Embryology and Human
Creation between Quran & Science
Dr. Sharif Kaf Al-Ghazal
August 2004
Acknowledgement : I would like to acknowledge the great help that Mr. M A H Madi * provided into the English translation of this article
لقراءة المقالة باللغة العربية ، من فضلك اضغط هنا
Dr. Sharif Kaf Al-Ghazal
August 2004
Acknowledgement : I would like to acknowledge the great help that Mr. M A H Madi * provided into the English translation of this article
لقراءة المقالة باللغة العربية ، من فضلك اضغط هنا
Historical background
The Sperm
Al Alaqa (Leech-like clot)
Al Mudgha (chewed-like lump of flesh)
The Stage of bones
The stage of muscles
The stage of Nash’ah (developing) and viability
The stage of labour
Conclusion
The Sperm
Al Alaqa (Leech-like clot)
Al Mudgha (chewed-like lump of flesh)
The Stage of bones
The stage of muscles
The stage of Nash’ah (developing) and viability
The stage of labour
Conclusion
Since
Aristotle had summed up the prevailing theories in his age relating to the
creation of the embryo, controversy continued among the supporters of the
theory of the full dwarf embryo existing in man’s sperm and those of the theory
of the full dwarf embryo created out of the woman’s menstrual blood coagulation
(thickening). Most of them believed that man was reduced into that sperm
drop, and they drew a figure in which they imagined the embryo as a full
creature in the sperm drop, which then grew up in the womb as a small
tree. (Figure 1).
None of both groups could realize that man’s sperm and woman’s ovum participate in the creation of the embryo, as supported by the Italian Scientist “Spallanzani” in the year of 1775. In 1783, Van Beneden was able to confirm this statement, and thus the idea of the dwarf embryo had been discarded. During the years 1888 and 1909 Boveri proved that chromosomes when divided carry the different genetic characteristics. Morgan, in 1912, was able to determine the role of genes, existing in certain parts of chromosomes, in hereditary.
Therefore, it is clear that
mankind did not realize that the embryo is created of a man’s sperm mingled
with a woman’s ovum except in the 18th century, and only to be
confirmed at the beginning of the 20th century.
On the other hand, the Holy
Quran and the Prophetic speeches have confirmed in a very accurate scientific
manner the creation of man from a mingled fluid-drop (nutfa amshaj), as
coined by the Quran, which says ;
( إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ
نَبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا) (الإنسان:2)
“Verily We created man from a
drop of a mingled fluid-drop (nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave
him (the gifts), of hearing and sight.” (76:2).
It has been agreed upon by commentators of the Holy Quran that “amshaj” means mingling, as man’s water mingles with that of the woman, and this is also what the Prophet (peace be upon him) confirmed in one of his speeches. Imam Ahmed indicated in his book “Al Musnad” that a Jew passed by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) while he was addressing his companions. Some people from Quarish said; “O Jew! This man proclaims that he is a prophet.” The Jew said: “ I will ask him of something no one knows except a prophet.” He asked the prophet (PBUH); “ O Mohammed! What is man created from? The Prophet (PBUH) said; “O Jew! Man is created from both: man’s fluid (nutfa) and woman’s fluid.” The Jew said; “This is said by those prophets before you.” .
It has been agreed upon by commentators of the Holy Quran that “amshaj” means mingling, as man’s water mingles with that of the woman, and this is also what the Prophet (peace be upon him) confirmed in one of his speeches. Imam Ahmed indicated in his book “Al Musnad” that a Jew passed by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) while he was addressing his companions. Some people from Quarish said; “O Jew! This man proclaims that he is a prophet.” The Jew said: “ I will ask him of something no one knows except a prophet.” He asked the prophet (PBUH); “ O Mohammed! What is man created from? The Prophet (PBUH) said; “O Jew! Man is created from both: man’s fluid (nutfa) and woman’s fluid.” The Jew said; “This is said by those prophets before you.” .
In the next few pages, the
embryological developments as indicated in the Quranic verses will be
discussed, while shedding light on the fixed scientific facts in each stage of
development.
Scientific facts :
The
sperms are formed in the testicles, which in turn are created, as proved by
embryology, from cells underneath the kidneys at the back and then go down to
the lower abdomen at the last weeks of pregnancy. Man’s fluid mainly
contains the following components: the sperms which should
be gushing, and motile to cause fertilization and Prostaglandin
which causes contractions to the uterus, thus helping the transport of sperms
into the place of fertilization. The man's fluid (semen) contains also sugar
necessary for providing energy for the sperms, different fluids for neutralising
the acids at the entrance of the uterus and creating a slippery
environment for the easy movement of the sperms.
While hundred millions of these sperms (500 m.- 600 m.) enter through the vagina to the uterine cervix, only one sperm is able to fertilize the ovum (Fig. 2); crossing through a long distance to reach the place of fertilization in the Fallopian Uterine Tube which connects the ovary with the uterus. The distance is full of obstacles that can be compared with the distance man takes to reach the moon! After direct fertilization, a quick change occurs to the membrane of the ovum preventing the entrance of the rest of the sperms.
The sperm contains 23
chromosomes, of which one chromosome determines the sex of the embryo. The
chromosome in the sperm is either (Y) or (X), while the chromosome in the ovum
is always (X). When a sperm of the chromosome type (Y) mingles with an ovum of
the chromosome (X), the formed zygote will be male (XY), whereas the embryo
will be female (XX) if the sperm (X) mingles with an (X) ovum. So, the
sex of the embryo is determined by the sperm (the male), rather than the ovum
(the female).
After 5 hours of forming
the zygote, which is the primary human cell containing 46 chromosomes, the
dominant and recessive genetic characteristics can appear in the parent's sons
or grandsons (the stage of genetic programming) . The zygote is then
divided quickly (Fig. 3) without a change in size and move from the Fallopian
Tube (connecting the ovary and the uterus) towards the uterus, where it is
implanted as seeds are implanted in the soil.
The Uterus is the place
where the embryo grows and develops before emerging as a fully created and well
formed child. The uterus is distinguished as a safe place to perform this
function for the following reasons:
1- The location of the uterus
in the woman’s pelvis, where it is protected with ligaments and fascia that
hold the uterus from the sides and allow its mobility and growth to hundred
times its size at full term pregnancy.
2- Muscles of pelvis and
perineum fix the uterus in-situ.
3- The secretion of
Progesterone (pregnancy hormone) helps stabilize the uterus and slows down the
uterine contractions.
4- The embryo in uterus is
surrounded with different membranes that produce amniotic fluid which the
embryo swims in to protect the embryo from the effect of external traumas .
The process of
fertilization and the travel of the zygote to the uterus continue for about 6
days, and the zygote keeps implanting ( known as blastocyst) and growing in the
uterus wall for 15 days, when the Alaqa (thick clotted blood) stage
begins.
Reflections and comments on
related Quranic verses:
“Nutfa” in Arabic
means “very little water” or “a drop of water”. This coincides with man’s water
which contain sperms as part of its components. The sperm or (spermatozoon)
is reproduced from the despised lowly water (nutfa) and looks like a
long-tailed fish (this is one of the meanings of Sulalah). Allah
the Almighty says;
( الَّذِي
أَحْسَنَ كُلَّ
شَيْءٍ خَلَقَهُ وَبَدَأَ خَلْقَ الْإِنسَانِ مِن طِينٍ . ثُمَّ جَعَلَ نَسْلَهُ مِن سُلَالَةٍ مِّن مَّاء مَّهِينٍ ) (السجدة :7-8)
“He
It is Who created all things in the best way and began the creation of man from
clay, and made his progeny from an extract of despised fluid (Sulalah) ”
(32: 7-8)
The other meaning of Sulalah is "extract", means the essential or best part of something . By either implication, it means "part of a whole" indicating that the origin of creation is from only part of man's fluid and not all of it (which contains many components as shown above) .
Clarifying the role of the nutfa in creation, He the Almighty says;
( فَلْيَنظُرِ
الْإِنسَانُ مِمَ
خُلِقَ. خُلِقَ مِن مَّاء
دَافِقٍ) (الطارق 5-6)
“So, let man consider of what he
was created . He was created of gushing water ” (86: 5-6)
and also says;
and also says;
(
خَلَقَ الإِنسَانَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ فَإِذَا هُوَ خَصِيمٌ مُّبِينٌ ) (النحل :
4)
“He has created man from a sperm
(fluid-drop) and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer.” (16: 4).
The Quran tells us also that the essence of man is not the whole semen, but only a small part of it. this is explained in the Quran :
The Quran tells us also that the essence of man is not the whole semen, but only a small part of it. this is explained in the Quran :
( أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنسَانُ أَن يُتْرَكَ سُدًى ، أَلَمْ يَكُ نُطْفَةً مِّن مَّنِيٍّ يُمْنَى ) القيامة 36-37
Does man think that he will be left
uncontrolled (without purpose)? Was he not once a fluid-drop of ejected
semen? . (75:36-37
As
we have seen , the Quran informs us that man is made not from the entire semen,
but only a small part of it. That the particular emphasis in this statement
announces a fact only discovered by modern science is evidence that the
statement is divine in origin. The divine statement also reiterates that man’s
characteristics are determined and decreed in the nutfa stage, as He
says
( قُتِلَ الْإِنسَانُ مَا أَكْفَرَهُ . مِنْ
أَيِّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقَهُ
. مِن نُّطْفَةٍ خَلَقَهُ فَقَدَّرَهُ ) ( عبس17-19)
“Woe to man! What has made him reject
(Allah)? From what stuff has He created him? From a nutfa (fluid-drop) He has
created him, and then moulds him in due proportions.” (80: 17-19).
And Allah says :
And Allah says :
(إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ
مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا )
(الإنسان:2)
“Verily We created man of a fluid-drop
(nutfa), mingling (amshaj) , in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts of)
hearing and sight.” (76:2).
The mingled nutfa in this verse reveals the Quran miraculous nature. Nutfa, in Arabic, is a single small drop of water, but it was described here as (amshaj) , which means its structure consists of combined mixtures . This fits with the scientific finding, as the zygote is shaped as a drop, and is simultaneously a mixture of male fluid chromosomes and female ovum chromosomes.
The mingled nutfa in this verse reveals the Quran miraculous nature. Nutfa, in Arabic, is a single small drop of water, but it was described here as (amshaj) , which means its structure consists of combined mixtures . This fits with the scientific finding, as the zygote is shaped as a drop, and is simultaneously a mixture of male fluid chromosomes and female ovum chromosomes.
Has anyone ever thought,
before the Quran was revealed, that man’s nutfa, when ejected, is
responsible for determining if the embryo will be male or female? Has
this ever occurred to one’s mind? The Quran says;
( وَأَنَّهُ خَلَقَ الزَّوْجَيْنِ الذَّكَرَ
وَالْأُنثَىِ . من نُّطْفَةٍ
إِذَا تُمْنَى) ) النجم
45-46 )
“That He created the pairs, male and female, from a
fluid-drop sperm as it is emitted.” (53:
45-46),
confirming that man’s gender as male or female is determined when the sperm
drop is emitted. Who told the Prophet Mohammed that the sperm (nutfa)
with one of its types (Y) or (X) is responsible for determining the sex of the
embryo? This was not discovered except after the invention of microscopes
in the past century, when it was possible then to know that the embryo
being a male or female is only determined by the sperm (nutfa),
rather than the ovum. In other words, we were in the beginning of the 20th
century and the whole of mankind were not aware that the nutfa decrees
if the embryo is male or female. While the Quran, which was
revealed 14 centuries ago, has stated this fact in a very clear
manner.
Here is a remarkable
note! We have mentioned earlier that the sperms are formed in the
testicles, which in turn are created, as proved by embryology, from cells
underneath the kidneys at the back and then go down to the lower abdomen at the
last weeks of pregnancy. This is in confirmation of Allah’s saying :
( وإذ أخذ ربك من بني آدم
من ظهورهم ذريتهم ) (الأعراف 172)
“And remember when your Lord brought
forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their seeds…” (7: 172).
This is a clear indication that the origin of progeny is at the region of the back where the embryonic testicles are formed. So, praise be to Allah the Omniscient.
This is a clear indication that the origin of progeny is at the region of the back where the embryonic testicles are formed. So, praise be to Allah the Omniscient.
The uterus, as mentioned
before, is considered as a place settled (Makeen) and safe for the
growth and protection of the embryo, according to reasons mentioned
earlier. We find that Quran mentions and affirms this fact 14
centuries ago, as He Almighty says:
( فَجَعَلْنَاهُ فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ . إِلَى قَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ . فَقَدَرْنَا فَنِعْمَ الْقَادِرُونَ ) ( المرسلات :21-23)
”The which (embryo) We placed in a place of settlement,
firmly fixed for a period (of gestation), determined. For We do determine, for
We are the best to determine (things). (77:
21-23).
Scientific facts:
The stage of Alaqa
starts on the 15th day and ends on the 23rd or 24th
day, after which the embryo is gradually developed and looks like a leech,
which lives in ponds (Figure 4). Alaqa hangs to the lining of the
uterus by the umbilical cord. Blood is then formed in the vessels at the
shape of closed islands, and is not circulated in blood vessels, thus having
the image of clotted blood.
Although
it is in the nature of human body to expel any external matter, the uterus does
not reject the alaqa implanted in its lining despite the fact that half
of the alaqa components and genes are from an external source (the
father). This is because the region of syncytial cells in alaqa
have no antigens.
|
It is noteworthy that the
primitive streak is created at first on the day 14th or 15th,
in which the primitive node appears (Figure 5). Out of this primitive streak,
stem cells are composed, as well as the sources of the main tissues of
Mesoderm, Ectoderm and Endoderm, which will form the different organs and
tissues of the body as seen in (Figure 6) . At the end of the 3rd
week, the primitive streak shrinks and the remnant stays in the
sacrococcygeal region at the end of the spine, maintaining the remaining of
stem cells in this region. This explains why some tumors in the coccygeal
region which is called Teratoma (Figure 7) can contain different tissues
(muscles, skin, cartilage, bones and teeth as well), contrary to the tumors
that exist in different regions and take its toll on one definite tissue.
Reflections and comments on
related Quranic verses and Sunnah:
Transformation process from
nutfa to alaqa takes more than 10 days till the zygote clings to
the primitive placenta by way of a connecting stalk which later becomes the
umbilical cord. Therefore, the Quranic statement uses the conjunction article
(thumma) in Arabic, indicating sequence of events with
time delay and not using (fa) which also means "then" but
indicates rapid progression without any delay. Quran states:
(ثُمَّ خَلَقْنَا النُّطْفَةَ عَلَقَةً) (سورة المؤمنون14)
“then of that fluid-drop (nutfa)
We created a leech-like clot" (23:14) .
Alaqa, in
Arabic, has several meanings:
1- A leech that lives in ponds
and sucks the blood of other creatures.
2- A thing attached or clings
to something else.
3- Clotted or coagulated
blood.
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All these meanings fit
exactly with the reality of the human embryo after being implanted in the
lining of uterus (endometrium), as the embryo looks like a leech, as shown in
Figure 8, while clinging to the endometrium through the umbilical cord (Figure 9),
blood vessels initiated in the form of closed islands giving it the image of a
clotted blood (Figure 10).
A quick transformation then occurs from alaqa to mudgha within two days (day 24 to day 26). Therefore, the Quran describes this rapid change with the use of the conjunctive article (fa) (i.e., then) in Arabic, to indicate rapid progression of transformation :
A quick transformation then occurs from alaqa to mudgha within two days (day 24 to day 26). Therefore, the Quran describes this rapid change with the use of the conjunctive article (fa) (i.e., then) in Arabic, to indicate rapid progression of transformation :
(فَخَلَقْنَا الْعَلَقَةَ
مُضْغَةً) (المؤمنون: 14)
“then We changed the Alaqa
(leech-like clot) into a Mudgha (chewed-like lump) ” (23: 14).
So even the use of different conjunctive articles has miraculous indications, reflecting the difference in embryonic stages.
So even the use of different conjunctive articles has miraculous indications, reflecting the difference in embryonic stages.
Thus, the stage of alaqa is the second stage of embryonic stages, and is mentioned in the Quran in several verses. He the Almighty says;
(أَلَمْ يَكُ نُطْفَةً مِنْ مَنِيٍّ يُمْنَى . ثُمَّ كَانَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقَ فَسَوَّى . فَجَعَلَ مِنْهُ الزَّوْجَيْنِ الذَّكَرَ وَالأُنثَى) (القيامة: 37-39)
“Was he not a drop of sperm
emitted (in lowly form)? Then did he become a leech-like clot; then did
(Allah) make and fashion (him) in due proportion. And of him He made two sexes,
male and female.”(75: 37-39),
And in a surah called al-alaq, i.e., a leech-like clot, Allah says;
And in a surah called al-alaq, i.e., a leech-like clot, Allah says;
( خلق الإنسان من علق ) (العلق 2)
“ (We) Created man, out of a
leech-like clot.” (96: 2).
Further
to the point of primitive streak, it is the first to be created in embryo, and
out of which, stem cells are composed, as well as the different organs and
tissues; and at the end of the 3rd week, it shrinks, and its
remaining stays in the sacrococcygeal region at the end of the spine,
maintaining the remaining stem cells in this region. This explains and
coincides with the speech of the Prophet (PBUH) which was narrated by Abu Huraira in Ahmad’s
book “Al Musnad”:
“All of the son of Adam decays, and is eaten by dust except for the coccyx, of which man is created and in which man is re-built.”
So, cells which form the tissues and the organs of man are placed in coccyx and out of which man is re-created. Verily said the Prophet of Allah .
“All of the son of Adam decays, and is eaten by dust except for the coccyx, of which man is created and in which man is re-built.”
So, cells which form the tissues and the organs of man are placed in coccyx and out of which man is re-created. Verily said the Prophet of Allah .
Here a very important
question arises: why did the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) raise such a scientific issue at a time no
one was aware of, and how had he acquired such knowledge if he was not bound up
with inspiration and taught by the creator of heaven and earth? The
answer is that Allah the Almighty knows with His encompassing knowledge that
man will come to know one day the embryonic stages of development, and will
know the role of the primitive streak, so He inspired prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to speak out such a fact to be a witness on
the genuineness of his prophethood and message, that fits every time and age.
Scientific facts:
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The embryo is transformed
from the stage of alaqa to the beginning of the stage of mudgha
on the 24th day to the 26th day, which is a very brief
period if compared with the period of the nutfa changing to alaqa.
This stage starts with
the appearance of somites on the 24th or 25th day on
top of the embryonic scapula, and then gradually appear at the embryo’s
buttock. On the 28th day the embryo is formed of several
bulges, with grooves in between, thus giving the embryo the image of a chewed
gum. The embryo turns and rolls in the cavity of the uterus during this
stage which ends by the end of the 6th week.
It
is noteworthy that the stage of mudgha starts with the growth and
increase of cells in a large number. The mudgha looks like a piece of
meat which has no distinguished structure, then after a few days, the second
stage starts, called the stage of formation (takhaloq), where some organs begin
to appear, such as the eyes, tongue and the lips , but human distinguishing features
do not appear except at the end of the 8th week. Limbs
bulges (hands and legs) also appear in this stage.
In the 5th week the heart starts beating and the embryo has already developed its placenta and amniotic sac. The placenta is burrowing into the uterine wall to access oxygen and nutrients from the mother's bloodstream.
Figure
(11) embryo (by microscopic and illustrative images) on the day
26.
Note the resemblance with the image of a chewed gum underneath. |
Reflections on Quran and
Sunnah :
Mudgha in Arabic means the
material chewed by teeth. This gives an accurate description of the
embryonic stage as the embryo shape looks like a chewed material which
constantly changes, with the appearance of somites bulges. The differences
in these somites look like the “teeth imprints” over bread bite. The
embryo turns and rolls in the cavity of the uterus as a piece of chewed
material in the mouth.
The stage of mudgha comes after the stage of alaqa.
This coincides with the Holy verse:
(فَخَلَقْنَا الْعَلَقَةَ مُضْغَةً) (المؤمنون:
14)
“And of that clot We made a (foetus)
lump.” (23: 14).
Of
the characteristics of mudgha is that it elongates and changes shape
when chewed. This is exactly what occurs to the embryo in this
stage. As we mentioned before, the mudgha has an early form before
the creation and formation of organs and another form following the formation
of organs. The Quranic verse states:
( يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ
إِن كُنتُمْ فِي رَيْبٍ مِّنَ الْبَعْثِ فَإِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِن
نُّطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍ ثُمَّ
مِن مُّضْغَةٍ مُّخَلَّقَةٍ وَغَيْرِ مُخَلَّقَةٍ لِّنُبَيِّنَ
لَكُمْ وَنُقِرُّ فِي الْأَرْحَامِ مَا نَشَاء إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى) (
الحج 5)
“O mankind! If ye have a doubt about the
Recreation (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then
out of a leech-like clot, then out of a chewed-like lump of flesh, formed and
unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our power) to you; and We cause whom
We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term.” (22: 5) .
Thus, there are two types of mudgha: formed and unformed. The formed one is the embryo itself which starts forming into different organs with specific functions and the unformed one is the placenta which starts developing in the 5th week (around day 35) of the mudgha stage . And Allah knows best !
Thus, there are two types of mudgha: formed and unformed. The formed one is the embryo itself which starts forming into different organs with specific functions and the unformed one is the placenta which starts developing in the 5th week (around day 35) of the mudgha stage . And Allah knows best !
The mudgha stage ends at the 6th
week (i.e. 40 days). Imam Muslim narrated in his “Sahih” on the authority
of Abdullah Bin Masoud that he said; “Allah's prophet - Mohammad (PBUH) -
the truthful and trustworthy, told us;
"The creation of each one of you is composed in the mother‘s womb in forty days, in that (creation) it turns into such a clot, then in that turns into such a mudgha and then Allah sends an angel and orders him to write four things, i.e., his provision, his age, and whether he will be of the wretched or the blessed (in the Hereafter). Then the soul is breathed into him. And by Allah, a person among you (or a man) may do deeds of the people of the Fire till there is only a cubit or an arm-breadth distance between him and the Fire, but then that writing (which Allah has ordered the angel to write) precedes, and he does the deeds of the people of Paradise and enters it; and a man may do the deeds of the people of Paradise till there is only a cubit or two between him and Paradise, and then that writing precedes and he does the deeds of the people of the Fire and enters it."
"The creation of each one of you is composed in the mother‘s womb in forty days, in that (creation) it turns into such a clot, then in that turns into such a mudgha and then Allah sends an angel and orders him to write four things, i.e., his provision, his age, and whether he will be of the wretched or the blessed (in the Hereafter). Then the soul is breathed into him. And by Allah, a person among you (or a man) may do deeds of the people of the Fire till there is only a cubit or an arm-breadth distance between him and the Fire, but then that writing (which Allah has ordered the angel to write) precedes, and he does the deeds of the people of Paradise and enters it; and a man may do the deeds of the people of Paradise till there is only a cubit or two between him and Paradise, and then that writing precedes and he does the deeds of the people of the Fire and enters it."
Who
told the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) all these facts? Did he have anatomy and
measurement tools, or microscopes to tell us the characteristics of an embryo
no more than 1cm tall? It is He Allah (Who told him), the Only One, the
Subduer.
Scientific
facts:
During the 6th week, the
cartilaginous skeleton starts to spread in the body (Figure 12). Yet, we
do not see the human image features except at the beginning of the 7th
week (Figure 13), where the shape of the embryo takes the look of the
skeleton. Transformation from the mudgha form to the
beginning of the skeleton form occurs in a very short period of time at the end
of the 6th week and the beginning of the 7th week.
This stage is characterized with the appearance of the skeleton which gives the
embryo the human image.
Reflection
on Quran and Sunnah :
The
term of “izam” (bones), coined by Quran, accurately expresses this stage
in the life of the embryo, which includes the external appearance and is
considered the most important change in the internal structure, with its
associated new relations among body organs and regularity of embryo
shape. This stage is clearly distinguished from the preceding stage of mudgha
(chewed-like lump of flesh). Allah says;
( فَخَلَقْنَا الْمُضْغَةَ عِظَامًا فَكَسَوْنَا الْعِظَامَ
لَحْمًا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَاهُ خَلْقًا آخَرَ فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ
الْخَالِقِينَ) (المؤمنون: 14)
“then
We made out of that mudgha (chewed-like lump of flesh) bones and clothed the
bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be
Allah, the best to create.” (23: 14) .
Bone formation is a notable process in this stage, as embryo is transformed from the image of mudgha which has no features of human image to the beginning of the skeleton image in a very short period of no more than few days at the end of the 6th week ; therefore, the quranic verse uses the Arabic conjunctive article (fa) instead of (thumma) to indicate quick sequence of events.
This skeleton gives the embryo the image of a human being after being clothed with lahm (muscles). The two eyes and the two lips then appear, and the head is differentiated from the trunk and the limbs. This is in accordance with the Prophet’s (PBUH) saying in "Sahih Muslim"; “When 42 nights have passed over the conception , Allah sends an angel to it, who shapes it (into human form) and makes its ears, eyes, skin, muscles and bones. Then he says; ` O Lord, is it male or female?`, and your Lord decides what He wishes and the angel records it.”
After 42 nights (6 weeks), the embryo begins to take the human image with the appearance of cartilaginous skeleton, then the external genitals begin to appear later on (the 10th week). In the 7th week (Figure 13) the human image gets clearer with the start of the spread of skeleton. This week represents (between 40 and 45 days) the demarcation line between mudgha and human image.
Bone formation is a notable process in this stage, as embryo is transformed from the image of mudgha which has no features of human image to the beginning of the skeleton image in a very short period of no more than few days at the end of the 6th week ; therefore, the quranic verse uses the Arabic conjunctive article (fa) instead of (thumma) to indicate quick sequence of events.
This skeleton gives the embryo the image of a human being after being clothed with lahm (muscles). The two eyes and the two lips then appear, and the head is differentiated from the trunk and the limbs. This is in accordance with the Prophet’s (PBUH) saying in "Sahih Muslim"; “When 42 nights have passed over the conception , Allah sends an angel to it, who shapes it (into human form) and makes its ears, eyes, skin, muscles and bones. Then he says; ` O Lord, is it male or female?`, and your Lord decides what He wishes and the angel records it.”
After 42 nights (6 weeks), the embryo begins to take the human image with the appearance of cartilaginous skeleton, then the external genitals begin to appear later on (the 10th week). In the 7th week (Figure 13) the human image gets clearer with the start of the spread of skeleton. This week represents (between 40 and 45 days) the demarcation line between mudgha and human image.
So, it is well proved that the Quran's words
are very well contrived and scientifically accurate, as they are composed by
Allah Who has perfected everything .
This
stage is characterized with muscles encircling and tightly surrounding the
bones. With the completion of clothing the bones with lahm (muscles and
flesh), the human image starts to be more clear, as human parts are
appropriately connected. After completion of myogenesis (muscle formation), the
embryo can start to move.
This
stage, which starts at the end of the 7th week (Figure 14) and
ends at the end of the 8th week (Figure 15), is considered as the
end of the stage of takhaloq (formation). Embryologists termed the end
of the 8th week as the end of the embryology stage followed
by the foetus stage which coincides with the Nash’ah (developing)
stage as Quran stated. Allah says;
( فَكَسَوْنَا الْعِظَامَ لَحْمًا ثُمَّ
أَنشَأْنَاهُ خَلْقًا آخَرَ فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ) (المؤمنون:
14)
“And clothed the bones with flesh; then
We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to
create.” (23: 14)
By the end of the 8th week, a new
stage starts where important processes occur. The rate of developing
accelerates compared with the previous one. The embryo transforms into
another creature, as the sizes of head, body and limbs start to be balanced and
regular between the 9th and 12th week. At the 10th
week, external genital organs appear, and the skeleton develops structure from
soft cartilaginous to hard calcic bones at the 12th week (Figure
16-a). Limbs and fingers are distinguished at the same week. The
gender of the embryo is manifest with the clear appearance of genitalia.
In this stage the organs and the systems
become well prepared to function. The foetus is ready for life outside
the womb starting from the 22nd week to the 26th week
(i.e., after the completion of the 6th month of gestation), when the
respiratory system is ready to function and the nervous system is able to
adjust the temperature of foetus body.
The first sense to develop in a developing human embryo is hearing. The foetus can hear sounds after the 24th week. Subsequently, the sense of sight is developed and by the 28th week, the retina becomes sensitive to light.
In this stage, no new system or organs are formed, and the uterus provides food and suitable environment for the foetus to thrive until the stage of labour.
The first sense to develop in a developing human embryo is hearing. The foetus can hear sounds after the 24th week. Subsequently, the sense of sight is developed and by the 28th week, the retina becomes sensitive to light.
In this stage, no new system or organs are formed, and the uterus provides food and suitable environment for the foetus to thrive until the stage of labour.
Reflections
on Quranic verses :
This
stage starts after the stage of clothing the bones with lahm (muscles
and flesh), i.e., at the beginning of the 9th week, taking a period
of almost 3 weeks. This is indicated with the use of conjunctive article
(thumma) then, which denotes a time break between clothing with lahm and
developing into another creature: He the Almighty says;
(فَكَسَوْنَا الْعِظَامَ لَحْمًا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَاهُ خَلْقًا آخَر فَتَبَارَكَ
اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ ) (المؤمنون: 14)
“And
clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So
blessed be Allah, the best to create ” (23:
14).
After the development of the cartilaginous skeleton, clothing it with muscles, and the head and the limbs are distinguished, the embryo changes into a human creature well differentiated from other creatures.
After the development of the cartilaginous skeleton, clothing it with muscles, and the head and the limbs are distinguished, the embryo changes into a human creature well differentiated from other creatures.
During this stage, some important processes
occur in the development of the embryo, which are clearly described in the Holy
Quran and can be summarized as follows:
1- Nash’ah (developing) which is clearly noticed in the accelerated rate of growth at the 9th week compared with the previous stages.
2- Khalqan Akhar (another creature): this description coincides with the first one and indicates that the embryo has changed in the nash’ah stage into another creature, i.e., the foetus. Limbs and external organs begin to appear, and fingers and external genitalia are distinguished. Allah the Almighty says;
1- Nash’ah (developing) which is clearly noticed in the accelerated rate of growth at the 9th week compared with the previous stages.
2- Khalqan Akhar (another creature): this description coincides with the first one and indicates that the embryo has changed in the nash’ah stage into another creature, i.e., the foetus. Limbs and external organs begin to appear, and fingers and external genitalia are distinguished. Allah the Almighty says;
( هوَ الَّذِي
يُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِي الأَرْحَامِ كَيْفَ يَشَاء لاَ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ
الْحَكِيمُ) آل
عمران 6
“He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He
pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (3:6)
Here is an exquisite
remark. Allah says in Surat Al Zumar;
( يَخْلُقُكُمْ فِي بُطُونِ أُمَّهَاتِكُمْ خَلْقًا مِن بَعْدِ
خَلْقٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتٍ ثَلَاثٍ) (الزمر6
)
“He creates you in the wombs of your mothers in
stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness.” (39:6), thus indicating the
continuation of the embryonic development and the change from one stage into
another, as explained earlier. Embryologists have confirmed that the
foetus is surrounded, during the stages of development, with three membranes:
1- The amnion membrane which
contains a fluid encompassing the foetus to make it in a state of swimming,
thus protecting it from trauma that the uterus encounters, and facilitates the
foetus movements for re-position smoothly during labour. (Figure 17)
2- The chorion membrane.
3- The decidua membrane.
Some scholars interpreted
the three veils of darkness with the amniotic membrane surrounding the uterus,
wall of uterus, and abdomen wall (Figure 18). Yet, Allah knows best.
As we have mentioned before, the foetus becomes ready for life outside the womb
after completion of the 6th month. It is noticed that the
Quranic statement indicates in Surat Ahqaf that the stage of conception
and incubation takes 30 months;
( وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلاثُونَ شَهْرًا ) (الأحقاف: 15)
“The bearing of him (the
child) and the weaning of him is thirty months ” (46: 15),
whereas in Surat Luqman, it is indicated that the period of incubation is 24 months;
whereas in Surat Luqman, it is indicated that the period of incubation is 24 months;
( وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ) (لقمان: 14)
“And in two years was his weaning.” (31: 14).
With a simple calculation, we deduce that the quranic statement decides that the least period of conception is 6 months as mentioned earlier, being a scientific fact, and before the 22nd week, in which this stage starts, the foetus is delivered abortus (not able to survive) in most cases. Praise be to Allah is the Omniscient.
With a simple calculation, we deduce that the quranic statement decides that the least period of conception is 6 months as mentioned earlier, being a scientific fact, and before the 22nd week, in which this stage starts, the foetus is delivered abortus (not able to survive) in most cases. Praise be to Allah is the Omniscient.
It
is very interesting to mention that the first sense to develop in a developing
human embryo is hearing. The foetus can hear sounds after the 24th week.
Subsequently, the sense of sight is developed and by the 28th week, the retina
becomes sensitive to light. Consider the following three Quranic verses related
to the development of the senses in the embryo
"
وَجَعَلَ
لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَة
" (السجدة 9)
َAnd HE gave You (the faculties
of) hearing and sight and feeling (And understanding) - 32:9
"
إِنَّا
خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَّبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ
سَمِيعًا بَصِيرًا "
(الإنسان 2)
Verily We created man from a drop of a
mingled fluid-drop (nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave him (the
gifts), of hearing and sight - 76:2
" وَهُوَ الَّذِي أَنْشَأَ لَكُمُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَالْأَفْئِدَةَ قَلِيلًا مَا تَشْكُرُونَ " (المؤمنون 78)
It is HE WHO has created For you (the
faculties of) Hearing, sight, feeling And understanding: little thanks It is ye
give! - 23:78
In
all these three verses the sense of hearing is mentioned before the sense of
sight. Thus the Quranic description matches with the discoveries in modern
embryology that the sense of hearing is develops before the sense of sight
After the passing of 9
lunar months (38 weeks), the foetus completes growth in the uterus.
It is time now to go out after the end of this specified period. Allah
says;
(وَنُقِرُّ فِي الْأَرْحَامِ مَا نَشَاء إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى) ( الحج :5)
“And We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an
appointed term ” (22:5). So the term is appointed and
determined;
( فَجَعَلْنَاهُ فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ . إِلَى قَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ .
فَقَدَرْنَا فَنِعْمَ
الْقَادِرُونَ ) (المرسلات :21-23)
“The which (foetus) We placed in a place of rest,
firmly fixed, for a period (of gestation), determined. For We do
determine, for We are the best to determine (things). (77: 21-23)
Before elaborating the
stages of labour, it is noteworthy to mention the Quranic reference to the
benefits of dates for the woman in labour, in which the status of the Lady Mary
(mother of prophet Issa "PBUH") is described in the
following verses as ;
(فَأَجَاءَهَا الْمَخَاضُ إِلَى جِذْعِ
النَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَذَا وَكُنْتُ نَسْيًا منسيّا .
فَنَادَاهَا مِنْ تَحْتِهَا أَلَّا تَحْزَنِي قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ
سَرِيًّا . وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا
جَنِيًّا . فَكُلِي وَاشْرَبِـي وَقَرِّي عَيْنًا ) (مريم 23-26)
“And the birth pains surprised her by
the trunk of the palm tree: she said; ‘Ah! Would I had died before this! And
become a thing forgotten.’ But (a voice) cried to her from beneath: ‘Grieve
not! Your Lord has set below you a rivulet. Shake to you the palm-trunk ,
and there shall come falling upon you dates fresh and ripe. So eat , and
drink, and be comforted …” (19:
23-26).
It has been scientifically proved that dates have several benefits. Of these benefits, for the woman in labour:
It has been scientifically proved that dates have several benefits. Of these benefits, for the woman in labour:
·
Dates
are rich in fibers which help avoid constipation, as it is a natural laxative,
and helps a smooth delivery.
·
Dates
contain more than 70% glucose, which is easily absorbed and assimilated, thus ensuring
the provision of necessary energy during labour.
·
Dates
is also rich in minerals, particularly magnesium which is necessary for cells
physiology, and potassium which is necessary for the muscles, and iron which is
necessary to treat anemia.
·
Dates
contain a substance that helps alert the muscles of uterus to contract and
increase contraction during delivery (this substance resembles Oxytocin hormone
excreted by pituitary glands). This is in addition to many other benefits ( no
room to mention here) . Praise be to Allah, the High and the Able.
Labour, which ends with
delivery, is comprised of 4 stages:
1- Stage of dilatation of
cervix and contraction of uterus muscle. This stage takes about 7-12 hours
(Figure 19) and occurs as a result of several factors: mechanic and hormonal. A
set of hormones is excreted to help facilitate the stage of labour. Of
these hormones are: Prostaglandin, Corticotropin Releasing Hormone, Adreno
Cortico Tropin, Corticol, Oxytocin, Estrogin. .
2- Stage of delivering the
foetus. This stage takes about 30-50 minutes, and starts after enough
dilatation of cervix. As a result of consequent uterus contractions,
foetus head starts to emerge first (Figure 20). It is striking that the
diameter of foetus head may exceed 12 cm., i.e., normally triple the diameter
of vaginal canal. Having considered this fact, and the role of self
hormonal factors, in addition to the expansion of pelvis ligatures and muscles,
that all facilitate the delivery of the foetus, we realize the wisdom
underlying Allah’s saying;
(ثُمَّ السَّبِيلَ يَسَّرَهُ)
(عبس: 20)
“Then He makes his path smooth for him.” (80: 20). So blessed be Allah, the Most Wise of all disposers.
“Then He makes his path smooth for him.” (80: 20). So blessed be Allah, the Most Wise of all disposers.
3- Stage of placenta emergence
and the formation of blood clot behind the placenta (Figure 19). This
stage lasts about 15 minutes.
4- Stage of uterus
contraction. This is to alleviate the bleeding after delivery process,
and continues for about two hours.
After delivery, and cutting
the umbilical cord (Figure 21), which the foetus has depended upon for
acquiring food from his mother during pregnancy, the
Conclusion
The miracle of human creation in the holy Quran is one of many other medical miracles . Having reviewed previous detailed statements of Quranic verses and scientific analysis of the embryonal stages, it is evident that these Quranic verses give an accurate description of the main stages the embryo encounters during creation and formation until delivery. It is noticed that these changes coincide with the remarks of modern embryology, and truly expresses the external phenomena of changes that result from the internal changes. The Quranic descriptions contain expressions comprehensible to people of different backgrounds, whereas the current expressions in embryology used for the description of these stages do not identify the distinguished characteristics of the embryo in each stage, as numerical coding is used without reference to any description. This proves the wonderful miraculous nature of the Quran, which cannot be revealed except from the comprehensive knowledge of the Omniscient. These facts were confirmed by the embryologist Professor Keith Moore and also other non Moslem scientists.
In
the age where Quran was revealed, with the description of human creation
expressed in very accurate terms that fit with the modern rules of science, and
with the confirmation that the creation and development of embryo are
fulfilled on stages, as Allah says;
( مَّا لَكُمْ لَا تَرْجُونَ لِلَّهِ وَقَارًا .وَقَدْ خَلَقَكُمْ أَطْوَارًا )( نوح)
“What is the matter with you,
that ye are not conscious of Allah’s majesty,- Seeing that it is He that has
created you in diverse stages" (71: 13-14)
Non- Moslem scientists at that time believed that man was created from menstrual blood. In so far as the 17th century, they believed that the embryo was fully created from man’s sperm, and then it grew after entering the uterus. Thus they perceived man as a seed reduced wholly in that small drop of sperm. The idea remained as such until the 18th century when microscopes proved that sperm and ovum are both necessary for pregnancy. This was discovered so many centuries after it had been revealed by the Holy Quran. This shows that the Quran is the word of a Will that knows the creation of man down to its slightest detail. This Will is Allah, the creator of man, Who says;
Non- Moslem scientists at that time believed that man was created from menstrual blood. In so far as the 17th century, they believed that the embryo was fully created from man’s sperm, and then it grew after entering the uterus. Thus they perceived man as a seed reduced wholly in that small drop of sperm. The idea remained as such until the 18th century when microscopes proved that sperm and ovum are both necessary for pregnancy. This was discovered so many centuries after it had been revealed by the Holy Quran. This shows that the Quran is the word of a Will that knows the creation of man down to its slightest detail. This Will is Allah, the creator of man, Who says;
( وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ سَيُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِهِ
فَتَعْرِفُونَهَا) (النمل: 93)
“And say: ‘Praise be to Allah,
Who will soon show you His signs, so that ye shall know them’ " (27: 93) , and
Who also says;
( سنريهم آياتنا في الآفاق و في أنفسهم حتى يتبين لهم أنه الحق ) ( فصلت 53)
“Soon will We show them our signs in
the furthest horizons, and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to
them that this is the Truth” (41: 53). Verily says the Almighty Allah.
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