Was Adam the first human?

No. The Holy Qur’an does not call Adam (as) the first human but the first vicegerent whom God appointed in his time. People lived long before him.

Many people were taught that Adam (as) was the first human on earth and lived about six thousand years ago. Then they hear of discoveries showing that humans have existed far longer, and they see a contradiction with religion. Yet the Holy Qur’an nowhere says that Adam (as) was the first human.

The first verse above shows what it is really about. God does not announce to the angels the creation of the first human being, but the appointment of a vicegerent on earth. The first human and the first vicegerent are two different things. The creation of Adam (as) means his calling. God revealed His word to him and made him His messenger.

Human societies existed long before Adam (as), as discoveries in Africa, Australia and other parts of the world show. The Holy Qur’an also says that God sent a warner to every people, and that there are messengers it does not name. So there may well have been others who were called by God in other places and times.

Why, then, does the Holy Qur’an tell the story of this particular Adam (as)? Because from his line came the prophethood that reached its summit in the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). He was not the first, but the most perfect vicegerent of God on earth. That is why this line stands at the centre.

So there is no contradiction between the Holy Qur’an and the findings of science. It only arises when the story of Adam (as) is read too literally and too narrowly. Questions such as whom the sons of Adam (as) could marry also resolve themselves in this way.