Surah Al-Baqarah — Ayah 37 (2:37)

English translation (Saheeh International)

Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words,¹ and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of Repentance,² the Merciful.

1. Allāh taught Adam words of repentance that would be acceptable to Him.
2. Literally, He who perpetually returns, i.e., reminding and enabling His servant to repent from sins and then forgiving him. Thus, He is also the constant motivator of the repentance He accepts.

Brief commentary

Adam received the words given to him by Allah, and was inspired to ask for forgiveness with them. These words of forgiveness are mentioned in Sūrah Al-A‘rāf: 23: ‘They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be of the losers”’. Allah accepted Adam’s turning to Him and forgave him, for He is always forgiving and Merciful towards His creation.