An Embryological Error in the Quran
The Quran contains a clear scientific error regarding human reproduction. It claims that semen (the fluid containing sperm) originates from between the backbone and the ribs—a claim that contradicts basic biology and reflects ancient Greek medical misconceptions that Muhammad apparently absorbed.
"So let man observe from what he was created. He was created from a fluid, ejected, Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs." — Quran 86:5-7
What the Verse Claims
The Arabic is quite specific. The word sulb (صُلْب) means "backbone," "spine," or "loins." The word tara'ib (تَرَائِب) means "ribs," specifically the chest/rib area. The phrase "ma'in dafiq" (مَاءٍ دَافِق) means "gushing fluid" or "ejaculated fluid"—clearly referring to semen.
The verse states that this ejaculated fluid comes from (min bayn) between the backbone and the ribs. This is presented as biological fact, not metaphor or poetry.
The Scientific Reality
Modern biology conclusively demonstrates:
- Sperm production: Sperm is produced in the testes (testicles), which are located in the scrotum, far below and outside the body cavity—nowhere near the backbone or ribs
- Semen composition: Semen is composed of sperm from the testes plus fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands—all located in the pelvic region, not between the backbone and ribs
- Female contribution: The verse seems to describe only male reproduction, ignoring that women also contribute genetic material (the egg/ovum) from the ovaries
There is no anatomical structure involved in semen production located between the backbone and the ribs. The Quranic description is simply wrong.
Ancient Greek Medical Error
The Quran's error matches a misconception found in ancient Greek medical texts, particularly the writings of Hippocrates and Galen:
Hippocrates (5th century BCE) believed semen originated from the brain and spinal cord (backbone region), traveling down through the body. He thought semen was a refined extract from all body fluids.
Galen (2nd century CE), whose medical theories dominated for centuries, taught that semen was produced from blood and originated from the area of the kidneys and backbone.
These Greek theories, though wrong, were influential in the ancient world. The Quranic description closely matches these outdated medical ideas, suggesting Muhammad absorbed them from the medical knowledge circulating in 7th-century Arabia.
Classical Islamic Interpretations
Ibn Kathir
The classical commentator Ibn Kathir explained this verse by saying the fluid comes from the man's backbone (sulb) and the woman's ribs (tara'ib). He interpreted it as referring to both the male's spinal area and the female's chest area as the sources of reproductive fluid.
Al-Jalalayn
The tafsir al-Jalalayn states that the fluid comes from the "loins of the man" and the "ribs of the woman." This interpretation tries to split the verse between male and female anatomy, but it's still scientifically incorrect—neither male nor female reproductive fluids originate from these locations.
The Problem with Classical Interpretations
Classical scholars took this verse literally as describing human embryology. They didn't have microscopes or modern biological knowledge, so they accepted the Quranic claim at face value. Their interpretations, while attempting to make sense of the text, compound the error by adding incorrect claims about female anatomy.
Modern Apologetic Defenses
Defense 1: "It refers to the embryonic origin"
Some modern Muslims claim the verse refers to where the gonads (testes/ovaries) originate during embryonic development—near the kidneys, which are indeed between the backbone and ribs.
Problem: The verse says "emerging from between the backbone and the ribs" in present tense, describing adult ejaculation, not embryonic development. If Allah meant embryonic origin, why use language describing ejaculation? Additionally, by this logic, all organs could be traced to embryonic origins—making the verse trivial.
Defense 2: "The backbone area means the pelvis/lower back"
Some claim "backbone" (sulb) can refer to the lower back/pelvic area.
Problem: Even if sulb could mean lower back, the verse says "between the backbone and the ribs"—the ribs are higher up in the chest. There's no anatomical interpretation that makes both locations correct for semen production.
Defense 3: "It's poetic/metaphorical language"
Some argue this is figurative speech, not literal anatomy.
Problem: The verse is embedded in a passage describing the physical creation of humans. It's presented as fact, not poetry. Classical scholars interpreted it literally. If this is metaphor, how do we determine what else is metaphorical?
The Pattern of Borrowing
This isn't the only place where the Quran appears to borrow from Greek medical knowledge:
- Embryonic development (Quran 23:12-14): The description of embryonic stages closely follows Galen's incorrect sequence
- Blood clots: The term "alaqah" (clinging clot) reflects ancient understanding, though embryos don't actually form as blood clots
- Bones before flesh: The Quran says bones form before being clothed with flesh (Quran 23:14), matching Galen's error—actually, both develop simultaneously
These parallels suggest Muhammad was influenced by Greek medical knowledge available in 7th-century Arabia, rather than receiving perfect divine revelation.
Why This Matters
Muslims claim the Quran is the perfect, uncreated word of God containing no errors. One demonstrable scientific error undermines this entire claim. If Allah is all-knowing, He would know where sperm comes from. If the Quran contains errors about basic biology, how can we trust its claims about theology, the afterlife, or salvation?
Biblical Contrast
The Bible doesn't make specific claims about the anatomical source of semen that can be scientifically tested and falsified. While using phenomenological language (describing things as they appear), the Bible doesn't claim to be a scientific textbook on human anatomy.
The Bible does emphasize that humans are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14), pointing to God's creative wisdom without making false scientific claims. It acknowledges the mystery and complexity of human development:
"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." — Ecclesiastes 11:5
This humility about the mechanics of creation stands in contrast to the Quran's false confidence in its biological claims.
Questions to Consider
- If the Quran is the word of an all-knowing God, how can it make a basic anatomical error?
- Why does the Quran's description of semen production match ancient Greek medical errors rather than scientific fact?
- Does this suggest Muhammad was influenced by the medical knowledge of his time rather than receiving divine revelation?
- If we must reinterpret clear verses when science proves them wrong, what prevents any verse from being reinterpreted?
- Can a book containing demonstrable biological errors be trusted on matters of eternal salvation?
Conclusion
Quran 86:5-7 contains a clear scientific error about human reproduction. Semen does not come from between the backbone and the ribs—it comes from the testes and associated glands in the pelvic region. The Quranic description matches ancient Greek medical misconceptions, suggesting human authorship influenced by the limited scientific knowledge of 7th-century Arabia.
No amount of creative reinterpretation can erase this error. For anyone investigating Islam's claims, this verse raises serious questions about the Quran's divine origin and perfection.
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