Why do books of Tafsir (exegesis) still interpret the word "al-alaq" as clotted blood, despite modern embryology not proving its existence, and should the verses in which this word appears be reinterpreted, especially since skeptics use this interpretation to claim there is a scientific error in the Qur'an?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
The stage of "Alaqa" (clinging substance) is mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. In Arabic, "Alaqa" linguistically means: something that clings to something else, a congealed piece of blood, and a leech-like insect found in water. These meanings apply to the embryo at this stage because it clings to the wall of the womb, it becomes elongated and moist, and it acquires a reddish hue from the blood. This indicates that the word "Alaqa" encompasses the descriptions of this stage, which is evidence that the Holy Quran is the word of the Creator.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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- 4713
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