Surah Al-Maaida (5) — Ayah 27

27. 1 The names of these two sons of Adam ؑ were Habil and Qabil. 27. 2 For what purpose was this offering or sacrifice presented? There is no Sahih narration regarding this. However, it is well-known that in the beginning, from the union of Adam and Hawwa, a boy and a girl would be born at the same time. In the next pregnancy, again a boy and a girl would be born, and the brother and sister from one pregnancy would be married to the brother and sister from the other pregnancy. The sister born with Habil was unattractive, while the sister born with Qabil was beautiful. According to the rules of that time, Habil was to marry Qabil's sister, and Qabil was to marry Habil's sister. But Qabil wanted to marry his own sister, who was beautiful, instead of Habil's sister. Adam ؑ tried to make him understand, but he did not listen. Eventually, Adam ؑ ordered both of them to present sacrifices in the presence of Allah, and said that the one whose sacrifice would be accepted would marry Qabil's sister. Habil's sacrifice was accepted, meaning that a fire came down from the sky and consumed it, which was the sign of its acceptance. Some commentators believe that both brothers, on their own, presented offerings to Allah; Habil offered a fine ram as a sacrifice, and Qabil offered an ear of wheat. Upon Habil's sacrifice being accepted, Qabil became a victim of jealousy.