Qur'an 71:17 (Sūrat Nūḥ): "And God germinated you from the earth like plants."

A metaphorical statement linking human genesis to botanical growth, implying a process of nurturing and development from fundamental elements.

Qur'an 96:1-2 (Sūrat al-ʿAlaq): "Read in the Name of your Lord who created; created man from a clinging/suspended mass ($ʿalaqah$)."

One of the earliest revealed verses, highlighting the $ʿalaqah$ stage as a pivotal point in human creation.

Qur'an 80:19 (Sūrat ʿAbasa): "From a semen drop He created him, and enabled him."

Qur'an 32:8 (Sūrat al-Sajdah) & 77:20 (Sūrat al-Mursalāt): Refer to the creation of man "from vile water."

The Qur'an frequently posits humanity's ultimate origin from fundamental earth substances, establishing a link to the creation of Adam.
- Clay ($ṭīn$): (Q 23:12) Emphasizes malleability and formative potential.
- Dust ($turāb$): (Q 22:5) Signifies humility and the elemental nature of human beginnings.
- Extract of Clay ($sulālatin\ min\ ṭīnin$): (Q 23:12) Suggests a refined essence or distillation from clay.
This initial stage connects the individual's creation to the primordial creation of humankind, reinforcing the theme of resurrection.

Definition: Linguistically, $nutfah$ denotes a small quantity of water or a drop. In Qur'anic context, it signifies the seminal fluid.
Placement: Described as being placed "in a firm lodging" (Q 23:13) or a "secure place," referring to the maternal womb, emphasizing its protective environment.
Composition: Islamic exegetical tradition, informed by Hadith, often interprets $nutfah$ as a compound of male and female fluids, not solely male semen.

Transformation: The $nuṭfah$ develops into an $ʿalaqah$.
Meanings:
- Clinging thing: Suggests the embryo's attachment to the uterine wall.
- Coagulated blood: Implies a blood-like clot or mass.
- Leech-like: Refers to its appearance or its blood-sucking nature, drawing nourishment.
This stage marks a significant morphological change from a fluid state to a more defined, adherent entity.

Development: The $ʿalaqah$ transforms into a $muḍghah$.
Meaning: A small piece of flesh, often described as "chewed-like" due to its irregular appearance.
Dual State: Qur'an 22:5 specifies $muḍghah$ as being "formed ($mukhallaqah$)" and "unformed ($ghayr\ mukhallaqah$)."
- $Mukhallaqah$: Indicates a stage where distinct human features and organs have begun to differentiate and form.
- $Ghayr\ Mukhallaqah$: Refers to an undifferentiated or incompletely formed lump of flesh, or perhaps an embryo that is miscarried before full formation. This acknowledges the variability in embryonic development and outcomes.

Following the $muḍghah$ stage, bones are created (Q 23:14). This signifies the development of the skeletal structure, providing form and support.