Introduction
The Quran touches upon the stages of embryonic development in several verses, providing insights that were ahead of their time. One of the key verses is from Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers), verse 12-14.
The Quran touches upon the stages of embryonic development in several verses, providing insights that were ahead of their time. One of the key verses is from Surah Al-Mu’minun (The Believers), verse 12-14.
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن سُلَـٰلَةٍۢ مِّن طِينٍۢ
And indeed, We created humankind from an extract of clay,
23:12
ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَـٰهُ نُطْفَةًۭ فِى قَرَارٍۢ مَّكِينٍۢ
then placed each ˹human˺ as a sperm-drop in a secure place,
23:13
ثُمَّ خَلَقْنَا ٱلنُّطْفَةَ عَلَقَةًۭ فَخَلَقْنَا ٱلْعَلَقَةَ مُضْغَةًۭ فَخَلَقْنَا ٱلْمُضْغَةَ عِظَـٰمًۭا فَكَسَوْنَا ٱلْعِظَـٰمَ لَحْمًۭا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَـٰهُ خَلْقًا ءَاخَرَ ۚ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ ٱلْخَـٰلِقِينَ
then We developed the drop into a clinging clot, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.
23:14
Translation: English, Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
1. Creation from an Extract of Clay: The Quranic description of creating man from an extract of clay metaphorically refers to the initial creation of human beings from the basic elements found in the Earth. Modern science agrees that the elements necessary for life, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and others, are indeed present in the Earth’s crust.
2. Creation as a Drop in a Place of Settlement: This phase likely refers to fertilization and the formation of the zygote, which occurs in the mother’s womb. The zygote is a single cell formed by the union of sperm and egg, marking the beginning of human development.
3. Creation into an ‘Alaqah’ (Leech-like structure): The word ‘alaqah can be translated as a leech-like clot or clinging substance. This stage refers to the embryo at around 2-3 weeks, where it clings to the uterine wall and begins to develop. Watch Dr. Keith Moore talk about the similarities in the Quran and his science.
4. Creation into a ‘Mudghah’ (Chewed-like Substance): The mudghah stage refers to the embryo at around 4-8 weeks, during which it resembles a chewed piece of flesh. This phase marks the beginning of differentiation into distinct organs and structures.
5. Formation of Bones and Covering with Flesh: The Quranic description of bones developing first, followed by the covering of flesh, aligns with the sequence of skeletal and muscular development in embryos.
6. Development into Another Creation: This phase signifies the gradual progression of the embryo from its initial stages to a fully formed fetus, capable of independent life outside the womb.
The Quranic verses on embryology continue to inspire awe and reflection, showcasing the profound wisdom and knowledge contained within its timeless verses. They serve as a bridge between faith and science, demonstrating that spiritual revelations can harmoniously coexist with empirical observations in the quest for understanding the mysteries of life.
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