Selected Exegesis

After the divine prohibition on benefiting from the forbidden tree, Satan intervened and, through temptation, facilitated the expulsion and descent of Adam and Eve from their former status, as indicated in the first part of the verse. The second part addresses their unworthiness to remain in Paradise, resulting in their descent from a peaceful, comfortable, and pain-free environment to a world characterized by hardship, toil, conflict, and enmity: the earth.

The plural form of the command “descend” (ihbiṭū) includes Iblīs, indicating that although he had already been expelled from Paradise for refusing to prostrate before Adam out of arrogance, he managed to infiltrate it again to seduce Adam and Eve. This suggests two types of descent for Iblīs: first, from his former rank among the angels, and second, from Paradise as a temporary abode.

The phrase “some of you are enemies to others” (baʿḍukum li-baʿḍin ʿaduwwun) may refer to the enmity among humans driven by Satan’s temptations or the inherent enmity between Satan and humans—or perhaps both interpretations are intended.

The phrase “for a time” (ilā ḥīnin) underscores the temporary nature of human existence on earth and the impermanence of worldly enjoyment. Moreover, the expression “on the earth is your place of settlement and provision for a time” (wa lakum fī l-arḍi mustaqarrun wa matāʿun ilā ḥīnin) not only emphasizes that the earth serves as a dwelling and source of provision for humans but also conveys that all enmities will ultimately be resolved in the divine court of justice.