وَلَقَدْ عَهِدْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ ءَادَمَ مِن قَبْلُ فَنَسِىَ وَلَمْ نَجِدْ لَهُۥ عَزْمًا 115
Translations
And We had already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in him determination.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad 'ahidna ila Adama min qablu fanasiya wa-lam najid lahu 'azma
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's covenant with Adam before his creation, commanding him not to eat from the forbidden tree. Despite receiving this clear command, Adam forgot the covenant and ate from the tree, and Allah found in him no firm resolve or steadfastness to adhere to the command. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as demonstrating human weakness and the necessity of divine guidance, while also showing Allah's mercy in testing His creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Taha's narrative about Adam's creation and fall, serving as a direct reference to the covenant made with Adam in the Garden of Eden. The surah emphasizes lessons from Adam's story for the Prophet Muhammad and the believing community, illustrating how even the first human was tested and how crucial it is to remember divine commands.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim (2652) relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said Adam and Moses debated, with Moses saying to Adam, 'You are Adam who brought destruction to yourself and to humanity by your sin,' and Adam responding about the decree and divine will. Additionally, Surah Taha 20:121 complements this ayah by mentioning Adam's forgetfulness of the command.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that forgetfulness and lack of resolve are inherent human weaknesses, reminding believers to constantly seek Allah's help in remembering His commands and staying steadfast. It also underscores that accountability remains even when we fail, and that seeking forgiveness and returning to Allah's guidance is always possible.