The case of Iblees was unique, as he directly defied a specific command from God. His refusal to prostrate was an act of outright rebellion and arrogance. On the other hand, Adam's error was a mistake in judgment when he approached the forbidden tree. It was not a direct denial of God's command but a lapse in following the advice given to him. Adam realized his mistake, repented, and sought God's forgiveness.
In the Quran, we are indeed given numerous commands and instructions that guide our actions and behavior. While they may not be as explicit and direct as the command given to Iblees, they carry great significance. The Quran instructs us to do good, avoid evil, worship God, establish prayer, be kind to others, uphold justice, and so forth. These commands serve as guiding principles for a righteous and fulfilling life.
Regarding the consequence of denying a specific command, such as the one given to Prophet Nuh to build a ship, the Quran does not provide a comprehensive list of outcomes for each scenario. However, it is crucial to note that the prophets and messengers of God were chosen individuals entrusted with a great responsibility. Their obedience and fulfillment of their tasks were of utmost importance to convey the message of God to their communities. Disobeying a direct command from God, particularly in the case of a prophet, could have severe consequences.
It is important for us, as believers, to give priority to God's commands, advice, and recommendations. While we may not have explicit direct commands like Iblees, we should approach the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with reverence and sincerity. By following the general command of doing good and avoiding evil, we strive to align ourselves with the will of God and seek His forgiveness when we err.
Finally, it is worth noting that Iblees and his followers, play a role in testing human beings and influencing their choices. Their presence serves as a trial for humanity, allowing us to exercise our free will and make choices that will shape our moral character. It is through steadfastness, seeking God's protection, and striving to do good that we can resist their negative influence and live a righteous life.
To conclude, Iblees was among the jinn, a creation with free will like humans. He was given numerous blessings and elevated to a high rank due to his devotion and righteousness. However, when God commanded all beings, including Iblees, to prostrate before Adam as a sign of respect, Iblees refused. His refusal stemmed from arrogance and a sense of superiority, as he considered himself superior to Adam, who was created from clay.
Iblees not only disobeyed God's direct command but also showed persistent denial and arrogance in his refusal. He displayed a complete lack of humility and submission to the Divine will.
While Nuh (Noah) and the command to build the ark, it was a specific instruction given to him for a specific purpose to save his people from the impending flood. It is not applicable to all individuals. If Prophet Nuh had denied or disobeyed this command, it would have resulted in severe consequences for his people.
Chapter 7:
(11) Ingratitude produces disorder in the land. This is illustrated by the story of Adam which has been narrated earlier (2/30-38). We created you and fashioned you and then We asked Malaika to bow before Adam, the representative of humanity. They all bowed, but Iblees did not: he was not amongst those who submitted themselves.
(12) Allah said to Iblees: “What prevented you from bowing to Adam when We had asked you to do so?”. He replied: “I am superior to him. You have created me of fire and him of mere clay.”
(13) Allah said: “This cannot be a valid proof of your superiority. You should not have been arrogant . By doing so, you have degraded yourself. You can therefore no more remain with those who submit to My laws and obey my commandments.”
(14-15) He said: “Grant me respite as long as there are human beings on earth.” Allah said: “your request is granted (15/35-39 and 38/77-79).”
(16-17) Iblees said: “You have led me astray. You did this on account of Adam. I will sit in ambush for them (human beings) on Your straight path. I shall come upon them from the front, from behind them, from their right and from their left. Then you will find very few of them, truly faithful to you.”
(18) Allah said: “Begone from here, despised and banished! As for such of them who follow you, I will most certainly fill Jahannam with all of you.”
(19) Allah said to Adam: “You and your companion should dwell in Jannat and eat from wherever you please. But do not create dissension and differences. If you do so you will be from amongst the Z’alimeen (2/35)”.
(20-21) Shait’an whispered suggestions to both of them, after which their private parts got revealed to them which had hitherto remained unnoticed by them. He told them: “Allah has imposed this restriction on you lest you attain unlimited power or become immortal,” and he swore to them both, saying “ I am your sincere adviser.”
(22) So by deceit he brought about their fall and the significance of their private parts dawned on them. They began to cover themselves with the leaves of the garden. And their Rabb called to them: “Did I not warn you against such a pattern of life and also told you that Shait’an was certainly your avowed enemy [*3].”
(23) They both cried out “O Our Rabb! We have indeed wronged ourselves and unless you provide protection and Rahmat for us, we will be ruined [*4].”
(24-25) Allah said to them: “since you have accepted responsibility for your fault, your repentance is accepted. But you and all other human beings will have to start your life from a lower level. The dissension which you have caused will make all of you each other’s enemies. You will stay on the earth for a while and provided means of nourishment so that you may be able to develop yourselves and attain a higher level of lie. You will live on earth, and die thereon, and have life thereafter.”
(26) O mankind! you will start your life on earth from a lower level. This does not mean that earthly things are forbidden (7/32). They have their utility and also their aesthetic value (3/13). However, the most valuable of all is adherence to the Divine Laws. But only those who reflect on it will take note of it.
(27) O mankind! beware that Shait’an does not lead you astray as he did your ancestors exposing their “private parts” to them. Shait’an and his companions watch you from where you cannot see them. They become the friends of those who do not believe in Allah’s laws.
Source:
https://www.parwez.tv/Abid_Audio_Refrences/Mufhoom_1/by_G_A_parwez/s7a.htm