Embryology in the Qur’an
Embryology in the Qur’an
When we think of the wonders of human life, nothing is more awe-inspiring than the journey of an embryo developing inside the womb. Modern embryology has only in the last century begun to unravel this process with microscopes, scans, and research. Yet, the Qur’an — revealed 1400 years ago — describes these very stages with remarkable clarity.
This has fascinated scientists like Dr. Keith L. Moore, a world-renowned embryologist, who stated:
“It is clear to me that these statements must have come from God, because most of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later.”
One of the most detailed references appears in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:13–14):
“Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging.
Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot,
then We made the clot into a lump of flesh,
then We made from the lump, bones,
then We covered the bones with flesh;
then We developed him into another creation.
So blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.”
Another powerful verse is in Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:2):
“Created man from a clinging substance (‘alaq).”
The Arabic term ‘alaq has three meanings:
A clot of blood,
A leech-like structure,
Something that clings.
Modern embryology confirms that the embryo in its earliest stage clings to the uterine wall and resembles a leech in shape and function — feeding off the mother’s blood.
Modern Scientific Parallels
Drop of Fluid (Nutfah): Sperm and ovum combining to form a zygote.
Clinging Clot (‘Alaq): The embryo attaches to the uterus around day 7, resembling a leech.
Chewed Lump (Mudghah): Around week 4, somite formations give the embryo the appearance of a chewed lump.
Bones & Flesh: Skeletal development precedes muscular covering — exactly as the Qur’an states.
New Creation: At later stages, the fetus develops organs and consciousness, becoming distinct.
"Dr. Keith Moore, in his book The Developing Human, highlighted the precision of Qur’anic terms, noting that no ancient texts match this level of accuracy."
Far from being outdated, the Qur’an provides a concise yet astonishingly accurate description of embryonic stages. What science uncovered in the 20th century was already revealed in the 7th century. This is not just a matter of coincidence — but a reflection of divine knowledge.
- Mahin Bin Islam
Sources & tools used in this article
Introduction & Overview
Qur’an 23:13, The Developing Human – Keith L. Moore
Qur’anic Reference: 23:13, 23:14, 96:2
Modern Source: Lang-man's Medical Embryology, Journal of Embryology & Human Biology, NIH – Embryonic Development Research
Rephrasing & decoration
Perplexity AI