Adam's role as the father of the human race is looked upon by Muslims with reverence. Muslims also refer to his wife, Hawa (a)( Eve), as the "mother of mankind".
Muslims see Adam as the first Muslim, as the Qur'an states that all the Prophets preached the same faith of Islam.
Significance of Adam(a)
According to the story of Adam (a), humankind has learnt everything from Adam(a). He was the first to learn to plant, harvest, and bake as well as the first to be told how to repent and how to properly bury someone.
God also revealed the various food restrictions and the alphabet to Adam(a). He was made the first prophet and he was taught 21 scrolls and was able to write them himself.
Adam (a) was also created from earth. It is well known that earth produces crops, supports animals, and provides shelter, among many other things. Earth is very important to humankind, so being created from it makes them very distinct.
According to some Hadith, the various races of people are even due to the different colors of soil used in creating Adam(a). The soil also contributed to the idea that there are good people and bad people and everything in between in the world. Adam (a) is an important figure in many other religions besides Islam. The story of Adam(a) varies slightly across religions, but manages to maintain a general theme and structure.
Adam(a) in the Qur'an
The story of Adam(a) and creation is pieced throughout the Qur'an. There are references in suras 2, 4, 5, 7, 15, 20, 21, 38 and others.
According to the Qur'an, God created humankind out of clay, shaped it to a form and then commanded the angels to bow (submit) to Adam(a). Iblis (Devil) refused out of pride and was banished from Jannah (Paradise).
According to the Qur'an, God had already decided before the creation of Adam(a) that mankind (Adam (a)and his progeny) would be placed on earth. Islam does not ascribe mankind's life on earth as a punishment, rather as part of God's plan.
"'Verily, I am going to place mankind generations after generations on earth.' They (the angels) said: 'Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, while we (the angels) glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You?' God said: 'I know that which you do not know.'"
God then teaches Adam(a) the names of all things and assembles the angels in front of Adam (a) so as to show them that there is more to Adam (a) than they know, particularly the high intellectual capacity of Adam(a):
The Qur'an also describes the two sons of Adam(a) and Eve, Cain and Abel.