Overview (Verses 8 - 11)

The Making of Man

“Then He causes his progeny to be begotten out of the essence of a humble fluid.” (Verse 8) This is a reference to semen, the fluid that represents the first stage of the foetus, going on to become a clinging cell mass, then an embryo that soon acquires bones and organs before the foetus reaches its complete form. It is a great journey when we consider the extraordinary development that this tiny drop of humble fluid goes through until it becomes a human being with perfect shape and constitution. The gulf between the first and the final stages is great indeed. This is expressed in the Qur’ān in a single verse: “Then He fashions him and breathes into him of His spirit. Thus He endows you, mankind, with hearing and sight and hearts.” (Verse 9)

It is indeed a great miracle, but people are often heedless of it. How far removed is that tiny drop of fluid from the creature it develops into. No power could have done this other than God who directs the single cell along its way of growth and development to make such a highly complex creature.

Initially, one cell divides and multiplies. What happens then is a great diversification of cells with different natures and functions. Each multiplies so that each group of cells forms a particular organ with a specified function. This same organ incorporates parts with special functions and different natures, formed by more specialized cells. Once more, how does such division and multiplication happen, within the first single cell, producing such great diversity? Where were the characteristics and qualities that subsequently emerge in every group of specialized cells in relation to the first cell? Where were the distinctive qualities of the human foetus, rather than any other type of foetus? And where were those that distinguish every particular individual among all human foetuses? Where were those qualities that preserve all that appears later in each foetus of potentials, special functions and distinctive features for the rest of its life? Who could ever have thought that this miracle could happen, except for the fact that it did happen, and continues to happen all the time?

It is God that has made man and breathed of His spirit into him. This is the only explanation for this miraculous event. It is that breath of divine spirit that makes that biological entity a human being with hearing, sight and understanding, and which distinguishes it from all other biological entities: “Thus He endows you, mankind, with hearing and sight and hearts.” (Verse 9) Any other explanation of this miraculous event that fills us with wonder is inadequate. Despite all this, people are often ungrateful: “Yet seldom are you grateful!” (Verse 9)

In the light of this first miraculous creation of man and its miraculous progress, the sūrah refers to the unbelievers’ objections and doubts about resurrection. These now sound extremely singular: “They say: ‘What! After we have vanished into the earth, shall we be [restored to life] in a new act of creation?’ Nay, they indeed deny that they will be meeting their Lord.” (Verse 10)

They cannot imagine that God will create them anew after they have died and become part of the earth. What is strange about this when compared to the first creation? God started man’s creation from clay, which means that its origin goes back to the earth in which they claim their bodies will decompose and be lost. Indeed, the second creation is akin to the first one, with nothing strange about it. Yet the fact is that “they indeed deny that they will be meeting their Lord.” (Verse 10) It is such denial that makes them entertain doubts and objections to something true and clear. After all, something akin to it occurs at every moment. Therefore, their objections are answered with a statement making clear that they will die and be resurrected. The practical proof of the first creation is more than enough: “Say: The angel of death who has been given charge of you will gather you, and then to your Lord you will be brought back.” (Verse 11) This is given as a confirmed piece of news. Who though is the angel of death? How does he gather people’s souls? This is something that belongs to the realm beyond our perception, which is known to God alone. From Him we receive only accurate information. We can add nothing to what we receive from this source.