ثُمَّ كَانَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقَ فَسَوَّىٰ 38
Translations
Then he was a clinging clot, and [Allāh] created [his form] and proportioned [him]
Transliteration
Thumma kana 'alaqatan fakhalaqa fasawwā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the second stage of human embryonic development, where the nutfah (sperm drop) becomes an 'alaqah (clot or leech-like substance), after which Allah creates and shapes it into proper form. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'alaqah refers to the blood clot stage lasting approximately 40 days, during which the basic structure begins to form. The phrase 'khalaqa fasawwā' (created and fashioned it) emphasizes Allah's perfect design and proportioning of human form, demonstrating divine precision in creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Qiyamah's broader discussion of the certainty of the Day of Resurrection and Allah's power over creation. It appears within a passage (75:36-40) recounting the stages of human development as evidence of Allah's creative ability and resurrection power. The surah, revealed in Mecca, uses the miracles of creation to convince the Quraysh of the reality of the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The genetic material of one of you is collected in the womb of the mother for forty days, then it becomes a clot for a similar period, then it becomes a lump for a similar period, then the angel is sent and he blows the spirit into it' (Sahih Bukhari 3208). This hadith directly parallels the stages mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites reflection on the miraculous nature of human creation as a sign of Allah's omnipotence, encouraging believers to recognize divine wisdom in their own existence and to acknowledge their dependence on the Creator, which should naturally lead to conviction in the Day of Judgment.