What Does the Hadith Mean: “Allah Created Adam in His Image”?
Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani
Question
What is the meaning of the hadith: “Allah created Adam in his image”?
Answer
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.
The hadith “Allah created Adam in his image” is an authentic hadith (in Muslim). I will explain its meaning in a simple and accessible way. Pay attention to the pronoun “his” in the statement: “in his image.” To whom does this pronoun refer? Scholars have identified four main interpretations regarding this pronoun:
First Interpretation
The pronoun refers to Adam himself. Thus, the meaning of the hadith would be: “Allah created Adam in Adam’s own image.” This means that Allah created Adam in the form and shape that we know, without any increase or decrease. Adam was created with his full image from the beginning, without any changes to his stature or form, and his image in Paradise was the same as it was on Earth.
Second Interpretation
The pronoun refers to the person who is struck. The hadith begins with:
“If one of you fights his brother, let him avoid the face, for Allah created Adam in his image” [Muslim]
This interpretation advises against striking a person in the face, as the human face resembles that of Adam. Striking the face could harm vital senses like hearing, sight, smell, and taste, which should be protected.
Third Interpretation
The pronoun refers to Allah, and the meaning would be: “Allah created Adam in the image of Allah.” This does not imply any physical resemblance but rather signifies a special honor and dignity granted to the human form. Just as we refer to the Ka‘ba as the “House of Allah” out of reverence, or to the she-camel of Prophet Salih (Allah give him peace) as “the she-camel of Allah” as a sign of honor, this is seen as a way of dignifying Adam’s creation.
Fourth Interpretation
The pronoun refers to Allah, and this hadith is understood as one of the attributes of Allah. In this case, scholars advise refraining from interpreting this hadith literally, as it relates to divine attributes. The meaning is accepted as true, but its literal sense is not intended, leaving the exact understanding to Allah. This is the approach of the majority of the early scholars (Salaf), and it is considered the safest and most cautious interpretation [See: Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]
Summary
The hadith can be interpreted in the first, second, or third ways without issue, as these interpretations avoid attributing any physical resemblance to Allah. However, if understood as referring to Allah’s attributes, as in the fourth interpretation, it should be classified among the hadiths about divine attributes, with caution against any literal or anthropomorphic interpretation.
Beware of likening or comparing Allah to His creation in any way. Allah is exalted far above having a physical form or image, as forms imply shapes, dimensions, and physicality—attributes from which Allah is completely free. Allah says:
“There is nothing like Him, for He (alone) is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Quran, 42:11]
May Allah guide us all to His straight path.
[Shaykh] Bassem Itani
From 2020 to 2021, he served as the Dean of the College of Da‘wa – University for Islamic Studies (Lebanon) – Postgraduate Studies. He was the Director of Dar Iqra for Islamic Sciences from 1998 to 2018. Shaykh Itani is a well-versed teacher in several academic subjects, including Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Tafsir. He has supervised and examined numerous Master’s and Doctoral theses at various universities and colleges in Lebanon.
His contributions to Islamic sciences are also evident in his writings and research. His notable works include “The Relied-upon Statements of Imam Zufar in the Hanafi School,” “Collective Ijtihad: The Sublimity of Thought in the 21st Century,” and “Custom and its Impact in Islamic Jurisprudence.” Shaykh Itani has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, both in Lebanon and internationally. He is linguistically adept, excelling in Arabic, proficient in French, and comfortably conversant in English.
