Quranic Description of Human Creation and Its Correlation with Embryology and Immunological Protection

Abstract

The Holy Quran and Hadith give a clear record of how human beings were created until their full development; there was limited scientific knowledge on embryology during this time. This paper discusses the relationship of the Quranic accounts on embryonic development with the current scientific discoveries in embryology and fetal immunology. The Quranic verses and prophetic stories describe the progressive stages of human development, which start with the formation of clay and mixed fluids (sperm and ovum), implantation in a secure uterine environment, early embryonic stages as alaqah (clinging clot) and mudghah (chewed-like lump), osteogenesis and myogenesis and the subsequent infusion of the soul after 120 days. In the modern science, these stages are proven by fertilization, implantation, organogenesis and fetal maturation, and through immunological research, the protective actions of the placenta and maternal immune system in protecting the developing fetus. It has been shown that there is astonishing agreement between the Quranic narrations and the modern knowledge focusing on the physical and the spiritual aspect of human creation. Moreover, the study states the possibility of interdisciplinary studies on the boundaries of theology, developmental biology, immunology, and showing the specific and multidimensional concept of the Quran of human development that can be identified in the modern scientific language.