Muskan Ansari
Introduction
Embryology is the branch of biology and medicine that studies embryos and their development. The Quran, revealed over 1400 years ago, contains numerous verses that align with modern scientific understanding of embryology. This alignment between the Quranic descriptions and contemporary science serves as a testament to the divine nature of the Qur’an.
According to the renowned columnist of Kashmir and my mentor, Aubaid Akhoon: “The divine book is the Holy Quran, the comprehensive book of all the principles and branches of religion and the highest answer to the world of humanity. A speech book is a complete law. The Quran is a prescription for healing. The Quran is an enlightened leader, a precise balance, a strong preacher, an informed and insightful leader, a dark light, a strong orator, and it is a mercy to the worlds and a book that separates truth from falsehood. It is also a collection of historical, political, military, educational, jurisprudential, ethical, doctrinal, natural, hygienic, industrial, philosophical, literary, mathematical, and other sciences and subjects.”
Creator and His Creation
We are created by the will of Allah (SWT); He is the Creator of everything and was the Creator before there was anything to be created. Everything in this duniya (world) and we humans all belong to Him. Allah (SWT) doesn’t need us; we need Him. He created everything we see as well as what we don’t see. But here the question arises: why are we created? We are created to worship Him and Him alone.
In Surah Adh-Dhariyat (Chapter 51, Verse 56), Allah (SWT) says: “And I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” And Allah (SWT) has created us in a very beautiful way. As in Surah At-Tin (Chapter 95, Verse 4), Allah (SWT) says: “We have certainly created man in the best of stature.”
Seeking knowledge
In Surah An-Nahl (Chapter 16, Verse 43), Allah (SWT) says: “And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed (Our message). So ask the people of the message if you do not know.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the Qur’an. It is also mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya (Chapter 21, Verse 7). These verses encourage believers to seek knowledge from those well-versed in the scriptures.
Stages of human development
In Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 96, Verses 1-2), Allah (SWT) says: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging substance.”
The term “Alaqa” refers to a leech-like or clinging substance. A leech attaches to a host and feeds on its blood, similar to how an embryo derives nourishment from the mother’s blood via the placenta.
Embryonic development
Surah At-Tariq (Chapter 86, Verses 5-7) states: “So let man observe from what he was created. He was created from a fluid ejected, emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.”
Modern embryology confirms that the reproductive organs (testicles and ovaries) develop near the kidneys, between the spinal column and the 11th and 12th ribs, before descending to their final positions.
Detailed stages of fetal development
Surah Al-Hajj (Chapter 22, Verse 5) describes the stages of human development: “O people, if you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump (of flesh), formed and unformed – that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as a child, and then (We develop you) that you may reach your (time of) maturity. And among you is he who is taken in (early) death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit (old) age so that he knows, after (once having) knowledge, nothing.”
This verse outlines the transformation from a zygote to a blastomere, to a morula, and then to a blastocyst, further developing into a fetus.
Surah Al-Mu’minun (Chapter 23, Verse 14) continues: “Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump (of flesh), and We made (from) the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.”
This description matches modern embryological stages: from the zygote to the formation of bones and muscles.
Development of senses
The sense of hearing develops first, followed by sight. By the 24th week, a fetus can hear sounds, and by the 28th week, the retina is sensitive to light.
Surah As-Sajdah (Chapter 32, Verse 9) mentions: “And He gave you hearing and sight and hearts (feelings and understanding).”
Similarly, Surah Al-Insan (Chapter 76, Verse 2) says: “Verily We created man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him; so We gave him the gifts of hearing and sight.”
Surah Al-Mu’minun (Chapter 23, Verse 78) also states: “And it is He who produced for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.”
Sex determination
The sex of the fetus is determined by the sperm, not the ovum. The 23rd pair of chromosomes, XX or XY, decides the gender. This occurs at fertilization.
Surah An-Najm (Chapter 53, Verses 45-46) states: “And that He creates the two mates – the male and female – from a sperm-drop when it is emitted.”
The term “nutfah” refers specifically to the sperm. Surah Al-Qiyamah (Chapter 75, Verses 37-39) reiterates:
“Was he not a sperm-drop emitted? Then he became a clinging clot; then (Allah) created and proportioned [him] and made of him two mates, the male and the female.”
This shows that the determining factor for the sex of the child is the male sperm, not the female ovum. This understanding corrects common misconceptions in some cultures.
Conclusion
These Quranic verses provide profound insights into the stages of human development, correlating with modern scientific discoveries in embryology. Believers are encouraged to reflect on these signs, increasing their faith and understanding. The Qur’an remains a miraculous text, offering knowledge that continues to be affirmed by contemporary science.
Subhan Allah, indeed He is the best of creators. As true believers, we should reflect on these verses, increase in taqwa (piety), and accept Islam as the true religion.
(The author is a NEET aspirant and can be reached at [email protected]. She is student of our regular, accomplished educational columnist and motivational speaker, Aubaid Akhoon.)
