بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Quran 14th century cover A 9th- or 10th-century leaf of the Qur'an in Kufic scrip.

الرحمن الله الرحمن بسم الله بسمالرحيمالرحيم

Quran 14th century cover

   A 9th- or 10th-century leaf of the Qur'an in Kufic scrip

EMBRYOLOGYEMBRYOLOGY IN THEIN THE

HOLY QUR’ANHOLY QUR’AN

Prof Dr. Muhammad ShohayebProf Dr. Muhammad ShohayebDepartment of BiologyDepartment of Biology

Faculty of ScienceFaculty of Science

Taif UniversityTaif University

Historical backgroundHistorical background Scientists at that time of prophet (PBUH) Scientists at that time of prophet (PBUH)

believed that man was created from menstrual believed that man was created from menstrual blood blood

Until the 18Until the 18thth century there were two theories: century there were two theories:

1- It was assumed by Aristotle that a full dwarf 1- It was assumed by Aristotle that a full dwarf

embryo exists in man's semen embryo exists in man's semen

2- full dwarf embryo created out of the woman’s2- full dwarf embryo created out of the woman’s

menstrual blood coagulationmenstrual blood coagulation

The dwarf embryo as imagined The dwarf embryo as imagined by  Leonardo da Vinci from the by  Leonardo da Vinci from the 15th century (on the left)15th century (on the left)

The sperm as miniature human The sperm as miniature human being by Hartsoeker from the being by Hartsoeker from the 17th century (on the right) 17th century (on the right)

In 1775 Spallanzani suggested In 1775 Spallanzani suggested that man’s sperm and woman’s that man’s sperm and woman’s ovum participate in the creation ovum participate in the creation of the embryo. of the embryo. 

In 1783, Van Beneden was able In 1783, Van Beneden was able to confirm this statement, and to confirm this statement, and thus the idea of the dwarf thus the idea of the dwarf embryo had been discardedembryo had been discarded

The Qur’anThe Qur’anThe Qur'an is the divine guidance for The Qur'an is the divine guidance for

mankind, and it is the final divine mankind, and it is the final divine revelation of God. The Qur'an was revelation of God. The Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad revealed to Muhammad (570 - 632) (570 - 632) by the angel Gabriel over a period by the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years.of 23 years.

This manuscript, held by the Muslim Board of This manuscript, held by the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, is the earliest existent written version of the Uzbekistan, is the earliest existent written version of the

QuranQuran..  It is the definitive version, known as   It is the definitive version, known as

..  (UNESCO  (UNESCO(.(.

Embryology in the Holy Embryology in the Holy Qura’nQura’n

نوح) . () ا ار� أ�ط�و� ك�م� ل�ق� خ� د� و�ق� ا ار� و�ق� ل ل!ه ون� ج� ت�ر� ال� ل�ك�م� ا نوح) . () م! ا ار� أ�ط�و� ك�م� ل�ق� خ� د� و�ق� ا ار� و�ق� ل ل!ه ون� ج� ت�ر� ال� ل�ك�م� ا ((1414--1313م!  ““What is the matter with you, that ye are not conscious What is the matter with you, that ye are not conscious

of Allah’s majesty,- Seeing that it is He that has of Allah’s majesty,- Seeing that it is He that has created you in diverse stages"created you in diverse stages" (71: 13-14) (71: 13-14)

Testicles and SpermsTesticles and Sperms- T- The testicles, begin their development near he testicles, begin their development near

the kidney. Later they descend before birth to the kidney. Later they descend before birth to reach the scrotum through the inguinal canal.reach the scrotum through the inguinal canal.

- - Testicles form The mans fluid (semenTesticles form The mans fluid (semen ). ).

- Semen contains hundred million sperms (500-- Semen contains hundred million sperms (500-600).600).

- Sperms should gushing in order to enter - Sperms should gushing in order to enter through the vagina and uterine cervixthrough the vagina and uterine cervix

- Only one sperm fertilizes the ovum of woman.- Only one sperm fertilizes the ovum of woman.

- The sperm and not the ovum decides the sex - The sperm and not the ovum decides the sex of the embryo of the embryo

Embryology in the Holy Embryology in the Holy Qura’nQura’n

يع�ا م س� ع�ل�ن�اه� ج� ف� ن�ب�ت�ل يه اج/ م�ش�أ� ة/ ن�ط�ف� م ن� ان� اإل نس� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� يع�ا إ ن!ا م س� ع�ل�ن�اه� ج� ف� ن�ب�ت�ل يه اج/ م�ش�أ� ة/ ن�ط�ف� م ن� ان� اإل نس� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� إ ن!ا

ير� ير�ب�ص ((((ب�ص 22اإلنسان:اإلنسان: ( ( ))

““Verily We created man from a drop of a mingled fluid-Verily We created man from a drop of a mingled fluid-drop (nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave drop (nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave

him (the gifts), of hearing and sight.”him (the gifts), of hearing and sight.” (76:2). (76:2).

“ “NutfaNutfa” in Arabic means “very little water”” in Arabic means “very little water” “ “AmshajAmshaj” means “mingling ” as man’s water mingles ” means “mingling ” as man’s water mingles

with that of the woman with that of the woman ””

د�ى ) ))) س� ك� ي�ت�ر� أ�ن ان� اإل� نس� ب� �ي�ح�س� د�ى أ س� ك� ي�ت�ر� أ�ن ان� اإل� نس� ب� �ي�ح�س� ن�ى ، ، أ ي�م� Aن ي م! مCن ة� ن�ط�ف� ي�ك� �ل�م� ن�ى أ ي�م� Aن ي م! مCن ة� ن�ط�ف� ي�ك� �ل�م� أ ) ) (( 3737--3636القيامة القيامة

Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled (without purpose)? Was he not once a fluid-drop of (without purpose)? Was he not once a fluid-drop of

ejected semen?ejected semen? (75:37-37). (75:37-37).

ط ين/) م ن ان اإل� نس� ل�ق� خ� ب�د�أ� و� ه� ل�ق� خ� ء/ ي� ش� ك�ل! ن� أ�ح�س� ط ين/) ال!ذ ي م ن ان اإل� نس� ل�ق� خ� ب�د�أ� و� ه� ل�ق� خ� ء/ ي� ش� ك�ل! ن� أ�ح�س� ع�ل� . . ال!ذ ي ج� ع�ل� ث�م! ج� ث�م!السجدة ( ) : ين/ م!ه م!اء مCن ل�ة/ ال� س� م ن ل�ه� السجدة ( ) :ن�س� ين/ م!ه م!اء مCن ل�ة/ ال� س� م ن ل�ه� ..((88--77ن�س�

  ““He It is Who created all things in the best way andHe It is Who created all things in the best way and

began the creation of man from clay, and made his began the creation of man from clay, and made his progeny from an extract of despised fluid (Sulalah) ”progeny from an extract of despised fluid (Sulalah) ”

(32: 7-8)(32: 7-8)  

( ( . د�اف ق/ اء م! م ن ل ق� خ� ل ق� خ� م م� ان� اإل� نس� ل�ي�نظ�ر . ف� د�اف ق/ اء م! م ن ل ق� خ� ل ق� خ� م م� ان� اإل� نس� ل�ي�نظ�ر الطارق الطارق ) () (ف�55--66 ))

““So, let man consider of what he was created . So, let man consider of what he was created . He was created of gushing water ” He was created of gushing water ” (86: 5-6) (86: 5-6)

Formation of testes and ovariesFormation of testes and ovaries

Testicles and ovaries are created from cells Testicles and ovaries are created from cells underneath the kidneys at the back and then underneath the kidneys at the back and then go down to the lower abdomen at the last go down to the lower abdomen at the last weeks of pregnancyweeks of pregnancy

Week 5 EmbryoWeek 5 EmbryoThe genital ridges have begun to form adjacent to the The genital ridges have begun to form adjacent to the

developing kidneys. The two ridges, also known as developing kidneys. The two ridges, also known as gonads, will turn into either testes or ovaries. At this gonads, will turn into either testes or ovaries. At this time and until the seventh week, the genital ridge is time and until the seventh week, the genital ridge is

similar in both males and females.similar in both males and females.

Week 6Week 6Primitive germ cells, which will later become either Primitive germ cells, which will later become either

sperm or eggs cells, migrate from the embryo's yolk sac sperm or eggs cells, migrate from the embryo's yolk sac to the genital ridge. Here, they are incorporated into to the genital ridge. Here, they are incorporated into

the primary sex cords. The primary sex cords are the primary sex cords. The primary sex cords are fingerlike projections that have formed over the fingerlike projections that have formed over the

previous week.previous week.

Formation of testes and ovariesFormation of testes and ovaries ( (/اء د�اف ق ل ق� م ن م! ل ق�. خ� ان� م م� خ� ل�ي�نظ�ر اإل� نس� اء د�اف ق/ف� ل ق� م ن م! ل ق�. خ� ان� م م� خ� ل�ي�نظ�ر اإل� نس� . .ف�

( )77--55الطارق( ) الطارق))

““So, let man consider of what he was created . He was So, let man consider of what he was created . He was created of gushing water Proceeding from between created of gushing water Proceeding from between the back bone and the ribs ” the back bone and the ribs ” (86: 5-6)(86: 5-6)

ذريتهم ) ) ظهورهم من آدم بني من ربك أخذ ذريتهم وإذ ظهورهم من آدم بني من ربك أخذ ) () ( وإذ 172172األعراف األعراف ))

““And remember when your Lord brought forth from the And remember when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their seeds…”children of Adam, from their loins, their seeds…” (7: (7: 172).172).

The sperm determines the sex The sperm determines the sex of embryoof embryo

The sperm contains 23 chromosomes. One of them is The sperm contains 23 chromosomes. One of them is the sex chromosome which is either (Y) or (X), while the sex chromosome which is either (Y) or (X), while the chromosome in the ovum is always (X).the chromosome in the ovum is always (X).

The sex of the embryo is determined by the sperm The sex of the embryo is determined by the sperm (the male), rather than the ovum (the female). When (the male), rather than the ovum (the female). When a sperm carries chromosome type (Y) mingles with an a sperm carries chromosome type (Y) mingles with an ovum (X), the formed zygote will be male (XY), ovum (X), the formed zygote will be male (XY), whereas the embryo will be female (XX) if the sperm whereas the embryo will be female (XX) if the sperm (X) mingles with an (X) ovum(X) mingles with an (X) ovum. . 

Sex chromososesSex chromososes

) ت�م�ن�ى) . إ ذ�ا ة/ ن]ط�ف� من �نث�ى و�األ� الذ!ك�ر� ي�ن و�ج� الز! ل�ق� خ� �ن!ه� أ (و� ت�م�ن�ى) . إ ذ�ا ة/ ن]ط�ف� من �نث�ى و�األ� الذ!ك�ر� ي�ن و�ج� الز! ل�ق� خ� �ن!ه� أ ( ( و� ( (4646--4545النجم النجم

““That He created the pairs, male and female, That He created the pairs, male and female, from a fluid-drop sperm as it is emitted.”from a fluid-drop sperm as it is emitted.” (53: (53:

45-46)45-46) , ,

Clinging of embryo in the Clinging of embryo in the uterusuterus

This starts on the 15th day and This starts on the 15th day and ends on the 23rd or 24th day, the ends on the 23rd or 24th day, the embryo looks like a leech. Blood embryo looks like a leech. Blood is formed in the vessels at the is formed in the vessels at the shape of closed islands, having shape of closed islands, having the image of clotted blood.the image of clotted blood.

Four cell embryoFour cell embryo Two cell embryo Two cell embryo

Fertilized ovumFertilized ovum

The zygote divides quickly without a change in size and The zygote divides quickly without a change in size and move from the Fallopian Tube (connecting the ovary move from the Fallopian Tube (connecting the ovary

and the uterus) towards the uterus, where it is and the uterus) towards the uterus, where it is

implanted.implanted.

Qura’nic description of Qura’nic description of this stagethis stage

( ) المؤمنون) سورة ة� ع�ل�ق� ة� الن]ط�ف� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� ( ) ث�م! المؤمنون) سورة ة� ع�ل�ق� ة� الن]ط�ف� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� ((1414ث�م!

““then of that  fluid-drop (nutfa) We created a then of that  fluid-drop (nutfa) We created a  leech-like clot" (23:14) . leech-like clot" (23:14) .

  AlaqaAlaqa, in Arabic, has several meanings:, in Arabic, has several meanings: 1- A leech that lives in ponds and sucks the blood of 1- A leech that lives in ponds and sucks the blood of

other creatures. other creatures.

2-  A thing attached or clings to something else. 2-  A thing attached or clings to something else.

3- Clotted or coagulated blood.3- Clotted or coagulated blood.    

Fig 1: leech like embrryo Fig 2: embryo clinging to uterus Fig 1: leech like embrryo Fig 2: embryo clinging to uterus Fig 3: Islands of blood Fig 3: Islands of blood vessels vessels

The leech as it appears on the uterine surfaceThe leech as it appears on the uterine surface

Mudgha StageMudgha StageScientifically the embryo is transformed from the stage Scientifically the embryo is transformed from the stage of of alaqaalaqa to the stage of to the stage of mudghamudgha on the 24th day to the on the 24th day to the 26th day.26th day.

(( غ�ة� م�ض� ة� ال�ع�ل�ق� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� غ�ة� ف� م�ض� ة� ال�ع�ل�ق� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� ) () (ف� 1414المؤمنون: المؤمنون: ))““then We changed the Alaqa (leech-like clot) into a then We changed the Alaqa (leech-like clot) into a

Mudgha (chewed-like lump) ” Mudgha (chewed-like lump) ” (23: 14). (23: 14). 

Five weeks human embryo which looks like a piece of a chewed gumFive weeks human embryo which looks like a piece of a chewed gum

Stage of bonesStage of bonesA cartilaginous skeleton starts to spread in the body. A cartilaginous skeleton starts to spread in the body. Transformation from the Transformation from the mudghamudgha form  to the beginning of the form  to the beginning of the skeleton form occurs in a very short period of time at the end skeleton form occurs in a very short period of time at the end

of the 6th week and the beginning of the 7th week.of the 6th week and the beginning of the 7th week.

Muscle stageMuscle stageThis stage, which starts at the end of the 7th week and ends at This stage, which starts at the end of the 7th week and ends at

the end of the 8th weekthe end of the 8th week

Until very recently, embryologists assumed that the Until very recently, embryologists assumed that the bones and muscles in an embryo develope at the same bones and muscles in an embryo develope at the same time. Yet, advanced microscopic research has revealed time. Yet, advanced microscopic research has revealed that first, the cartilage tissue of the embryo ossifies. that first, the cartilage tissue of the embryo ossifies. Then muscular cells that are selected from amongst Then muscular cells that are selected from amongst the tissue around the  bones come together and wrap the tissue around the  bones come together and wrap

around the bones around the bones 

Embryo stage and Foetus Embryo stage and Foetus stagestage

Scientific facts:Scientific facts: - - By the end of the 8th week, a new stage By the end of the 8th week, a new stage

starts.  The rate of developing accelerates starts.  The rate of developing accelerates compared with the previous one. compared with the previous one. 

- Between the 9th and 12th week, the embryo - Between the 9th and 12th week, the embryo starts to transform into another creature, starts to transform into another creature, as the sizes of head, body and limbs start to as the sizes of head, body and limbs start to be balanced and regular.be balanced and regular.

- By the 16- By the 16thth week , it becomes a Foetus. week , it becomes a Foetus.

ا)  م� ل�ح� ال�ع ظ�ام� ن�ا و� ك�س� ا)  ف� م� ل�ح� ال�ع ظ�ام� ن�ا و� ك�س� ر� ث�م! ث�م! ف� آخ� ا ل�ق� خ� �ن�اه� أ ر� أ�نش� آخ� ا ل�ق� خ� �ن�اه� أ أ�نش�ين� ال ق ال�خ� ن� أ�ح�س� الل!ه� ك� ت�ب�ار� ين� ف� ال ق ال�خ� ن� أ�ح�س� الل!ه� ك� ت�ب�ار� : ( (ف� : المؤمنون) ((1414المؤمنون)

““And clothed the bones with flesh; then And clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it We developed out of it another another creaturecreature. So blessed be Allah, the best . So blessed be Allah, the best to create.” (23: 14) to create.” (23: 14)

Embryonic stageEmbryonic stageTheThe image of embryo does not look like humansimage of embryo does not look like humans

Foetus stageFoetus stage(( another creature’ ) 16th week ( 112 days) another creature’ ) 16th week ( 112 days)   Eyebrows, eyelashes and fine hair appear. The foetus can grasp Eyebrows, eyelashes and fine hair appear. The foetus can grasp with his hands, kick, or even somersault. here the unborn baby is with his hands, kick, or even somersault. here the unborn baby is sucking his thumbsucking his thumb

Sense of hearing and sightSense of hearing and sight

The sense of hearing develops after The sense of hearing develops after 24 weeks . 24 weeks . The The fetus can respond to sound from both inside and fetus can respond to sound from both inside and outside the uterusoutside the uterus

The sense of sight develops later after The sense of sight develops later after 26 weeks. :26 weeks. :The The eyes of the eyes of the embryoembryo become partially open and can become partially open and can perceive light.perceive light.

ا " " ير� ب�ص يع�ا م س� ع�ل�ن�اه� ج� ف� ن!ب�ت�ل يه اج/ م�ش�أ� ة/ ن]ط�ف� م ن ان� اإل� نس� ن�ا ل�ق� خ� ا إ ن!ا ير� ب�ص يع�ا م س� ع�ل�ن�اه� ج� ف� ن!ب�ت�ل يه اج/ م�ش�أ� ة/ ن]ط�ف� م ن ان� اإل� نس� ن�ا ل�ق� خ�   "   " إ ن!ا

((22اإلنسان) اإلنسان)

““Verily We created man from a drop of a mingled fluid-Verily We created man from a drop of a mingled fluid-dropdrop ( (nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave nutfa amshaj), in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts), of hearing and sight “ him (the gifts), of hearing and sight “ ))76:276:2 ( (

24 WEEKS EMBRYO24 WEEKS EMBRYO:The :The fetus can respond to fetus can respond to sound from both inside sound from both inside and outside the uterusand outside the uterus

26 WEEKS EMBRYO26 WEEKS EMBRYO : :The The eyes are partially open and eyes are partially open and can perceive light.can perceive light.

Protection of the embryo Protection of the embryo and Foetusand Foetus

) ث/) ث�ال� ظ�ل�م�ات/ ف ي ل�ق/ خ� ب�ع�د م ن ا ل�ق� خ� ات ك�م� ه� م!أ� ب�ط�ون ف ي ك�م� ل�ق� ( ي�خ� ث/) ث�ال� ظ�ل�م�ات/ ف ي ل�ق/ خ� ب�ع�د م ن ا ل�ق� خ� ات ك�م� ه� م!أ� ب�ط�ون ف ي ك�م� ل�ق� ي�خ�

( (66الزمر)الزمر)

““He creates you in the wombs of your mothers in He creates you in the wombs of your mothers in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness.”stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness.” (39:6). (39:6).

1-  The amnion membrane which contains a 1-  The amnion membrane which contains a fluid encompassing the foetus.fluid encompassing the foetus.

2-  The chorion membrane. 2-  The chorion membrane.

3-  The decidua membrane.3-  The decidua membrane.

The three veils of darkness may also be The three veils of darkness may also be interpretted as:interpretted as:

1- membranes1- membranes

2- uterus waa2- uterus waa

3- abadomen wall3- abadomen wall

This is comprised of 4 stages:This is comprised of 4 stages:    1-     Stage of dilatation of cervix and contraction of 1-     Stage of dilatation of cervix and contraction of

uterus muscle. This stage takes about 7-12 hours uterus muscle. This stage takes about 7-12 hours 2-     Stage of delivering the foetus.  This stage takes 2-     Stage of delivering the foetus.  This stage takes

about 30-50 minutes, and starts after enough about 30-50 minutes, and starts after enough dilatation of cervix.  As a result of consequent uterus dilatation of cervix.  As a result of consequent uterus contractions, foetus head starts to emerge first.  It is contractions, foetus head starts to emerge first.  It is striking that the diameter of foetus head may exceed striking that the diameter of foetus head may exceed 12 cm., i.e., normally triple the diameter of vaginal 12 cm., i.e., normally triple the diameter of vaginal canal.  canal. 

3-     Stage of placenta emergence and the formation of 3-     Stage of placenta emergence and the formation of blood clot behind the placenta.  This stage lasts blood clot behind the placenta.  This stage lasts about 15 minutes. about 15 minutes.

4-     Stage of uterus contraction.  This is to alleviate 4-     Stage of uterus contraction.  This is to alleviate the bleeding after delivery process, and continues for the bleeding after delivery process, and continues for about two hours. about two hours.

Labour, and Labour, and deliverydelivery

(( ه� ر� �س� ي �يل� ب الس� �م� ه� ث ر� �س� ي �يل� ب الس� �م� ) () (ث 2020عبس: عبس: ))

  ““Then He makes his path smooth Then He makes his path smooth for him.” for him.” (80: 20).(80: 20).  

ConclusionConclusion it is evident that these Quranic verses give an it is evident that these Quranic verses give an

accurate description of the main stages the embryo accurate description of the main stages the embryo encounters during creation and formation until encounters during creation and formation until delivery. delivery.

It is noticed that these changes coincide with the It is noticed that these changes coincide with the remarks of modern embryology, and truly expresses remarks of modern embryology, and truly expresses the external phenomena of changes that result from the external phenomena of changes that result from

the internal changes.the internal changes. This proves the miraculous nature of the Quran, This proves the miraculous nature of the Quran,

which cannot be revealed except from the Almighty which cannot be revealed except from the Almighty

AllahAllah

يتبين) حتى أنفسهم في و اآلفاق في آياتنا يتبين) سنريهم حتى أنفسهم في و اآلفاق في آياتنا سنريهمفصلت ( ) الحق أنه فصلت ( ) لهم الحق أنه ((5353لهم

““Soon will We show them our signs in Soon will We show them our signs in the furthest horizons, and in their the furthest horizons, and in their selves, until it becomes manifest to selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth” them that this is the Truth” (41: 53). (41: 53).

Thank you for your attention and may Thank you for your attention and may Allah guide us to what pleases HimAllah guide us to what pleases Him

العالمين رب لله الحمد أن دعوانا آخر العالمين و رب لله الحمد أن دعوانا آخر و

       9th century quran       

11th Century North African Qur'an in the

British Museum