Does the statement of the angels: "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood?" mean that the earth was inhabited before Adam by creatures that caused corruption and shed blood, and if not, why did the verse reproach them?

The meaning of the verse was previously explained in detail in a former fatwa (definition). When the angels asked Allah Almighty about the wisdom behind creating Adam, after being informed of the bloodshed that would occur among his progeny, their question was for inquiry and exploration, not an objection or envy. For they are: "honored servants They do not precede Him in speech, and they act by His command," and "They fear their Lord above them and do what they are commanded," and "They do not disobey Allah in what He commands them and do what they are commanded."