فَأَزَلَّهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ ۖ وَقُلْنَا ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ 36
Translations
But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said, "Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time."
Transliteration
Fa-azallahuma ash-shaytanu anha fa-akhrajahuma mimma kana fih wa-qulna ihbitu ba'dukum li-ba'din aduww wa-lakum fil-ardi mustaqarrun wa-mata'un ila hin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Satan caused Adam and Eve to slip from their obedience in Paradise, leading to their expulsion from the Garden. Allah then commanded them and their offspring to descend to earth, establishing enmity between humanity and Satan as a consequence of their disobedience. The earth is granted to them as a temporary dwelling place with sustenance until an appointed time. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this represents the beginning of human trial and responsibility on earth, while maintaining hope through Allah's mercy and guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Adam and Eve in Surah Al-Baqarah (verses 34-39), which provides a Medinan retelling of the Quranic account of humanity's origin and first sin. It contextualizes the human condition and explains why mankind must live on earth with the inevitable struggle between following divine guidance and resisting satanic temptation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a hadith: 'The best of you are those of the best character, and the worst of you are those who backbite and speak ill of others' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of sinners are those who repent' (Tirmidhi), reflecting the merciful framework established after Adam's lapse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that human struggle with evil is part of our divine test on earth, and while Satan will continue to tempt us, we possess the capacity to resist through obedience to Allah. It reminds us that temporary setbacks and failures are not final; rather, repentance and returning to Allah's guidance is always possible in this earthly life.