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Embryology in Islamic Scripture: Difference between revisions
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This article analyzes what the [[Islam and Scripture|Islamic texts]] have to say regarding [[embryology]]. | This article analyzes what the [[Islam and Scripture|Islamic texts]] have to say regarding [[embryology]], particularly with regard to a famous hadith on the sequence and timing of the main Quranic stages. For a full discussion of Quranic embryology, see [[Embryology in the Quran]]. | ||
==The Qur'an and Sahih Hadith== | ==The Qur'an and Sahih Hadith== | ||
“Islamic embryology” is derived from both the [[ | “Islamic embryology” is derived from both the [[Quran]] and the [[hadith]], and is quite consistent across all the contributing sources. The core of the story can be found in the Qur’an, 22:5. | ||
{{Quote|{{Quran|22|5}}|'''Yusuf Ali:''' “O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (our power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes…” | {{Quote|{{Quran|22|5}}|'''Yusuf Ali:''' “O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (our power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes…” | ||
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===Description of Islamic Phases=== | ===Description of Islamic Phases=== | ||
{{Main|Embryology in the Quran}} | |||
The three Islamic phases of development are described in a very visual way, allowing for an informed evaluation of the accuracy of those descriptions. Considering that at Muhammad's time, only objects of such a scale that would be visible to the unaided could be imagined, this is perhaps unsurprising. | The three Islamic phases of development are described in a very visual way, allowing for an informed evaluation of the accuracy of those descriptions. Considering that at Muhammad's time, only objects of such a scale that would be visible to the unaided could be imagined, this is perhaps unsurprising. | ||
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By day 40 of actual embryonic development (when the “drop” stage should be just ending and the “clot” stage beginning) the embryo is actually very well advanced. Measuring some 11 millimeters long, and the nervous system is well along its development. The embryo has eyes and ears, all four limbs have begun to form, the heart bulge is prominent. It bears no resemblance at this point to either a “drop of seed” or a “leech-like clot.” | By day 40 of actual embryonic development (when the “drop” stage should be just ending and the “clot” stage beginning) the embryo is actually very well advanced. Measuring some 11 millimeters long, and the nervous system is well along its development. The embryo has eyes and ears, all four limbs have begun to form, the heart bulge is prominent. It bears no resemblance at this point to either a “drop of seed” or a “leech-like clot.” | ||
====The | ====The Blood-Clot” Phase (Alaqah)==== | ||
The word “alaqah” is a bit more ambiguous than “nutfah,” and so has been translated a bit more flexibly by [[apologists]]. Although consistently translated as a “clot of blood” by multiple translators, there are a handful of instances where it | The word “alaqah” is a bit more ambiguous than “nutfah,” and so has been translated a bit more flexibly by [[apologists]]. Although consistently translated as a “clot of blood” by multiple translators and interpreted as such in all classical tafsirs, there are a handful of instances where translators have rendered it as “a leech-like clot.” This is the phase that (according to Bukhari and Muslim) should last from about day 41 to day 80 after conception. | ||
Among the many images of Allah’s creative power reflected in the Qu’ran and the hadith, the image of man having been created from a clot of blood is one of the most common, showing up over a dozen times in the Qu’ran, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim alone. | Among the many images of Allah’s creative power reflected in the Qu’ran and the hadith, the image of man having been created from a clot of blood is one of the most common, showing up over a dozen times in the Qu’ran, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim alone. | ||
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The period of development covered by the “alaqah” stage includes from week six until week eleven after conception. The first two weeks of this “phase” actually encompass the final two weeks of embryonic development, for at that point the baby is essentially completely formed, and from here on out is known as a fetus. | The period of development covered by the “alaqah” stage includes from week six until week eleven after conception. The first two weeks of this “phase” actually encompass the final two weeks of embryonic development, for at that point the baby is essentially completely formed, and from here on out is known as a fetus. | ||
Interestingly, at no time during this period (or any period for that matter) | Interestingly, at no time during this period (or any period for that matter) is the embryo or fetus a “blood clot.” nor resemble one. And while dependence of the placenta might be described as being vaguely “leech-like” in that it is attached to the uterine wall, no one would ever confuse the embryo or fetus with a leech. | ||
This is as good a point as any to point out that embryonic development is essentially over by day 56, or in less than one half of the time described by Islamic embryology. | This is as good a point as any to point out that embryonic development is essentially over by day 56, or in less than one half of the time described by Islamic embryology. | ||
For over three weeks of the supposed “alaqah” phase | For over three weeks of the supposed “alaqah” phase the fetus is actually a fully formed human being, ranging in size from 35 mm to about 80 mm in length. | ||
====The “Lump of Flesh” Phase (Mudghah)==== | ====The “Lump of Flesh” Phase (Mudghah)==== | ||
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==The interpretations of Dr. Keith Moore== | ==The interpretations of Dr. Keith Moore== | ||
{{Main|Keith L. Moore}} | |||
In articles published widely across Islamic websites, [[Dr. Keith Moore|Keith L. Moore]] goes on the record to provide a favorable assessment of the Qur’an and hadith in the light of modern knowledge about embryology. But a review of his “analysis” shows the incredibly liberal interpretation he has to use for both the Islamic scriptures and modern science in order to arrive at an interpretation that allows the known facts of embryology and the Islamic scriptures to be in harmony: | In articles published widely across Islamic websites, [[Dr. Keith Moore|Keith L. Moore]] goes on the record to provide a favorable assessment of the Qur’an and hadith in the light of modern knowledge about embryology. But a review of his “analysis” shows the incredibly liberal interpretation he has to use for both the Islamic scriptures and modern science in order to arrive at an interpretation that allows the known facts of embryology and the Islamic scriptures to be in harmony: | ||