أَلَمْ يَكُ نُطْفَةً مِّن مَّنِىٍّ يُمْنَىٰ 37
Translations
Had he not been a sperm from semen emitted?
Transliteration
Alam yak nu tutfatan min manni yumanā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question to remind humanity of their humble origins, emphasizing that human beings began as a mere drop of sperm (nutfah) that is emitted. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, Allah uses this vivid description to humble mankind and challenge their pride, asking them to reflect on how they progressed from this insignificant beginning to their current state—thereby establishing Allah's power in creation and His ability to resurrect them after death.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Qiyamah, which focuses on the reality of the Day of Resurrection and mankind's denial of it. The surah contextually addresses those who reject the resurrection, and this specific ayah serves as evidence of Allah's creative power by reminding humans of their physical origins as justification for His ability to bring them back to life.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The most despised thing with Allah is divorce' (Sunan Abu Dawud), and in another context, Islamic teachings emphasize human dignity despite humble physical origins. Additionally, the Quran in Surah Al-Alaq (96:2) mentions 'created man from a clinging substance (alaq),' which complements the theme of human creation from humble beginnings.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to remain humble by remembering their humble biological origins, countering arrogance and pride. It also strengthens faith in the resurrection by establishing that if Allah can create us from such an insignificant beginning, He is certainly capable of resurrecting us after death.