Were Adam and Eve wearing clothes before they disobeyed God?
Question:
In 7:27 we read that Adam and Eve were stripped of their clothes when they ate from the forbidden tree. Does this mean they were wearing clothes in Paradise before they disobeyed God’s command?
Reply:
To answer this question, let us first read the Quranic words:
[7:27] O children of Adam, do not let the devil entice you just like he caused your parents to be evicted from Paradise, stripping them of their garments to expose their private parts to them. He and his tribe see you from where you cannot see them. We have appointed the devils as allies of those who do not believe.
On first reading it may indeed appear that Adam and Eve were wearing clothes and that the devil stripped them of their clothes!
However, the word ‘libas’ (garment) used in 7:27 does not mean clothes in this case. The correct meaning of 'libas' in 7:27 can be attained when we read the verse immediately before 7:27:
[7:26] O children of Adam, We have brought down to you garments to cover your private parts, as well as for adornment, yetthe ‘libas’ (garment) of reverence is the best. These are some of God's signs, perhaps they will take heed.
Reverence (being wary, obedient and respectful of God) is described by God as the best ‘libas’ garment. These words are followed by the words that tell us that the devil stripped Adam and Eve of their ‘libas’ (garment).
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the forbidden tree they forsake their reverence to God, which is the best garment. As soon as they sinned, their sin stripped them of their innocence. Then their shame made them try to cover up their private parts with the leaves of Paradise. Before that they were sinless, and with no shame so they did not see any shame in their private parts being exposed.
The devil is not interested in physically stripping people of their clothes, but he will always whisper to people to make them disobey God thereby forsaking their reverence to God.
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