The Book of Genesis is a story that explains how the world and humanity were created, with Eve from the start disobediently eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil. Interpretations and beliefs regarding Adam and Eve and the book of Genesis vary among religions. Women's central role, however, is undeniable across the Abrahamic faiths. According to some traditions, there are two women present in the Genesis narrative: Lilith and Eve. Lilith, Adam's first wife, claimed to be his equal and wouldn't submit to him. According to Islam, Havva (Eve) influenced Adam to not obey and eventually both failed to obey God due to the pressure of Satan and temptations to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of Good and Evil. In accordance with the Qu'ran, God proclaimed the earth as a dwelling place for humans. Adam and Havva's disobedience was already forgiven by God during their lives, even though their sin resulted in the creation of evil. Ultimately, God's forgiveness of Adam and Havva created goodness and free will for all humans.
The story of Adam and Havva in the Qu'ran conveys a profoundly positive and optimistic attitude towards humanity, in contrast with the current practices of repressive regimes across the world. Indeed, it is women's rights that many artists in this section refer to, and many turn to Lilith and Eve, as continually relevant figures in their practices.
- Afarin Rahmanifar