Embryology in the Qur’an

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Hamza Andreas Tzortzis from the Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA) has completed the long awaited research paper on Embryology in the Qur’an.

This study is an analysis of chapter 23 verses 12 to 14 of the Qur’an in light of modern embryology. This paper will provide a linguistic breakdown of the relevant verses and correlate these linguistic items to established facts in the field of embryology. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of this study, an overview of quranic exegesis will be provided to appreciate how the Qur’an is made accessible and intelligible to the reader. This study will also address various contentions, which attempt to challenge the credibility of the quranic discourse and its concurrence with modern embryology. Among these responses will be a refutation of the ancient Greek (Hellenic) plagiarism thesis. This thesis maintains that Hellenic embryology was the source of the Qur’an’s, and by extension, the Prophet Muhammad’s, medical knowledge.

To read/download the paper please access the following link: Embryology in the Qur’an.

What is new in version 2.1?

This updated analysis includes responses to a wide range of popular and academic contentions, for example it clarifies the role of the yolk sac (also known as the umbilical vesicle). This explains whether the Qur’an is inaccurate in its description of the embryo being leech or worm-like. This update includes a discussion on scientism – the view that all truths must be proven scientifically – and presents a balanced Islamic scholarly view on the relationship between science and revelation. This analysis also undermines the accusation that the Prophet Muhammad borrowed medical knowledge from the Talmud.

A major update to this paper is a comprehensive response to the contention that the Qur’an plagiarised or borrowed ancient Greek (Hellenic) embryology. For the first time in 20 years – since this contention came about – a thorough refutation has been made available. The author had to access the original ancient Greek texts and compare them to quranic terms. This significant update includes answers to the following questions:

• Did the Prophet learn Hellenic medicine from someone who studied Greek medicine?
• Could the Prophet have acquired knowledge of Hellenic embryology via written works?
• Could the Prophet have gained knowledge via the 6th Century Syriac and Latin Translations?
• Was the Prophet influenced by popular medical practice with a supposedly Hellenic flavour?
• Did the Prophet acquire Hellenic embryology from 7th century Arabian common knowledge?
• Are Hellenic and quranic views on embryology similar?
• Are there any differences between Aristotle, Galen and the Qur’an?
• Do early Greek translations of the Qur’an provide evidence of plagiarism or borrowing?

In chapter 23 verses 12 to 14 the Qur’an provides eight meaningful points describing the process of the developing human embryo:

We created man from an essence of clay, then We placed him as a drop of fluid in a safe place. Then We made that drop of fluid into a clinging form, and then We made that form into a lump of flesh, and We made that lump into bones, and We clothed those bones with flesh, and later We made him into other forms. Glory be to God the best of creators.

Watch the video

For a video presentation of this research please watch: Science and Revelation: Embryology in the Qur’an.

Responding to Contentions

This paper will be continually updated to reflect any valid criticism and contentions. Until the next update, you will find the answers to these contentions below. For answers to contentions please email research[at]hamzatzortzis.com.