وَقَدْ خَلَقَكُمْ أَطْوَارًا 14
Translations
While He has created you in stages?
Transliteration
wa-qad khalaqakum atwāran
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah reminds humanity that He created them in stages (atwar) - referring to the gradual developmental stages from nutfah (sperm drop) to 'alaqah (clot) to mudghah (lump of flesh) to the formation of bones and flesh, ultimately becoming a living being. This ayah is part of Noah's reminder to his people of Allah's creative power and nurturing care, emphasizing that just as Allah perfectly created them through these stages, He is capable of resurrecting them. Ibn Kathir notes this demonstrates Allah's complete mastery and the logical necessity of acknowledging His oneness and power.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Noah's preaching to his people over 950 years, wherein he calls them to monotheism and warns them of the consequences of disbelief. The surah is Meccan and uses the example of Noah's patient message to comfort the Prophet Muhammad. This particular ayah serves as evidence for the Resurrection—if Allah created us in multiple stages, He can certainly recreate us.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3208): The Prophet Muhammad described the creation of a child in the womb in stages corresponding to this concept: 40 days as a nutfah, 40 days as an 'alaqah, and 40 days as a mudghah. This hadith directly illustrates the 'atwar (stages) mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Reflecting on the miraculous stages of our own creation should inspire gratitude toward Allah and conviction in His power to resurrect us, which naturally leads to accountability for our deeds. This awareness should strengthen our faith and encourage us to recognize Allah's signs in ourselves and creation.