Human existence runs on desire. It is desire that pushes a person to struggle and work hard—perhaps you may not fully agree.

For example, if a person feels hungry and works to get food, that seems like survival. The human body is designed this way. So where does desire come into it?

Up to this point, I agree with you.

But let me ask: Have you ever asked that person if they would eat the same food for their entire life, even if it were the best food in the world?

Surely, they would refuse.

Just like the Children of Israel once complained that they could not keep eating the same food every day—they wanted variety.

Quranic Reference – Bani Israel

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:61)

Arabic:

لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ

“We cannot endure one kind of food.” 

Now reverse the question:

If someone is told: “You can eat anything you want, except one specific food for your entire life,”

Many people would agree immediately. Others would think deeply and question why.

Does this remind you of something?

If not, let me remind you.

Quranic Reference – Adam (AS)

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:35)

Arabic:

وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ

“O Adam, dwell you and your wife in Paradise and eat freely from wherever you wish, but do not approach this tree…” 

According to tafsir, Adam (AS) was drawn toward that very thing which was restricted. Then Shaytan deceived him, and he slipped, leading to his descent to Earth.

Core Question

What kind of force exists within desire that made Adam (AS) risk disobedience?

Possible answers:

• It was part of Allah’s divine plan.
• A sense of curiosity.
• The attraction toward the forbidden.
• Or something deeply embedded in human nature.

Quranic Psychology Insight

Even if a human has everything…  they still want more.

So why are we here?

• Just for a test?
• To see who does good deeds?
• Or something deeper?

Quranic Answer

Arabic:

لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا

“He tests you to see which of you is best in deeds.” 

But what is a good deed?

Is it simply following Shariah?

Look at your own life:

Is there something you know is wrong, yet you still do it—and when you try to stop, you feel cravings?

For example: backbiting.

At the same time, you desire things like a new car.

Comparison with Adam (AS)

Adam (AS) had Paradise, yet one restriction.

You have blessings, yet certain limits.

Now imagine:

If Allah said: “Leave backbiting, and I will give you a new car.”

What would you do?

• Some would quit instantly.
• Some would doubt.
• Some would say: “I only want Allah.”

Final Insight

Everything comes back to desire.

What you truly want defines your path.

• If you desire the world → you chase it
• If you desire Allah → you move toward Him

The path is open.

If Adam (AS) had raised his hands in dua instead of reaching for the tree…

Would Allah have refused?

Perhaps not.

We may still not fully understand what desire truly is…

But we have come close:

Desire is not just a need—it is a test of direction, loyalty, and priority.