Humans, as mentioned in the Holy Qur'an:
Definition: A human is member of the species of Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens are identified for purpose of classification as an animal with a back bone, segmented spinal cord, suckles its young, gestates its young with the aid of placenta, equipped with five digit extremities, a collarbone, and a single pair of mammary glands on the chest. In addition they are characterized to have two eyes at the front of the head, stereoscopic vision and proportionately large brain.
Made Of Water:Modern science has established that living things are made up of large quantities of water. The basic substance of a cell is cytoplasm, which contains 80% water. Moreover, modern science has established that most organisms consist of 50%-90% of water. This scientific fact is expressed clearly in the Qur'an. Allah (SWT) tells us,
"Are the disbelievers unaware that the heavens and the earth were but one solid mass which We tore asunder, and that We made every living thing from water? Will they not have faith?" (Surah 21:30 )
"Allah has created every moving (living) creature from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, and some that walk on two legs, and some that walk of four. Allah creates what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things." (Surah An-Nur. 24:45)
"And it is He Who has created man from water, and has appointed for him kindred by blood, and kindred by marriage. And your Lord is Ever All-Powerful to do what He Wills." (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:54)
The Stages of an Embryo:There are many references in the Qur'an pertaining to the stages of embryological development. When were the discoveries of embryology made? We know that the Ancient Greeks were concerned with the study of embryology and many even attempted to describe the developments that take place in the fetus. However, the stages of the embryo were not known until the mid-nineteenth century and the stages were not proven until the beginning of the twentieth century.
Qur'an and the Embryo:
"What is the matter with you, that you are not conscious of Allah's Majesty? Seeing that it is He who created you in diverse stages." ( Surah 71:13-14)
"Proclaim! In the name of the Lord and Cherisher. Who created - created man, out of a clot of congealed blood." (Surah 96:1-2)
This verse refers to the embryo, which is described as 'congealed blood.' The translation into English could also mean 'leech.' Although the embryo does not suck blood, it's physical shape is very similar to the leech.
The Position of the Embryo:
Modern science proves that during the embryonic stages the reproductive organs of the male and female begin development near the kidney between the spinal column and the 11th and 12th ribs. Allah (SWT) already told us of this in the Holy Qur'an!
"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." (Surah 86:5-7)
The Womb: "We first created man from an essence of clay: then placed him, a living germ, in a secure enclosure (the womb). The germ We made a clot of blood, and the clot a limp of flesh. This We fashioned into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, thus brining forth another creation. Blessed be God, the best of creators." (Surah 23: 12-14)
To be continued (Insh'Allah-God Willing), next chapter "Development of Humans "!
