The First Lie (Adam and Eve (Hawa) Story)

Summary

In this talk, Omar Suleiman explains how Iblees (Satan) manipulates people by creating insecurities and offering sinful solutions. Using the story of Adam (عليه السلام) and Eve, Suleiman highlights how Iblees made them doubt Allah's command by falsely promising eternal life and angelic status. Adam's innocence led him to trust Iblees' oath, not expecting a lie in the name of Allah. The discussion also touches on repentance, contrasting Adam's sin from desire, which allows for easier repentance, with Iblees' sin of pride, which leads to persistence in disobedience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shaitaan's strategy is to create insecurity and offer a haram solution.
• 🤔 Shaitaan planted the idea in Adam and Eve that they would be expelled from paradise unless they ate from the forbidden tree.
• 🌳 Shaitaan made Adam and Eve question Allah’s prohibition by suggesting they would become angels or live forever if they ate from the tree.
• 😈 Instead of advising obedience to Allah, Shaitaan offered disobedience as the solution.
• 🤥 Shaitaan swore to Adam and Eve, falsely claiming to be a sincere advisor.
• 🫤 Adam (عليه السلام) believed Shaitaan's lie because he could not fathom someone swearing by Allah and lying.
• 🛑 The insecurity led Adam and Eve to disobey Allah and eat from the tree.
• 🙏 Adam sinned out of desire, while Shaitaan sinned out of pride, making it harder for Shaitaan to repent.
• 🔄 Sinning due to desire makes it easier to repent and return to Allah, unlike sinning from pride, which makes one resist repentance.
• 💡 The key lesson is to seek forgiveness from Allah immediately after falling into sin and to trust in Allah’s mercy.

Q & A

What is the equation of Shaitaan as described in the video?

The equation of Shaitaan is to create an insecurity in a person and then offer a haram solution to that insecurity.

What insecurity did Shaitaan create in Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa?

Shaitaan created the insecurity that Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa would be expelled from Jannah unless they ate from the forbidden tree, suggesting they would either become angels or live forever.

What haram solution did Shaitaan present to Adam and Hawa?

Shaitaan suggested that eating from the forbidden tree was the only solution to avoid being expelled from Jannah and to attain eternity or angelic status.

Why did Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa fall for Shaitaan’s deception?

They fell for Shaitaan’s deception because he presented himself as a sincere adviser, swearing by Allah that he was only offering them good advice.

What explanation did Prophet Adam (عليه السلام) give for listening to Shaitaan?

Prophet Adam (عليه السلام) explained to his son Sheeth (عليه السلام) that he did not think anyone could swear by Allah and lie, showing Adam's حسن الظن (good assumption) of others, even Shaitaan.

How does the deception of Shaitaan relate to marketing tactics?

Shaitaan’s tactics are likened to how marketers present themselves as sincere and earnest, convincing others that their product or advice is for the buyer’s good, rather than for their own gain.

What is the difference between the sins of Adam (عليه السلام) and Shaitaan?

Adam (عليه السلام) sinned out of desire, while Shaitaan sinned out of pride. This makes it easier for Adam to repent, whereas Shaitaan persists in disobedience.

Why is it easier to repent from sins of desire compared to sins of pride?

It is easier to repent from sins of desire because they stem from momentary weakness, whereas sins of pride are more entrenched in arrogance, making it harder to return to Allah.

What lesson can we learn from Adam (عليه السلام)’s mistake and repentance?

The lesson is that even if we fall to our desires and disobey Allah, we should immediately turn back to Him, seeking forgiveness rather than persisting in disobedience.

What role does seeking security in Allah’s forgiveness play in overcoming insecurities created by Shaitaan?

By seeking security in Allah’s forgiveness, we counteract the insecurities created by Shaitaan and avoid falling into further sin by trusting in Allah's mercy and asking for His forgiveness.

Outlines

00:00

👹 The First Lie of Shaitaan and the Insecurity He Creates

Shaitaan's strategy is outlined as creating insecurity within Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa, followed by offering a haram solution. In the case of Adam and Eve, Shaitaan convinces them that they will be expelled from Jannah unless they eat from the forbidden tree, suggesting they will either become angels or live forever if they do. Shaitaan swore to them falsely, presenting himself as a sincere advisor and creating doubt about Allah's intentions. His manipulation leads them to question why Allah prohibited the tree, leading to their eventual fall into disobedience. Despite the apparent sincerity of Shaitaan's words, Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa fall victim to his deceit.

❓ The Question of Sheeth (عليه السلام) to His Father Adam (عليه السلام)

Prophet Sheeth (عليه السلام) questions his father Adam (عليه السلام) on why he disobeyed Allah and listened to Shaitaan, especially when he knew of Allah's mercy. Adam (عليه السلام) explains that he never believed someone could swear by Allah and lie. This conversation highlights Adam’s (عليه السلام) good assumption of Shaitaan's intentions, contrasting Shaitaan's evil assumptions about others. The script emphasizes that Shaitaan's ability to deceive relied on Adam’s (عليه السلام) trust, as Adam (عليه السلام) didn't suspect that one could swear falsely by Allah.

🛑 The Deception and Marketing of Shaitaan

Shaitaan's tactic is likened to marketing: presenting himself as a sincere advisor who has nothing to gain but only seeks the benefit of those he deceives. His portrayal as a well-meaning figure persuades Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa to trust him, despite his malicious intentions. The narrative explains that just like in business or advertising, Shaitaan ensures he looks legitimate to convince them to follow his advice. However, the key difference between Adam (عليه السلام) and Shaitaan lies in the nature of their sins: Adam (عليه السلام) sinned out of desire, making it easier for him to repent, while Shaitaan sinned out of pride, leading to continued defiance and refusal to repent.

🔄 The Nature of Sin and the Path to Repentance

The commentary contrasts Adam's (عليه السلام) sin, which was driven by desire, and Shaitaan's sin, which was motivated by pride. This distinction is crucial because sins of desire are easier to repent from, whereas sins of pride often lead to stubbornness and continued disobedience. Allah, knowing that humans are susceptible to desires, is merciful and forgiving, provided they repent. The lesson emphasizes that, unlike Shaitaan, who remains arrogant and refuses to repent, humans must turn back to Allah after sinning, seeking forgiveness, and not allowing insecurity or disobedience to persist.

Keywords

💡Insecurity

Insecurity refers to the feeling of uncertainty or fear, which in this context, Shaitaan creates in Adam and Hawa by making them doubt their future in Jannah. He convinces them that if they do not eat from the forbidden tree, they will lose their place in paradise, driving them to disobey Allah's command. This insecurity is a core element of Shaitaan’s deception.

💡Haram Solution

A haram solution is a forbidden or sinful way of resolving an issue. In the video, Shaitaan offers Adam and Hawa a haram solution to their insecurity: eating from the forbidden tree to gain immortality or angelic status. This concept highlights how disobedience to Allah is presented as a way out of an artificially created problem.

💡Shaitaan

Shaitaan, or Satan, is the entity responsible for misleading and deceiving humans. In this script, he creates an insecurity in Adam and Hawa and offers a sinful solution. Shaitaan's tactic involves swearing by Allah, falsely presenting himself as a sincere adviser to lure them into disobedience.

💡Sincere Adviser

Shaitaan falsely presents himself as a 'sincere adviser,' claiming that he is offering good advice for Adam and Hawa’s benefit. This false sincerity is a central part of his deception, as he swears by Allah to gain their trust. The idea of a 'sincere adviser' is critical in understanding how people can be misled by those who appear to have their best interests at heart.

💡Desire (Shahwah)

Desire, or 'Shahwah,' refers to the human tendency to be drawn towards certain pleasures. Adam's sin is portrayed as being rooted in desire—he ate from the tree out of a longing for something forbidden. The concept illustrates the difference between sinning due to desire, which allows for repentance, and sinning due to pride, as in the case of Shaitaan.

💡Pride

Pride is highlighted as the root of Shaitaan’s sin, contrasting with Adam's sin of desire. Shaitaan’s pride prevented him from repenting, which is why his disobedience was more severe. The video emphasizes that sinning due to pride is more dangerous because it leads to persistent rebellion against Allah’s commands.

💡Repentance (Tawba)

Repentance, or 'Tawba,' refers to turning back to Allah after committing a sin. The video explains that Adam found it easier to repent because his sin was driven by desire. The message encourages immediate repentance after disobedience, rather than persisting in sin, which allows individuals to return to Allah’s mercy.

💡Satanic Deception

Satanic deception refers to the various ways Shaitaan misleads humans into disobeying Allah. In the video, Shaitaan creates false promises, swears falsely, and presents himself as a sincere adviser. This deception shows how evil can be disguised as something beneficial, making it essential for believers to be vigilant.

💡Good Assumption (Husn al-Dhann)

Good assumption, or 'Husn al-Dhann,' is a trait that Adam had when he believed Shaitaan’s oath. He assumed that no one would swear by Allah and lie, which ultimately led to his downfall. This concept emphasizes the importance of critical thinking even when good assumptions are made, especially in matters of faith.

💡Forgiveness

Forgiveness refers to Allah’s mercy in forgiving those who repent after sinning. The video stresses that Allah understands human weaknesses and is always ready to forgive, especially when sins are committed out of desire. The notion of forgiveness serves as a reminder of Allah’s compassionate nature, encouraging believers to seek His pardon after making mistakes.

Highlights

Shaitaan's equation: create an insecurity and offer a haram solution.

Iblees creates an insecurity in Adam (عليه السلام) about leaving Jannah.

Iblees offers a haram solution, suggesting disobedience instead of asking Allah for help.

Iblees swore by Allah to Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa, deceiving them into thinking he was giving sincere advice.

Shaitaan's tactic: presenting himself as a sincere advisor to legitimize his deceptive solution.

Prophet Sheeth (عليه السلام) asks Adam (عليه السلام) why he listened to Shaitaan and disobeyed Allah.

Adam (عليه السلام) explains that he didn't think anyone would swear by Allah and lie.

Adam (عليه السلام) had حسن الظن (good assumption) of Shaitaan, while Shaitaan had سوء الظن (evil assumption) of others.

Shaitaan sinned out of pride, making it harder for him to repent, whereas Adam (عليه السلام) sinned out of desire.

Fuḍayl ibn ʻIyāḍ highlights the difference between sins of desire and sins of pride.

Sins of desire make it easier to return to Allah, while sins of pride, like Shaitaan's, prevent repentance.

Allah created humans with the tendency to fall to desires, but He is forgiving when they turn back to Him.

It's essential to seek security in Allah’s forgiveness and not persist in disobedience.

Marketing parallels: like Shaitaan, people presenting products often portray themselves as sincere and working for the customer’s benefit.

The key lesson is to recognize the deception in false promises and seek Allah's guidance in difficult situations.

Transcripts

The First Lie - Omar Suleiman

So we said that the equation of Shaitaan

is to create an insecurity

and then give you a haram solution to it.

So then, what about Adam (عليه السلام)?

What happened to Adam (عليه السلام)?

What would drive Adam and Eve

to eat from the tree

that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى)

told them not to eat from?

And this is really really significant

because Iblees creates

an insecurity in Adam (عليه السلام).

And what is that insecurity that,

(QS Al-A'raf: 20) (مَا نَهَىٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ)

"Your Lord did not prohibit

either one of you from this tree

except that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) knows

that if you eat from that tree,

you will either become angels

or you'll become from (الخالدين),

you'll live forever in paradise."

So he creates this insecurity, that

you know you're gonna leave Jannah,

you know that you're gonna be expelled,

you know that if you don't eat from this tree,

if you don't do something about this,

then you're going to eventually end up

out of Jannah and so on and so forth.

What, subhanAllah, ends up happening

exactly as a result of what they would do.

So Iblees creates an insecurity,

Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa

start to worry about themselves.

"Why did Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) stop us from that tree?"

And so, what is Iblees do?

So this is the first part of the equation,

create the insecurity.

What's the second thing?

The haram solution.

The solution is not make du'a to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى),

ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) to grant you

eternity in paradise

or ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) to make you like the angels

or so on so forth.

Or give you (خلد), give you eternity,

give you (ملك لا يبلى),

give you dominion,

or possessions that would never spoiled.

He doesn't say go worship Allah more,

go make du'a more,

but he suggests disobedience

and he makes that the only option

for Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa.

Now, what does he do?

(QS Al-A'raf: 21) (وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ)

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) says, "He swore to them."

Obviously Shaitaan has nothing to lose.

He doesn't care if he breaks an oath.

He took an oath, (قَاسَمَهُمَآ)

(QS Al-A'raf: 21) (إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّـٰصِحِينَ)

"Look, I'm just trying to give you good advice here.

I'm just giving you sincere advice."

SubhanAllah, those are the words

of every Shaitaan in your life.

"Look, I'm just looking out for you here,

I'm just trying to make things easier for you,

I'm just trying to make things better for you,

I have nothing to gain from this,

I'm just telling you,

you know my situation, my position

but for you,

I'm just letting you know,

I'm just giving you advice," and so on so forth.

And Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa,

they fell for it.

Now there's a very powerful conversation

that takes place between Sheeth,

the Prophet Sheeth (عليه السلام)

who is the son of Adam (عليه السلام),

he asks his father, he says,

(يا أبت أتسمع للشيطان و تعصي الرحمن؟)

"Why did you listen to Shaitaan

and disobey the Most Merciful?"

"It doesn't make sense."

"Why would you listen to the Shaitaan

when he said..."

(إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّـٰصِحِينَ)

"That I'm a sincere adviser to you."

"You know who Allah is,

you know Ar-Rahman."

"Would you listen to Shaitaan,

and disobey the most merciful?"

Listen to what Adam (عليه السلام) says,

He says, (والله يابني).

"I swear by Allah, O my son!"

(ما ظننت أن أحدًا يقسم بك كذبًا)

"I didn't think that anyone would swear by Allah

and be a liar."

It's the (حسن الظن) that Adam has.

Remember we said, Shaitaan has (سوء الظن),

he assumes evil of people,

Adam (عليه السلام) assumed good of Shaitaan.

That when he said, "I swear by Allah."

He said, "I didn't think

that anyone could possibly swear by Allah

and be telling a lie at the same time."

There are numerous factors

that play into Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa

eating from that tree.

The insecurity was created,

the solution was presented,

and the one presenting the solution,

presented himself as a sincere adviser.

Because when someone's marketing to you,

what else do they have to do?

They have to to look legit, right?

They have to present themselves

in a manner in which they portray themselves

as earnest and sincere,

and, "Look, this is for your good,

this is not me trying to make money off of you,

this isn't me trying to get rich off of you,

this is because you need the product,

not that I need you to buy the product."

So Shaitaan presents himself as an earnest advisor,

as sincere advisor,

and Adam (عليه السلام) and Hawa, they fell for that.

However, one thing that distinguishes the two,

which is very important.

Fuḍayl ibn ʻIyāḍ (رحمه الله تعالى)

he says that, "Adam (عليه السلام) sinned

out of desire, out of simple desire,

it was shahwah, it was desire."

"Shaitaan on the other hand sinned out of pride."

So Adam found it easier

to come back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى)

because if a person sins out of desire,

it's a lot easier to turn back to Allah

but if a person sins out of pride,

they're more likely to be like Shaitaan

and to abstain from tawba,

abstain from repentance,

and maintain the reckless course.

So Allah understands,

Allah has created us in that way

that we will at times fall to our desires.

But the point is that,

we draw back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى)

immediately when that happens,

and we don't let that continue,

and we don't persist in that state of disobedience,

and we don't allow that insecurity to it remain,

instead we find security,

and knowing the Allah is forgiving,

and we ask Allah for His forgiveness.