Question:

It is known that some people believe their origin is animal, in agreement with Western theory; what is your opinion on that?

Answer:

Darwin’s theory claims that the origin of man is an ape, and that the son of Adam is a “speaking animal”—that we are all animals. While Allah did create life for the son of Adam and granted him intellect and speech. This malicious theory is false according to the consensus of the scholars.

Apes are a distinct nation among nations, as are dogs, pigs, cats, and likewise lions, tigers, leopards, and others. As for man, he is a distinct, speaking, and rational being whom God created from a lowly fluid, whereas our father Adam (peace and blessings be upon him) was created by God from clay.

Thus, humans are a distinct creature and a self-standing nation—the children of Adam. The Jinn are also a standing nation created from a smokeless flame of fire. Every species of animal is a distinct nation, even the ants are a nation.