(12–16) “We indeed created the human being from an extract of clay * then placed him as a sperm-drop in a secure resting place * then We developed the sperm-drop into a clot, then developed the clot into a lump of flesh, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then brought him forth as another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators * then, after that, you will surely die * then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will surely be raised.”
In these verses, Allah mentions the stages and transitions through which the human being passes, from the beginning of his creation to his ultimate end. He first mentions the creation of Adam, peace be upon him, the father of humankind: “from an extract of clay”—that is, it was extracted and taken from every part of the earth. His descendants therefore vary as the earth does: some are good and some corrupt, with others between them; some are easygoing and some difficult, with others between them.
“Then We placed him”—that is, humankind—“as a sperm-drop” issuing from between the backbone and the ribs, which then settles “in a secure resting place,” namely the womb, where it is protected from corruption, air, and other things.
“Then We developed the sperm-drop” that had settled there “into a clot”—that is, red blood—⦗549⦘ after it had spent forty days as a sperm-drop. “Then We developed the clot,” after another forty days, “into a lump of flesh”—that is, a small piece of flesh, so small that it is about the size of a morsel one chews.
“Then We developed the lump” of soft flesh “into bones” that were hard and interspersed throughout the flesh according to the body’s needs. “Then We clothed the bones with flesh”—that is, We made the flesh a covering for the bones, just as We made the bones a supporting framework for the flesh. This occurred during the third forty-day period. “Then We brought him forth as another creation”: the spirit was breathed into him, and he passed from being inanimate to becoming a living being.
“So blessed is Allah”—that is, exalted and great is He, and abundant is His goodness—“the best of creators,” “who perfected everything He created. He began the creation of the human being from clay, then made his descendants from an extract of a humble fluid, then fashioned him and breathed into him of His spirit, and gave you hearing, sight, and hearts. Yet little thanks you give.” Everything He creates is excellent, and the human being is among the finest of His creations; indeed, he is the finest of them all, as Allah Most High says, “We have certainly created the human being in the finest form.” For this reason, the elect among human beings are the best and most perfect of all created beings.
“Then, after that”—after this creation and the breathing of the spirit into you—“you will surely die” during one of the stages and transitions through which you pass. “Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will surely be raised,” and you will be recompensed for your deeds, both good and evil. Allah Most High says, “Does the human being think that he will be left without purpose? Was he not a drop of emitted semen? Then he became a clot, whereupon He created and fashioned him, and made from him the two sexes, male and female. Is He not able to give life to the dead?”