Hawwa (Eve)

Who was Hawwa?

Hawwa (Eve) was the first woman created by Allah, the wife of the Prophet Adam, and the mother of all humanity. Although she is not mentioned by name in the Quran, she is referred to as Adam's "spouse" (zawj), and the story of the couple is recounted several times as a foundational lesson about temptation, repentance, and Allah's mercy.

Her Story

Allah created Adam and then created from him his spouse, so that he might find tranquillity with her, and placed them both in the Garden, permitting them to eat freely except from one tree. Satan whispered to them both, deceiving them into eating from the forbidden tree. Realising their error, they did not arrogantly persist like Satan, nor despair; instead they turned to Allah in sincere repentance, saying — as the Quran teaches — "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers." Allah forgave them and sent them down to the earth to live, worship Him, and populate it, with the promise of guidance for those who follow it.

In the Quran (the couple's story)

• "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will, but do not approach this tree..." (2:35)
• "They said: Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers." (7:23)

Her Place and Legacy

Hawwa, with Adam, is the origin of the human family and a model of repentance after error. Notably, the Quran places the responsibility for the slip on both Adam and his wife together, and emphasises their shared turning back to Allah — a contrast to traditions that blame the woman alone. Their story teaches that to err is human, but the believer's response is humility and repentance, never despair, for Allah is ever ready to forgive those who return to Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Quran blame Hawwa for the sin in the Garden?

No. The Quran consistently attributes the slip to both Adam and his wife together, and in some verses addresses Adam directly. It does not single out the woman for blame, and it stresses that both repented and were forgiven. This is an important distinction in the Islamic account.

Is Hawwa mentioned by name in the Quran?

She is referred to as Adam's spouse rather than by the name Hawwa, which comes from the Sunnah and tradition. Her story is told as part of the story of Adam, focusing on the lessons of temptation, repentance, and Allah's forgiveness.