Allah Ta‘ala had blessed Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) with great honor and virtue. The special honor which Allah Ta‘ala bestowed upon him is that Allah Ta‘ala Himself had moulded his form and blew the rooh (soul) into his body. This honor is exclusive to Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) and was not granted to any other servant.

Thereafter, Allah Ta‘ala made Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) his vicegerent and commanded the angels to make sajdah before him. This sajdah was a sajdah of honour, not a sajdah of worship.