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Expulsion from Paradise according to the Treasure Cave

Publication at Catholic Theological Faculty |
2014

Abstract

An Arabic version of the story of Adam and Eve known as the Cave of Treasures (Maghārat al-Kunūz), or the Book of the Rolls (Kitāb al-Majāll) shows many common features with the general Adamic traditions as found in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic medieval commentaries on the canonical scriptures as well as in extra-canonical literature - the midrash, Vita Adae, the Lives of the Prophets, respectively. As an opening story to the spiritual chronicle of humankind, it offers a powerful unifying symbol of the divine gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh from the regions of initial innocence to carry the promise of salvation throughout the human history until the salvation in Christ.

The writing is another example of Arabic Christian heritage in the islamized lands.