First Prophet of Islam

Hazrat Adam (AS) was the first human and prophet of Islam on Earth. Despite nowhere in the Quran explicitly identifying Adam as a prophet or messenger, we can evaluate what God informed us of Adam and our understanding of the meanings of Rasul (messenger) and Nabi (prophet) to determine if either of these terms apply to Adam.

The first time we are introduced to Adam in the Quran is the following verse, where we are informed that Adam was given specific names directly from God.

[2:31] He taught Adam all the names then presented them to the angels, saying, “Give Me the names of these, if you are right.”

What else is worth pointing out is that God is asking the angels to “Give Me the names of these, if you are truthful ones (sadageen).” Interesting enough the term sadageen can be understood as “truthful ones” but also as someone who confirms a thing as true. Consistently, in the Quran we see that sadag is paired with the function of a messenger (Rasul), because a messenger is confirming the scripture, kitab – the words of God.

[2:101] Now that a messenger from GOD has come to them, and even though he proves and confirms their own scripture, some followers of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) disregard GOD’s scripture behind their backs, as if they never had any scripture.

[61:6] Recall that Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel, I am GOD’s messenger to you, confirming the Torah and bringing good news of a messenger to come after me whose name will be even more praised (Ahmad).” Then, when he showed them the clear proofs, they said, “This is profound magic.”

If we continue, we see in the following verse that God commanded Adam to “inform” the angels of these specific names that God taught him.

[2:33] He said, “O Adam, tell them their names.” When he told them their names, He said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth? I know what you declare, and what you conceal.”

This is particularly interesting that in the previous verse Adam was taught specific names by God (2:31). Then in the following verse we see Adam was commanded to literally “inform” the angles of these names (2:33). As mentioned above the word for “inform them” “أَنْبِئْهُمْ / anba-ahum” comes from the same root as the word Nabi (prophet).

So Adam was given specific words from God, this makes Adam a nabi (prophet). Then he was asked to disseminate the information he was given to the angles and thus confirming what God taught him, which would make him a Rasul (messenger).

Then additionally, we see that after Satan caused Adam to slip which caused his temporary exile to Earth where God gave Adam again “specific words” so that he can be redeemed.

[2:37] Then, Adam received from his Lord words, whereby He redeemed him. He is the Redeemer, Most Merciful.

Since this was not ayat, ruh, or wahi, but instead specific words “kalamat” from God therefore again this would signify that Adam was a prophet (nabi), and unless someone thinks that he kept these words for himself, this would also constitute him as a messenger (rasul) when he shared these words with others.

Some people have the misconception that Prophet Muhammad PBUH is the founder of Islam, which is not true .Islam is there since time immemorial and prophet Muhammad PBUH is the final messenger and prophet of Allah and its proven from the Quran, Surah Ahzaab ,sura # 33 Ayat number 40

[33:40] Muhammad is not the father of (any)one of you men but (he is the messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, knowing.