The beginning of human life has always fascinated both scientists and believers. The scientific study of human development from conception to birth, known as modern embryology, has revealed details about the stages that a human goes through. However, these intricate developmental stages were already fully mentioned in the Qur’an more than 1,400 years ago, when such knowledge was unachievable. This shows Allah’s Power.
The Qur’an describes human creation in beautiful stages that match with what modern embryology confirms today.
From a Drop of Fluid (Nutfah): “Then We made him from a sperm-drop (nutfah) in a firm lodging.” (23:13)
The word nutfah refers to a minute quantity of fluid, the mixed male and female gametes, from which human life begins. Modern science confirms that fertilisation occurs when a single sperm cell from the man unites with an ovum from the woman, forming a zygote that implants in the uterus, just as the Qur’an describes it being placed in a firm lodging.
The Clinging Clot (‘Alaqah): “Then we made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot (‘alaqah).” (23:14)
The Arabic word ‘alaqah carries meanings such as “something that clings,” “a leech-like substance,” and “a blood clot.” When examined microscopically, the embryo at this stage does indeed resemble a leech in shape and behaviour, attaching itself to the uterine wall and drawing nourishment from the mother.
The Chewed-Like Lump (Mudghah): “Then we made the clot into a lump (mudghah).” (23:14)
The term mudghah means “a chewed substance.” At this stage, the embryo’s appearance resembles a chewed piece of flesh, with formations that look like teeth marks. This detailed description parallels what embryologists observe during the third week of development.
“Then We made the lump into bones, and We clothed the bones with flesh.” (23:14)
Science confirms that the structure from the skeleton forms before the muscles develop around it. The sequence mentioned in the Qur’an precisely matches this order, again demonstrating a miraculous alignment with modern embryological knowledge.
“Then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.” (23:14)
This final stage refers to the moment when the soul (rooh) is breathed into the foetus, marking the transition from a piece of flesh lump to a living human being with consciousness, a feature beyond scientific explanation.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further explained on these stages in a Hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim:“The creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days in the form of a drop (nutfah), then he becomes a clot (‘alaqah) for a similar period, then a lump (mudghah) for a similar period, then the angel is sent to him and breathes the soul into him.” (Bukhari)
This Hadith complements the Qur’anic verses, presenting a precise sequence of development over 120 days
The Qur’an shows that human creation stands as a clear sign (ayah) of divine wisdom. Long before the invention of microscopes or the discovery of genetics, the Qur’an revealed truths about embryonic development that science only uncovered centuries later.
Such a relation between revelation and reason reminds humanity that knowledge is not against faith but a confirmation of it.
Understanding the stages of our own creation should deepen our gratitude to Allah. The journey from a mere drop of fluid to a fully formed human being is not only a biological process but also a spiritual reminder of the Creator’s power. Truly, as the Qur’an concludes:“So blessed is Allah, the Best of creators.” (23:14)