Lecture Notes: Stories of the Prophets & Creation

Introduction

• Praise to Allah and blessings upon Muhammad (s.a.w).
• Continuation from previous lecture.
• Discussion on the importance of stories of the prophets in the Quran.

The Concept of "Stories"

• Use of the term "stories" instead of "lives" of the prophets.
• Quranic reference:
  • Surah Al-A'raf (7:176): Allah commands Muhammad (s.a.w) to narrate the qasas (stories) to make people ponder.
  • Surah Yusuf (12:3): Best of stories revealed in the Quran.

Purpose of Mentioning Prophetic Stories

• To provide consolation and strength to Muhammad (s.a.w) and believers.
• Reference:
  • Surah Hud (11:120): Stories serve as reminders for believers.

Creation Overview

• Beginning of creation: Allah created the pen and commanded it to write what will happen.
• Some aspects of creation are beyond human understanding.

Types of Narrations (Rewayat Israeliyah)

1. Negated: Reject completely.
2. Confirmed: Accept if aligned with the Quran/Sunnah.
3. No confirmation: Neither accept nor reject (لا نُصَدِّقْ وَلَا نُكَذِّبْ).

Creation of Man

• Allah created angels, jinn, and then mankind.
• Iblis was proud but later became a source of misguidance.
• Allah declared His intention to create a khalifa on earth (Surah Al-Baqarah).
  • Meaning of Khalifa:
    • One who stands in place of another.
    • One who succeeds another.

Angels' Concerns

• Angels questioned Allah about creating mankind who may cause corruption.
• Allah's response: "Inni a'lamu ma la ta'lamun" (I know that which you do not know).

Creation of Adam

• Different stages highlighted in the Quran:
  • Turab: Dust
  • Teen: Soil
  • Salsal: Clay
  • Hama im masnoon: Dark clay
• Adam created from various earth types, indicating diversity in mankind.
• Adam was created without heat, resembling pottery but uniquely made.

Size and Form of Adam

• Narrations state Adam was 60 feet tall.
• Creation was unique in that Adam was created as an adult, fully formed.
• Significance of brain: First organ to receive life, distinguishing humans from other creatures.
• Adam was taught the names of everything, demonstrating his unique knowledge.

Sneezing and Gratitude

• When Adam sneezed, it was a sign of goodness.
• The importance of saying Alhamdulillah (all praises due to Allah) after sneezing.

Lesson from Creation

• Adam's immediate desire to reach for the fruits of Jannah reflects human haste.
• Importance of recognizing our transient nature on earth.
• Reflection on using our time to seek knowledge and obedience to Allah.

Conclusion

• Discussion emphasizes the purpose behind creation and the value of stories in the Quran.
• Encouragement to strengthen faith through understanding prophetic narratives and their relevance to human existence.