes, I did."

Then, Adam recalled a moment of intimacy, a moment that reflected the bond between the Creator and the created. He asked, "And when I sneezed, did You not say, 'Yarhamuka Rabbuk, (You Lord has had mercy on you)?'" Once more, The Supreme One confirmed, "Yes, I did say that."

Then came the pivotal question, the question that revealed Adam's profound wisdom and understanding of his Creator. Adam asked, "My Lord, when You created me and placed me in that garden, and You told me not to eat from that tree, didn't You already know I was going to eat from it?" Adam acknowledged the Divine knowledge that transcended time and space.

The Supreme One, the Most Knowing, replied in the affirmative, "Yes, I knew you were going to do it."

With this understanding, Adam humbly beseeched his Lord, "Then, can You not forgive me for that and put me back in that garden one day?" His plea was filled with remorse and a genuine desire to seek forgiveness.

The Supreme One, in His infinite mercy, granted Adam's request and taught him the words that would become a timeless supplication: "My Lord, I have wronged my own soul, and if You do not forgive me and have mercy on me, I will surely be one of the losers."

In this profound conversation, unlike Iblis, Adam exemplified the essence of repentance, acknowledging his transgressions, seeking forgiveness, and placing his trust in the boundless mercy of the Supreme One.

However, Iblis, in his relentless pursuit of power and mischief, again made a daring request. He had no shame, no remorse, only a relentless desire for more influence over humanity.

Before his expulsion from Paradise, Iblis made a direct appeal to the Supreme One. He acknowledged his role as a source of temptation and corruption for the children of Adam and sought the power to fulfill this mission. He boldly asked for the ability to cause fitna(chaos and discord), among Adam and his descendants.

The insatiable desire for power and influence consumed Iblis. When The Supreme One granted him authority over humanity to test them, Iblis sought to expand his dominion even further. He again asked for an increase in his power, craving more control over the hearts and minds of humans.

Iblis pleaded with The Supreme One, saying, "O Supreme One, increase me in power and authority over humanity." He yearned for a greater hold on the human race, driven by his malevolent desires.

The Supreme One, in His infinite wisdom, responded to Iblis's request by revealing a chilling truth. He explained that for every child of Adam born into this world, a counterpart of Iblis—a Shaytan—would also come into existence. It was as if Iblis was granted a dark reflection with every new human being. These Qareen(Jinn companions) were to be his minions, working relentlessly to spread evil and corruption among humanity.

As if this wasn't enough, Iblis's insatiable appetite for power led him to seek even greater influence. He implored The Supreme One to grant him the ability to enter the minds of humans, to infiltrate their thoughts and manipulate them from within. Iblis wished to whisper malevolent ideas and desires into the hearts and minds of people, all while remaining concealed, as if his sinister thoughts were their own.

The Supreme One being indeferent, in His divine decree, and knowing very well that resolute humans would not be swayed, granted Iblis this chilling ability. He allowed Iblis to infiltrate the very thoughts and emotions of humanity, subtly steering them toward disobedience and wickedness. Iblis's influence was no longer limited to external temptations but extended to the inner recesses of human consciousness.

This pact between Iblis and the Supreme One allowed Iblis to work his mischief in a profoundly inconspicuous manner, leading people astray by sowing the seeds of doubt, temptation, and disobedience deep within their hearts.

It was a grim testament to the cunning and malevolence of Iblis, whose relentless pursuit of power knew no bounds. 

But Iblis didn't stop there. He wanted more, always more. He implored the Supreme One to increase his power. His insatiable appetite for causing mischief knew no bounds.

The Supreme One granted Iblis his request, allowing him to flow through the veins of the children of Adam. He was given the power to subtly influence their thoughts and actions, to possess the children of Adam who would discard their gift of devine protection through disobedience. Iblis was now well versed in the arts of enticement and infiltration, a power he would definately use to lead humanity astray.

Yet, despite the immense favour bestowed upon him, Iblis remained relentless in his pursuit of greater disobedience. 

The Supreme One revealed a powerful command to Iblis, instructing him to gather his armies and wage his war upon humanity. He was given the freedom to promise humans anything they desired, to tempt them with worldly desires and empty promises for that had now become his only purpose, a test for the humans. But the Supreme One made it clear that all of Iblis's offerings were nothing but illusions, mirages that would ultimately lead humanity astray.

In his never-ending quest for power, Iblis remained a cunning and relentless adversary, seeking to exploit the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of humanity. However, the Supreme One's wisdom and mercy continued to shine, offering humanity the guidance and protection needed to resist the temptations of Iblis and find their way back to the path of righteousness provided they followed the rules.

Adam, in his wisdom and humility, witnessed the immense power and influence granted to Iblis, and now he sought something for himself—a means of protection for he and his descendants.

Adam acknowledged the power and authority that had been bestowed upon Iblis, so he implored, "O Supreme One, You have given Iblis great power and authority over me and my descendants. What will You grant me to protect them from his evil influence?"

The Supreme One, in His infinite mercy, responded to Adam's plea with a promise. He assured Adam that every child of his born into this world would be accompanied by not one but two angels, constantly vigilant and protective, another two to write down his deeds, and another one to encourage him to the right path. These angels would serve as guardians, shielding humanity from the malevolent whispers and temptations of Iblis unless the humans insist on sin.

These angels would be in charge of meticulously recording the deeds of each individual, safeguarding them from the influence of Iblis and guiding them to the right path. One angel would record good deeds while the other would record bad deeds. They would ensure a thorough record of every person's actions.

The Supreme One, in His infinite wisdom and boundless mercy, responded to Adam's plea. Adam, with sincerity in his heart, had implored the Supreme One to grant him something more, to bestow upon him additional blessings and favor.

In response, the Supreme One revealed a promise of divine generosity. He said to Adam, "For every bad deed, I will either write it as one bad deed or forgive it completely. However, for every good deed, I will multiply it by ten." 

This divine assurance filled Adam's heart with happiness and gratitude. He realized that the mercy and forgiveness of the Supreme One were boundless. Not only were his sins forgiven, but his righteous actions were rewarded abundantly. It was a testament to the Supreme One's endless compassion and His willingness to guide His creation towards goodness and righteousness.

Adam's heart was now filled not only with remorse for his past mistakes but also with hope for a better future. He knew that as long as he and his descendants turned to the Supreme One with sincerity and sought His forgiveness, their sins would be pardoned, and their good deeds would be greatly rewarded. This promise from the Supreme One became a source of solace and encouragement for Adam and all of humanity, reminding them of the path to redemption and closeness to their Creator.

Furthermore, the Supreme One assured Adam that His forgiveness was boundless and ever-open. He promised that His mercy would extend until the very moment when a person's soul departed from their body. For as long as man has not looked death in the eye, the door to forgiveness and salvation was always ajar, waiting for sincere repentance.

Adam, overwhelmed with gratitude, asked for even more blessings and protection from the Supreme One. He sought reassurance and pleaded for additional favors. In response, the Supreme One reassured Adam and all of humanity not to despair, never to doubt His love and care. The Supreme One's mercy and compassion were limitless, and He had created humanity not for punishment but for a greater purpose, the obedient ones at least.

In this profound conversation between Adam and the Most Merciful One, the essence of divine love, forgiveness, and protection shines through, offering humanity hope, redemption, and the path to righteousness.

Adam and Hawa, once inhabitants of a heavenly realm, were to descend to the earthly realm, a place fraught with trials and hardships. 

The Supreme One's response was a testament to His divine justice. He had granted Iblis limited authority over those who willingly followed him, but He made it clear that His servants who cultivated their indomitable willpower would remain beyond Iblis's reach.

 As Adam and Hawa descended to the earthly realm, their hearts heavy with the weight of their actions, they carried with them the knowledge of good and evil. Their journey would be marked by trials, but it would also be a journey of redemption and the continuous pursuit of divine guidance.

As the halo of descent shone upon the earth, the angels of exaltations as though lamenting the circumstances of men, started to to chant great words of wisdom as a reminder to the mortals below:

"I wonder for the one who is certain that there is death, and yet laughs."

"I wonder for the one who is certain that the grave exists and yet rejoices!"

"I wonder about the one who is certain that there is accountability, and yet 

accumulates wealth!"

"I wonder for the one who is certain that the grave exists with its narrowness, 

and yet laughs(hysterically)!"

"I wonder for the one who is certain that there is life after death and its woe, 

pleasure, and eternity and yet does forget about it!"

"I wonder for the one who is certain that there is Hellfire and its chastisement, 

and yet sleeps without fleeing from it!"

"I wonder for the one who is certain that there is Paradise and its Pleasure, and 

yet sleeps without seeking it!"

"I wonder for the one who is certain about this world and its transience (last 

only for a short time) and yet trusts in it implicitly (without a doubt or question)!"

"I wonder for the one who is certain that he is learned verbally but ignorant in 

mind how he shall succeed (before The Supreme One)! "

"I wonder for the one who is sad over the decrease in his wealth while he is not 

sad over the decrease in his life!"

"I wonder for the one who used water to clean himself while he is not clean at 

heart!"

" I wonder for the one who is preoccupied by the faults of others while he 

forgets about his own faults!"

"I wonder for the one who knows the Supreme One sees him, and yet disobeys him!"

"I wonder for the one who knows that he will die alone, be buried alone, and 

be made to render an account (of his deeds) alone and yet socializes with people. 

Why doesn't he spend time with his Lord...

 ...

The angels of regulation also contineously read out the rules of the earth, never to stop till the day the earth will be perished:

"The world is a prison house for the one who is aware of the covenant and Paradise for the one who knows not."

"Be indifferent to worldly life, and the Supreme One will love you; and be indifferent to what people have, and people will love you."

"Be in this world like a stranger, or one who is passing through, and consider yourself as one of the people of the graves."

"If a son of Adam were to own a valley full of gold, he would desire to have two. Nothing can fill his mouth except the earth (of the grave)."

"The Supreme One turns with mercy to him who turns to Him in repentance"

"No young person honors an elder due to his age, except that The Supreme One appoints for him one who will honor him at that age."

"When the Supreme One wills good for His slave, He uses him by guiding him to do good deeds before he dies."

"Indeed, those who say: 'Our Lord is the Supreme One, and they stand firm, the Angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): 'Fear not, nor grieve! Receive the glad tidings of Paradise."

"The world, with all that it contains, is cursed except for the remembrance of the divine."

"The best of people is the one who lives a long life and does good deeds."

....