أَلَمْ نَخْلُقكُّم مِّن مَّآءٍ مَّهِينٍ 20
Translations
Did We not create you from a liquid disdained?
Transliteration
Alam nakhluqkum min ma'in maheen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah challenges the disbelievers by reminding them of their humble origins—they were created from weak, despicable water (nutfah/sperm). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'ma'in maheen' emphasizes the lowly and insignificant nature of human beginnings, contrasting sharply with human pride and arrogance. This rhetorical question is designed to humble those who deny Allah's power and resurrection, pointing to the greatness of the Creator who can easily recreate what He originally fashioned.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Al-Mursalat, which focuses on the Day of Judgment and divine signs. The surah emphasizes Allah's power through His messengers and creation, and this particular ayah is part of a series of rhetorical questions (77:20-26) highlighting the stages of human creation as proof of Allah's ability to resurrect humanity.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'None of you should say that he is better than Jonah (Yunus) son of Matta,' emphasizing human humility regardless of status. Additionally, Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:37-39) contains related verses about creation from nutfah, with hadith in Sahih Bukhari discussing the stages of fetal development as taught by the Prophet.
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflection upon one's humble biological origins should instill humility and awe before the Creator, countering human arrogance and pride. This reminder serves to prepare hearts for accepting the reality of the Day of Judgment and resurrection, as the One who created us from such humble beginnings certainly has the power to resurrect us.