خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ فَإِذَا هُوَ خَصِيمٌ مُّبِينٌ 4
Translations
He created man from a sperm-drop; then at once he is a clear adversary.
Transliteration
Khalaqa al-insana min nutfatin fa-iza huwa khaseemun mubeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah created humanity from a humble beginning—a drop of fluid (nutfah)—yet despite this insignificant origin, man becomes a manifest disputer and arguer, often quarrelsome and contentious. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize the contrast between man's weak creation and his audacious nature, particularly in disputing the signs of Allah and engaging in futile argumentation. This ayah highlights human ingratitude and the tendency to argue without knowledge, as seen in the broader context of Surah An-Nahl which refutes idolaters' claims.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nahl, a Meccan chapter that addresses the Meccan disbelievers' rejection of Allah's signs and their obstinate argumentation against the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The surah frequently contrasts Allah's blessings with mankind's ingratitude and disputatiousness, making this ayah thematic rather than revelational-event specific.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most hated person to Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome' (Sahih Bukhari 2457). Additionally, Quran 22:3 describes those who argue about Allah without knowledge, directly paralleling this ayah's theme of baseless disputation.
Themes
Key Lesson
Despite humanity's humble biological origins, we are prone to arrogance and baseless argumentation; this should inspire humility and encourage us to avoid needless disputes, especially regarding matters of faith, and to recognize our dependence on divine guidance rather than relying on our own unreliable reasoning.