In today’s age, Islam is subjected to heavy criticisms, and its teachings and commandments are often misunderstood. Since most of these criticisms arise from the misinterpretation of the Quranic text, an accurate and true explanation of the scripture is called for. As such, this series aims to present the authentic interpretation of the Holy Quran as provided by the leaders of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which we believe will do a great deal in dispelling the numerous misconceptions that have become associated with Islam.
In this issue, we present the commentary of the Quranic verse 2:37 from Tafsir-e-Kabir (The Grand Exegesis) by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra.
This abridged translation is not an official rendering but is being published for the benefit of readers in view of the aforementioned objective. Light of Islam takes full responsibility for any errors in the translation and summary.
فَأَزَلَّهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ
But Satan caused them both to slip by means of it and drove them out of the state in which they were.
Holy Quran 2:37
Keyword Analysis
Azalla: ‘Azalla’ is derived from ‘zalla’ i.e. he slipped. ‘Azalla’ means, (1) he caused him to slip; (2) he turned him from the truth or from the right path (Aqrab). The word ‘zalla’ is sometimes used of slipping without intention (Mufradat).
Commentary
It is stated here that Satan deceived Adamas by means of the forbidden tree. It must be noted that the word ‘azalla’—as explained in the keyword analysis—implies that the action was not deliberate on the part of the one committing it. This clearly indicates that Adamas had no intention to do what he did but was only misled by Satan into committing it.
In this context, an important issue warrants clarification on how Satan executed his deception of Hazrat Adamas. While God had already warned Adamas concerning Iblis, it needs to be explained how Satan could have possibly prompted him into error.
It has already been discussed that ‘Satan’ and ‘Iblis’ are distinct terms used by the Holy Quran and that the warning concerning Iblis actually implied an instruction to exercise prudence against the representatives of Iblis. This is because Iblis, according to the Quran, is only an evil spirit that puts evil suggestions in people’s minds while his plans are carried out by his associates, referred to in the Quran using the word ‘Satan’. Since these associates are, in reality, humans, it can be difficult to identify them. Sometimes, they would outwardly present themselves as believers and create confusion as to whether they are still comrades of Iblis or have become good people.
We come to know from the Quran that the Satanic being who beguiled Adamas also employed the same strategy, as it is stated:
“And he swore to them, saying, ‘Surely, I am a sincere counsellor unto you’.”[1]
That is, he ensured Adamas that he was a well-wisher and not an enemy. Hence, it was quite possible for Adamas to err in judging him, as he was tricked into believing that this person—although a former associate of Iblis—had now abandoned the path of opposition and joined him. Since he was swearing that he was a sincere follower, Adamas saw no harm in establishing ties with him.
Although this was a misjudgement on the part of Adamas, it was not out of possibility for him to commit such a mistake despite clear warning from God regarding Iblis. The Quran narrates a similar account of the hypocrites during the time of the Holy Prophetsa where they swore oaths to profess their faith, and the Holy Prophetsa found their appearance and speech pleasing.[2] However, Allah made the Prophetsa aware of their deceptive intentions and hence, he was saved from being misled by their schemes. But in the case of Hazrat Adamas, Satan succeeded in deceiving him, leading to his expulsion from the Garden.
How did Adamas follow a forbidden command?
Now, the second aspect of the question needs to be addressed. Although it is understandable that Satan succeeded in convincing Adamas that he was no more a follower of Iblis, whatever he told Adamas to entice him should have gone against the command of God. Given this, how could Adamas have agreed to do what Satan suggested?
In this regard, it must be understood that a person can deceive others by wearing a false disguise. In subtle matters, they can present wrong things in a misleading way, making them appear good. An example of this can be found in a verse from the same chapter as the verse under comment:
“And when it is said to them: ‘Create not disorder on the earth,’ they say: ‘We are only promoters of peace.’”[3]
Here, it is clearly stated that when the hypocrites are asked not to create disorder by associating with disbelievers, they justify their actions by claiming that their intention is to reform them and bring them closer to the believers. In this way, they present their wrongdoing as something good, influencing other Muslims also to follow their path.
According to the Holy Quran, this is the same strategy that Satan used in the case of Adamas, as it is stated:
“[Satan] said, ‘Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree so that you should become angels or such beings as live for ever.’”[4]
Similarly, the Holy Quran recounts this incident in another place in the following words:
“But Satan whispered evil suggestions to him; he said, ‘O Adam, shall I lead thee to the tree of eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?’”[5]
These verses clearly state that Satan deceived Adamas concerning God’s instruction by suggesting that he should seek to understand the wisdom behind the Divine commandment rather than adhering to its words. Satan claimed that the true intent behind God’s directive to stay away from the tree was to allow Adamas to become like the angels and attain eternal life, which—given the changed circumstances—could now only be achieved by approaching the tree.
Adamas slipped into error by this deceitful tactic, as Satan had already assured him that he was not an enemy. It should also be noted that Adamas—being the first prophet—had no precedent that would guide him in exercising caution, which further increased the likelihood of his misjudgement. Additionally, it is quite possible that God did not prevent this mistake from occurring so that Adam’s experience would serve as a lesson and warning for future generations.
What was the matter concerning which Satan deceived Adamas?
In this regard, it must be noted that God, for some reason, did not reveal the specific nature of the matter. It is sufficient for us to believe that Satan deceived Adamas concerning one of the many forbidden things, regarding which, it was possible for Adamas to fall to misunderstanding. Satan misled Adamas into believing that, owing to the changed circumstances, what was previously forbidden was now permissible and in service of faith.
Some might question the benefit of narrating this account without specifying the subject matter of Satan’s deception. It should be remembered that the only lesson this account conveys is that enemies may approach us in the guise of friends and mislead us into committing wrong by making it appear right. Muslims are advised to remain vigilant in this regard.
This purpose is fully served by recounting this incident. Besides this, there is no need to specify the exact matter as Satan always employs different tactics. Hence, even if the matter was specifically mentioned, it would not have served any additional benefit, as the core lesson has already been conveyed: believers should always remain cautious of the schemes of hypocrites.
END NOTES
[1] Holy Quran 7:22
[2] Holy Quran 63:2–5
[3] Holy Quran 2:12
[4] Holy Quran 7:21; translation sourced from the commentary
[5] Holy Quran 20:121
1 Comment
Munawar Ahmed M · March 2, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Masha Allah . Very useful.