The story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Paradise marks a pivotal moment in both Christianity and Islam, but the narratives and theological interpretations differ in profound ways. In Christian tradition, the account of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden introduces the concept of sin into the human experience. Their act of defiance results in what is known as Original Sin, a condition inherited by all of humanity, which separates people from God and necessitates redemption.
In contrast, the Quranic account of Adam and his wife’s descent from Paradise does not introduce the idea of sin in the same sense. While Adam and his wife disobey Allah’s command, their mistake is acknowledged, repented for, and forgiven. There is no concept of inherited guilt or Original Sin in Islam. Instead, the event serves as an early example of human fallibility and God’s mercy, setting the stage for the moral responsibility of each individual. In Islamic theology, every human being is born in a state of purity, and the focus remains on personal accountability rather than a universal fall from grace.
The Biblical Account of the Fall
In the Bible, the account of the fall of humanity is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters two and three. God creates Adam and Eve and places them together in the Garden of Eden, a place of perfect harmony, beauty, and abundance. They are granted permission to eat freely from every tree in the garden except for one: the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God commands them not to eat from it, warning that on the day they do, they will surely die.
The serpent, described as the most cunning of all the creatures God had made, approaches Eve and challenges God’s command. It claims that they will not die but that their eyes will be opened and they will be like God, knowing good and evil. Eve looks at the tree and sees that its fruit is good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom. She takes some of its fruit and eats it. She also gives some to her husband, who is with her, and he eats as well.
Immediately, their eyes are opened, and they become aware of their nakedness. They sew fig leaves together to make coverings for themselves. When they hear the sound of God walking in the garden, they hide among the trees. God calls to them and confronts them about their disobedience. Adam blames Eve for giving him the fruit, and Eve blames the serpent for deceiving her.
God pronounces judgment on all three. The serpent is cursed above all animals, condemned to crawl on its belly and eat dust all its life. Enmity is established between the serpent and the woman, and between their offspring. Eve is sentenced to increased pain in childbirth, and her desire will be for her husband, who will rule over her. Adam is condemned to a life of painful toil; the ground is cursed because of him, and he will eat by the sweat of his brow until he returns to the dust from which he was formed.
After pronouncing judgment, God makes garments of skin for Adam and Eve to clothe them. He banishes them from the Garden of Eden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and living forever in their fallen state. Cherubim and a flaming sword are placed to guard the way to the tree.
This event marks the Fall of Man. Through Adam’s disobedience, sin and death entered the world, and all humanity inherited a sinful nature. This condition, known as Original Sin, separates mankind from God. As a result, all human beings are born in a state of sin and are subject to both physical death and spiritual separation from God. Redemption is made possible only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity. Salvation is granted to those who are united with Christ through faith and baptism, reconciling them with God and granting eternal life.
The Quranic Account of the Fall
In the Quran, the story of Adam and his wife, not explicitly named as Eve in the text, appears in several chapters, including Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-A’raf, and Surah Ta-Ha. Allah creates Adam and his wife and places them in Paradise, granting them permission to enjoy everything except one specific tree. They are warned not to approach it lest they become wrongdoers. Iblis (Satan), who was previously cast out of God’s mercy for refusing to bow to Adam, becomes their tempter. He whispers to them, enticing them with promises of eternal life and a kingdom that never decays. Forgetting Allah’s command, they eat from the tree. Immediately aware of their mistake, they cover themselves and seek forgiveness from their Lord. Unlike the Biblical account, the Quran emphasizes repentance and forgiveness. Adam and his wife admit their wrongdoing and implore Allah for mercy. Allah forgives them but decrees that they will live on earth for a time, where they and their descendants will be tested. However, Allah promises that guidance will come, and those who follow it will have no fear nor will they grieve. There is no notion of inherited sin in Islam. Adam and his wife’s disobedience is considered a personal lapse for which they took responsibility and were forgiven. Every human being is born pure, without the burden of ancestral sin. Each person is accountable for their own actions, as the Quran states, “No soul bears the burden of another.”
Key Differences Between the Two Narratives
The biblical and Quranic accounts of the fall of humanity differ significantly in narrative details, theological interpretation, and their understanding of human nature and sin.
In the Bible, the woman is explicitly named Eve. She plays a central role in the events of the fall, engaging directly with the serpent, eating the forbidden fruit first, and then giving it to Adam. Their disobedience results in a profound transformation of the human condition. Through Adam’s sin, death and corruption enter the world. Humanity inherits a sinful nature, a condition known as Original Sin. Every person is born in a state of separation from God and under the penalty of sin. According to Christian doctrine, this fallen state can only be overcome through redemption provided by Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ restores humanity’s broken relationship with God and offers the promise of salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
In contrast, the Quran does not name Adam’s wife. She is referred to simply as his spouse. The account of their disobedience does not single out either Adam or his wife for blame. Both are equally addressed, and both are deceived by Iblis (Satan). After they eat from the forbidden tree, they acknowledge their mistake, repent, and are forgiven by Allah. There is no concept of Original Sin in Islam. Human beings do not inherit sin from Adam and his spouse. Each person is born in a state of purity (fitrah), free from sin, and carries full responsibility for their own actions. The Quran presents the descent of Adam and his wife from Paradise to earth not as a punishment, but as part of God’s plan to establish humanity on earth as His vicegerents. Life on earth is a test, and those who follow God’s guidance are promised success in the Hereafter.
These differing accounts reflect fundamental theological distinctions between Christianity and Islam. In Christianity, the fall introduces the reality of human sinfulness and the need for divine salvation through Christ. It explains why humanity is separated from God and why redemption is necessary. In Islam, the story emphasizes personal responsibility, the possibility of repentance, and God’s mercy. It does not introduce an inherited burden of sin but instead highlights the continuous opportunity for human beings to turn back to God.
In conclusion, while both traditions recount the disobedience of the first humans and their subsequent departure from Paradise, their interpretations lead to fundamentally different understandings of sin, human nature, and salvation. Christianity views the fall as the origin of sin and humanity’s need for redemption through Jesus Christ. Islam presents the event as a lesson in human fallibility, repentance, and divine forgiveness, affirming that each person begins life free of sin and is accountable only for their own deeds.