Selected Exegesis

This verse hints at the educational and preparatory stage of Adam’s (a.s.) journey, preparing him for his eventual life on earth. It also reflects the inherent nature of human susceptibility to sin and the situational impacts of sin.

The term “paradise” here does not refer to the eternal paradise nor a garden from the gardens of this world. The definite article “al-” in “al-janna” specifies an external reference rather than denoting genus or comprehensiveness. This suggests that the paradise mentioned was an intermediary state between this world and the hereafter, embodying some features of the eternal paradise—such as constant joy and the absence of hunger, thirst, cold, and heat—as well as characteristics of worldly gardens. It was a comfortable abode for Adam (a.s.), distinct from any earthly location.

The phrase “and eat from it” extends beyond the literal meaning of eating, serving metaphorically to imply that Adam could freely enjoy everything within this paradise as he wished.

The command “do not approach” is not just a prohibition against eating from the tree but symbolizes a broader restriction on engaging with it. This language emphasizes the importance of staying away from not just the forbidden act itself but also its vicinity, akin to the directive in “and do not approach the wealth of the orphan” (6:152). Such phrasing underscores the gravity of the matter—it is not merely about avoiding the act, but also about not even nearing it. This is a guiding prohibition rather than a legislative one, steering away from discussions about whether the act was forbidden or merely disliked, and sidestepping debates on its compatibility with the infallibility of prophets.

The forbidden tree is not like the trees of this world, which bear only one type of fruit. Due to its archetypal nature, this tree has the capacity to produce multiple types of fruit. Additionally, it encompasses both material and spiritual dimensions; it provides physical nourishment for the body and spiritual sustenance for the soul.

Another unique characteristic of this tree is that it is exclusive to Muḥammad and the family of Muḥammad (s.a.w.), with access restricted to them alone. Others can only approach it by God’s permission. Those who access it with divine permission gain profound knowledge of the first and the last. However, anyone who partakes of it without God’s consent has disobeyed the Lord and will not achieve success.

The term al-ẓālimīn (wrongdoers) in this verse refers to ẓulm in the sense of oppression, rather than ẓulmat, which denotes darkness. The oppressed (maẓlūm) in this context are Adam and Eve themselves. Thus, the oppression mentioned here is self-inflicted (referring to any deficiency or deprivation), not an oppression against God or others.