The forbidden tree
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Peace,
A very interesting interpretation from Shabbir Ahmad exposition of the Qur'an
719 ? O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden and eat from whatever you may wish; but do not approach this one tree, lest you become wrong doers.? (Contrary to the popular beliefs that the Forbidden Tree was the tree of knowledge, fruit of this plant and that plant, or of sexual charms, it refers to humanity dividing itself like the branches of a tree (235-36), (2213), (20120)).
720 Then Satan deceived them in order to reveal their imperfections and fallibility to them. He said, "Your Lord forbade this tree lest you become angels or become immortals.? (The selfish desire of humans prompted them to think about their own children rather than the collective good. That would, in a way, give them power and immortality).
721 And Satan swore to both, man and woman, ?I am a sincere advisor to you.?
722 So by deceit Satan brought about their downfall. They tasted of the tree of discord and started to divide into branches. (Personal interest dominated their minds rather than the collective good of all. Humanity began to fall into mutual contention). Soon their imperfections became obvious and they tried to conceal them in vain with superficial courtesy. Then came a reminder from their Lord, "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan is your open enemy?"
723 They said, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. Unless You forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be lost.? (Man and woman accepted responsibility acknowledging that they had free will as against Satan who had ascribed his disobedience to the Will of Allah (716))
724 (Self interests of people had given rise to unjust marking of land and individual hoarding. Suppression of the weak had begun). Allah told them that they had fallen down from the high station of humanity. They had ignored the Law that "Mankind is one community" (1019). From then on, they would live as tribes and nations, enemies to one another, ?There will be for you on land an abode and sustenance for a while.?
725 He said, "You shall live in the earth and die there and be resurrected from there.? (In the meantime they could regain their lost paradise if they followed the Divine Commands (2213)).
726 O Children of Adam! We have provided you with garments to cover your bodies as well as to adorn you. The best garment for you to wear, in addition, is good conduct. Your character decorates you inside out. These are the verses of Allah that they must take to heart.
727 O Children of Adam! Let not your selfish desire deceive you as it deceived your ancestors, caused them to lose their paradise, and exposed their imperfections. A host of selfish and rebellious desires lurk within you. You can't even see them but these Satans see you and befriend those who do not believe.
What do others think?