not accurately preserved, in which case there is no contradiction. There is no doubt that its wordings were not recorded precisely, as shown by the differences already mentioned. This is acknowledged by the wording that places the giving of form before the determination of lifespan, deeds, wretchedness and blessedness. At most, this wording implies that the embryo may take shape during the second forty-day period, before entering the third. This does not contradict the authentic hadith, nor do we know it to be false.

Indeed, women have reported that the embryo takes shape after forty days, and that the male takes shape before the female. This is to be given precedence over the statement of those jurists who say that the embryo cannot take shape in fewer than eighty-one days. They based this solely on the assumption that it takes shape only once it has become a lump of flesh, and that it does not become a lump of flesh until after eighty days. Yet it may take shape before that, as some women have reported; even the clot itself may be given form.

Allah knows best. May Allah send blessings and peace upon Muhammad, his family and his Companions.