مِن نُّطْفَةٍ خَلَقَهُۥ فَقَدَّرَهُۥ 19
Translations
From a sperm-drop He created him and destined for him;
Transliteration
Min nutfatin khalaqahu faqaddarahu
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's creation of human beings from a small drop of fluid (nutfah) and His precise determination of their form and characteristics. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this demonstrates Allah's perfect power and wisdom in fashioning human life from the most humble and insignificant beginning, establishing complete divine control over human creation and development. The word 'qaddara' (determined/proportioned) indicates that Allah has meticulously designed every aspect of human form and capability according to His infinite knowledge and purpose.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah 'Abasa, a Meccan chapter that rebukes the Prophet ﷺ for turning away from a blind companion (Ibn Umm Maktum) while engaging with Meccan leaders. The broader context emphasizes human insignificance before Allah and serves as a reminder of Allah's absolute power over creation, contrasting human weakness with divine majesty.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Each of you is created in the womb of his mother for forty days as a nutfah (drop), then as an alaqah (clot), then as a mudghah (lump of flesh)...' (Sahih Bukhari 3208). Also relevant: 'The most perfect of believers in faith are those who have the best character' (Tirmidhi), relating to how Allah has determined human disposition.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us profound humility by reminding us that we originate from the most humble beginning—a mere drop—yet Allah has fashioned us with perfect wisdom and proportion. It should inspire gratitude for Allah's meticulous care in our creation and encourage us to recognize our ultimate dependence on Him.