the early generations and most rational people—that bodies change from one state to another—he attributes it only to philosophers and physicians. This view—that Allah creates the bodies whose coming into being we observe by changing and transforming them from one body into another—is held by the early generations, all the jurists, and the majority. Hence the jurists discuss whether an impure substance becomes pure through transformation, as when excrement turns into ash, or a pig or something else turns into salt, and similar cases.

Allah transforms the semen in the womb into a clinging clot, then into a lump of flesh. Likewise, fruit is created by transforming the material He brings forth from the tree—its moisture—together with air, the water that falls upon it, and other materials that He turns into fruit by His will and power. Likewise, He splits the seed, and the materials He creates from it turn into an ear of grain, a tree, or something else. This is how He—glorified and exalted be He—creates what He creates. Thus, He created Adam from clay, transforming the very substance of the clay into bone, flesh, and the other parts of the body. Likewise, He transforms the lump of flesh into bones and other bodily parts.

Allah the Exalted says:

“We certainly created man from an extract of clay.
Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a secure lodging.
Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump of flesh, and We made the lump into bones, and We clothed the bones with flesh; then We brought him into being 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.”

Likewise, He creates fire by transforming some of the kindling into fire, as the Exalted says: