Islamic teachings provide an understanding of the stages of human creation, emphasising the islamic wisdom and power of Allah in bringing life into existence.
“It is He who created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot; then He brings you out as a child …”
Quran 40:67 (Surah Ghafir)
The process of human creation is described in various verses of the Quran and Hadith, detailing the transformation from a drop of sperm to a living soul.
Within its verses lies an extraordinary narrative of human creation, described with remarkable precision through eloquent Arabic terminology that captures the essence of each developmental stage.
The Quran, revealed over fourteen centuries ago, presents a description of human embryological development that continues to captivate both scholars and believers.
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop1 in a firm lodging [i.e., the womb], 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 Allāh, the best of creators.2“
Quran 23:12-14 (Surah Al-Mu’minun) [1] i.e., zygote [2] i.e., the most skillful and only true Creator.
Nutfah: A Drop of Fluid (The Fertlising Sperm & Ovum)
The creation of a human being begins with the formation of a Nutfah, which refers to a drop of sperm. This initial stage highlights the humble beginnings of human life, reminding believers of their origin and the miraculous nature of creation. The Quran mentions this stage in Surah Al-Mursalat (77:20), stating that humans are created from a small drop of fluid.
“Did We not create you from a liquid disdained?”
Quran 77:20 (Surah Al-Mursalat)
Alaqah: Clinging Substance (The Implanted Embyro)
After the Nutfah, the next stage is the development of the Alaqah, which is described as a clinging substance. This stage occurs approximately 40 days after conception, during which the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. The term “Alaqah” signifies the embryo’s dependence on the mother for nourishment and growth.
“Created man from a clinging substance.”
Quran 96:2 (Surah Al-Alaq) Alaq, meaning the embryo resembles a leech.
Mudghah: Chewed-Like Substance (The Stage of Development)
Following the Alaqah stage, the embryo transforms into a Mudghah, which resembles a chewed piece of flesh. This stage occurs around 40 to 80 days after conception. The Mudghah stage signifies further development, where the embryo begins to take on a more recognizable form, with the formation of basic structures and organs.
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop1 in a firm lodging [i.e., the womb], 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 Allāh, the best of creators.2“
Quran 23:12-14 (Surah Al-Mu’minun) [1] i.e., zygote [2] i.e., the most skillful and only true Creator.
The creation of a human being begins with the formation of a Nutfah, which refers to a drop of sperm. This initial stage highlights the humble beginnings of human life, reminding believers of their origin and the miraculous nature of creation.
Lahm & Idham: Flesh and Bones (The Muscular & Skeletal System)
As the Mudghah develops, Allah continues to shape the embryo, forming flesh and bones. This stage is crucial as it marks the transition from a simple mass of cells to a more complex organism. The Quran emphasises Allah’s role as the Creator, who designs and shapes each individual uniquely.
Ruh: Breath of Life (Soul)
The final and most significant stage of human creation occurs when Allah breathes the soul into the embryo. This moment is described as the point at which the foetus becomes a living being. This typically happens around four months into the pregnancy. The infusion of the soul signifies the beginning of life, granting the individual consciousness and the ability to engage with the world.
“Then He proportioned him and breathed into him from His [created] soul1 and made for you hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect]; little are you grateful.”
Quran 32:9 (Surah Sajdah) i.e., element of life.
Qadar: Divine Knowledge and Destiny
“Does man think that he will be left neglected?1 Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted? Then he was a clinging clot, and [Allāh] created [his form] and proportioned [him]”
Quran 75:36-38 (Surah Al-Qiyamah) [1] i.e., to no end, without responsibility, or without being returned to the Creator for judgement.
At this stage, Allah appoints an angel to record the individual’s destiny, including their provisions, lifespan, and whether they will be blessed or wretched. This aspect of creation underscores the belief in divine knowledge and the predetermined nature of human existence, while also emphasising the importance of free will in making choices throughout life.
Development and Growth
“… He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation, within three darknesses1 …”
Quran 39:6 (Surah Az-Zumar) [1] i.e., the belly, the womb, and the amniotic membrane
After the soul is breathed into the foetus, the individual continues to grow and develop within the womb until birth. This period is marked by significant physical and emotional changes, preparing the individual for life outside the womb.
Life and Accountability
“And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer1 to him than [his] jugular vein.”
Quran 50:16 (Surah Qaf) [1] In absolute knowledge of everything about him. “We” has also been interpreted to mean the angels who are mentioned in the following verse.
Once born, the individual enters a new phase of existence, where they are accountable for their actions and choices. Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of living a life in accordance with Allah’s guidance, as each person will ultimately be judged based on their deeds.
The stages of human creation in Islamic teachings illustrate the miraculous process through which Allah brings life into existence. From the initial drop of sperm to the infusion of the soul, each stage reflects islamic wisdom and power. This understanding serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the importance of living in accordance with Allah’s will, recognising the journey each individual undertakes from creation to accountability.
