Introduction
The mother of mankind, Hawa was the first woman created by Allah and the mother of all humanity, holds a unique place in history. Her story is full of wisdom and divine lessons, beginning with her creation. Her life in Paradise alongside Adam (peace be upon him), and their descent to Earth. In this blog, we will explore the details of Hawa’s story as we see it in Islamic tradition. Therefore, we Muslims should know about the mother of mankind.
The Creation of Hawa
- Primarly, Allah created Hawa from Adam’s rib while he was asleep.
- Wisely enough, Allah did not create her from Adam’s head to be superior, nor from his feet to be inferior, but from his side to signify companionship and closeness.
Therefore, this creation reflects divine wisdom:
“وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ” (Surah Ar-Rum: 21
The purpose of her creation
Basically, Allah created Hawa as a companion and a source of comfort for Adam (peace be upon him) to share life with him
Hawa in Paradise
- Therefore, Allah placed Hawa and Adam in Paradise to enjoy its blessings:
“وَقُلْنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 35). - Temporarily, they lived in harmony and peace, free from hardship or sorrow
The Test in Paradise
- Later, Allah tested the peace in Paradise when Shaytan (Satan) whispered to Adam and Hawa, tempting them to eat from the forbidden tree.
- At first, Shaytan deceived them by saying that eating from the tree would grant them eternal life.
“فَأَزَلَّهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ ۖ وَقُلْنَا ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۭ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّۭ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ - ” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 36).
After realizing their mistake, both Adam and Hawa sought Allah’s forgiveness with sincerity:
“قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلْخَـٰسِرِينَ’” (Surah Al-A’raf: 23
The Descent to Earth
As a result of their actions, Allah commanded Adam and Hawa to descend to Earth:
“قُلْنَا ٱهْبِطُوا۟ مِنْهَا جَمِيعًۭا ۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّى هُدًۭى فَمَن تَبِعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 38
The beginning of human life
- Therefore, their descent marked the start of human life and responsibility on Earth.
- Historically, from Hawa and Adam, the human race began, making Hawa the first mother of humanity
The Role of Hawa in Human History
- Hawa, the mother of humanity:
- Hawa as Adam’s companion:
- So, she was a source of companionship and support for Adam in both Paradise and Earth.
Truly, Hawa symbolizes the beginning of human relationships, love, and the concept of unity
Conclusion
The story of Hawa is one of divine creation, companionship, and forgiveness. She was the first woman, the first wife, and the first mother, a figure of unity and the beginning of humanity. Her story teaches us about the wisdom of Allah and the significance of companionship in life
