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In Quran 2:38, in the phrase “اهبطوا منها جمیعا,” who is meant by “جمیعا”? It seems that the address is directed to more than two people (Adam and Eve). Could it refer to all the human beings within Adam’s loins? At this stage, was the nature of Adam’s existence different from that of the other human beings?
In Quran 2:38, the phrase “اهبطوا منها جمیعا” may refer to Adam, Eve, Iblis and his followers, or the descendants within Adam’s loins who took part in eating from the tree. The verse speaks of a collective descent from Paradise, while the nature of Adam’s existence was different from that of the others.
The plural pronoun may refer to Adam and Eve, Iblis and his followers. It may also refer to the descendants present in Adam’s loins who shared in eating from the tree (God knows best).
«فَأَزَلَّهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا بِوَسْوَسَتِهِ وَغُرُورِهِ مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ مِنَ النَّعِيمِ» [4] «وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ وَيَا حَوَّاءُ وَيَا أَيَّتُهَا الْحَيَّةُ وَيَا إِبْلِيسُ اهْبِطُوا بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ». Adam, Eve and their offspring are enemies of the serpent; Iblis, the serpent and their offspring are your enemies. On earth you will have a dwelling place and a home in which to earn your living, and provision to enjoy until death.
*Tafsīr attributed to Imam al-Hasan al-Askari*, p. 224