خُلِقَ مِن مَّآءٍ دَافِقٍ 6
Translations
He was created from a fluid, ejected,
Transliteration
Khuliqah min mā'in dāfiqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the creation of man from gushing or spurting water, understood by classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari as the seminal fluid (nutfah) of the male. The word 'dāfiq' (دَافِق) conveys the sense of forceful ejection or abundance, emphasizing the generative power within procreation. This ayah is part of an oath in Surah At-Tariq, highlighting the miraculous nature of human creation from such a humble origin and the power of the One who created it.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tariq is a Meccan surah revealed during the early Meccan period, addressing the polytheists' denial of resurrection and the Day of Judgment. This ayah appears within an oath by Allah regarding the creation of mankind, serving as evidence of divine power and the certainty of resurrection—if Allah can create man from such a trivial substance, He can surely resurrect him.
Related Hadiths
This concept is supported by Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) explained the formation of the fetus, stating that the angel visits the womb after 120 days. Additionally, Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:37) similarly references 'nutfah dāfiqah' (spurting semen) in the context of creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us of the miraculous and humble nature of human creation, instilling humility before Allah and confidence in His power to resurrect us, just as He created us from insignificant beginnings. It invites reflection on how our noble existence originates from something simple, emphasizing our dependence on the Divine.