Human reproduction in the Qur’an
In Islam, human reproduction receives much attention. The Qur'an follows the pattern of Judaism and Christianity of being an example of God's provision to provide for the future of mankind. The Qur'an pays special attention to the duty of a follower of Islam to be involved in human reproduction. The Qur'an mentions processes with details of stages in reproduction. Embryology is a part of human reproduction that is also studied in science. Like other topics in the Qur'an, verses on embryology can also be found in the Previous Scriptures or pagan sources from the seventh century or earlier, such as the ancient Greek medics. However, some Muslims trained in medicine have tried to come up with a creative interpretation of the original Arabic translation to sound more in line with scientific embryology. A list of Qur'anic verses on human reproduction will make clear the similarities and differences with scientific embryology.
Fertilization
The Qur'an describes the start of human reproduction with intimate contact between man and woman. There is also attention for the process where man develops in the body of the mother.
“Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.” (Qur’an 2:223)
“He has created man from a sperm-drop, and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!” (Qur’an 16:4)
“His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: "Dost thou deny Him Who created thee out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned thee into a man?” (Qur’an 18:37)
“And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a fluid despised:” (Qur’an 32:8)
“And Allah did create you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And no female conceives, or lays down (her load), but with His knowledge. Nor is a man long-lived granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from his life, but is in a Decree (ordained). All this is easy to Allah.” (Quran 35:11)
“Doth not man see that it is We Who created him from sperm? yet behold! he (stands forth) as an open adversary!” (Qur’an 36:77)
“That He did create in pairs,- male and female, From a seed when lodged (in its place);” (Qur’an 53:45-46)
“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.” (Qur’an 75:37-38)
“Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight.” (Qur’an 76:2)
“Have We not created you from a fluid (held) despicable?-” (Qur’an 77:20)
“Now let man but think from what he is created! He is created from a drop emitted - Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs.” (Qur’an 86:5-7)
“Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:” (Qur’an 96:1-2)
Stages of the human embryo
The Qur'an mentions the transformations of the embryo. The development of the embryo after fertilization is sometimes different than according to embryological science. Recent scientific knowledge about the embryo was not available at the time of Muhammad.
“Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay); Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create!” (Qur’an 23:12-14)
“It is He Who has created you from dust then from a sperm-drop, then from a leech-like clot; then does he get you out (into the light) as a child: then lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old,- though of you there are some who die before;- and lets you reach a Term appointed; in order that ye may learn wisdom.” (Qur’an 40:67)
“He created you (all) from a single person: then created, of like nature, his mate; and he sent down for you eight head of cattle in pairs: He makes you, in the wombs of your mothers, in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness. such is Allah, your Lord, and Cherisher: to Him belongs (all) dominion. There is no god but He: then how are ye turned away (from your true Centre)?” (Qur’an 39:6)
Human body development
The Qur'an pays attention to the full life of a body beyond genetics and also connects life on earth with life in the afterlife, well in line with other Abrahamic religions.
“O mankind! If ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly 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, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much), and (further), thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).” (Qur’an 22:5)
