Comparative Study of Commentators’ Notions about “Khalaqnākum thumma Ṣawwarnākum” (Human Creation and Configuration) (Q ۷:۱۱)

Verse ۱۱ of Surat al-Aʿrāf, “va laqad khalaqnākum thumma Ṣawwarnākum thumma qulnā li al-malāʾikati sjudū li ʼĀdam” (Q ۷:۱۱), discusses the process of human creation and configuration, a topic that has elicited diverse interpretations. These interpretations can be classified into seven main perspectives. This article aims to explore and critically assess these interpretations, analyzing the supporting evidence provided by the interpreters and resolving ambiguities through examining interrelations between Qur’anic verses. This study concludes that “khalaqnākum” (Q ۷:۱۱) refers to the material creation of human beings, while “Ṣawwarnākum” (Q ۷:۱۱) pertains to the formation of the human face and bodily organs in the mother’s womb. Furthermore, “thumma qulnā li al-malāʾikati sjudū li ʼĀdam” (Q ۷:۱۱) denotes the command to prostrate to ʼĀdam, symbolizing the chosen ones (Prophets and Imams) within the divine knowledge. The precedence of creation and configuration over prostration implies that ʼĀdam’s descendants were also present in divine knowledge at the time of ʼĀdam’s creation.

کلیدواژه ها:

khalaqnākum thumma Ṣawwarnākum ، prostration to ʼĀdam ، relationship of verses ، comparative interpretation ، Surat al-Aʿrāf ، creation and configuration