Last Updated 29 March 2014.
The Qur’an mentions the term ‘alaqah علقة as the second stage of human prenatal development. The word ‘alaqah according to many linguistic Arabic dictionaries has several meanings: “leech”, “coagulated blood”, “blood clot”, or “the early stage of the embryo”. In this illustrated paper, the term ‘alaqah is defined and described in detail. The general shape of the embryo is described, internal events such as the formation of blood and closed vessels are mentioned as well as the attachment of the embryo to the placenta. Until recently these details were not fully appreciated, since they referred to details in human development which were scientifically unknown in earlier times.
Download screen viewing PDF (version 1.90 27 March 2014): Embryology in the Qur’an: A description of the Alaqah stage (Screen)
Download PDF optimized for printing (version 1.90 27 March 2014): Embryology in the Qur’an: A description of the Alaqah stage (Print)
- Surely the Qur’anic ‘Alaqah (the leech-like stage) is easily observed with the naked eye?
- Prof. Keith Moore describes the alaqah or “leech” like appearance of the embryo
- Does the embryo resemble a leech in this photo?
- A Scientist’s Interpretation of References to Embryology in the Qur’an
- Embryo = Leech “Amazing Qur’an Video”