مِنْ أَىِّ شَىْءٍ خَلَقَهُۥ 18
Translations
From what thing [i.e., substance] did He create him?
Transliteration
Min ayyi shay'in khalaqahu
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question asking 'From what thing did He create him?' referring to human creation from a humble origin - specifically from nutfah (a sperm drop). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Allah is highlighting the miraculous transformation of human beings from the most insignificant and base matter into fully formed creatures, demonstrating divine power and wisdom. This serves as a reminder of human weakness and dependence on the Creator, contrasting with the arrogance displayed in the opening of Surah 'Abasa.
Revelation Context
Surah 'Abasa addresses the Prophet's (ﷺ) interaction with a blind companion ('Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum) and transitions into broader themes of divine creation and human origin. This ayah appears within the section emphasizing Allah's creative power and the inevitability of the Day of Judgment, contextualizing human pride against the reality of their humble creation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Each of you is created in the womb of his mother for forty days as a nutfah (sperm drop), then as a clot for forty days, then as a lump of flesh for forty days...' (Sahih Bukhari 3208). This hadith expands on the stages of human creation referenced in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us profound humility by reminding us that despite any worldly status or achievement, we all originate from the most insignificant matter, making arrogance and pride spiritually destructive. Our humble creation should inspire gratitude to Allah and compassion for all fellow humans who share this common origin.