Does the Term “’Idham” in the Quran Refer to Cartilage Development in the Embryo?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
In Surat al-Mu’minun [23:14], does the term “ʿidham” (bones) include the early developmental stage when bones are still cartilage? Or does it specifically refer to a later stage in bone formation?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Yes, the word عظام ‘idham includes the early developmental stage when bones are still cartilage.
Allah (Most High) said, Then after and yet more wondrous, We created the sperm-drop an unfolding cell-mass clinging fast to the womb’s wall; Then after and for a greater wonder, created the cell-mass a morsel of tissue, then after and more so, formed the morsel to cartilage and bones, then after and yet more wondrous, clothed the bones in flesh; Then after and still more wondrous, brought him forth an entirely transformed creation. So how magnificent in blessings is Allah, the most consummate and splendid of creators! [Quran, 23:14]
Cartilage Forms First
Microscopic examination also shows that development in the womb takes place exactly in line with the description in verses. Cartilage forms first in the embryo, after which this cartilage tissue turns into bone. Subsequently, muscle cells are selected from the tissue around the bones and come together around them. As we have seen, the findings of modern embryology are in complete agreement with the stages of human development revealed in the Quran. See the link below.
Quran is Not a Scientific Book
The Quran is not a scientific book; it is the Divine Speech of Allah (Most High), providing guidance for humanity to meet its earthly needs and achieve eternal salvation. It also serves as a warning for those who transgress. Unless one pursues a general interest or scholarly specialization, it is best to focus on these essential aspects of the Quran and align one’s heart with Allah and His Messenger. Ultimately, this connection is what truly matters and embodies the essence of the guidance provided.
Related
- Cartilage, Bone Ossification
- Were We Created From the Coccyx Bone?
- The Structure of Cartilage Noted in the Quran
- Shaykh Jamir Meah on Science and the Qur’an – SeekersGuidance
- How Can I Address My Doubts About the Quran in the Light of Science?
- The Qur’an and Scientific Findings Through Time – SeekersGuidance
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
