Phases of changing into another creation

( in Arabic Nasha'a okhrah )

 

      It is possible to divide the stage of development into another creation (Nasha'a okhrah) into 2 phases :

A. Attaining the definitive human form                                                                                                 B. Uterine incubation

 

A-Attaining the definitive human form ; This phase begins at the 9th week and lasts until the 26th week. The following characteristics are apparent in the fetus :

 

1-Rapid growth and development :  Directly after the lahm stage (9th week) until the 12th  week, the fetus grows slowly, and then the growth becomes very rapid . This  feature directly applies to the second meaning of ansha 'nahu  , " that is to grow"  ,  indicating  the rapid growth and the comprehensive development  undergone by  the various organs and systems during this period.

 

2-Change in the nature of the fetus and development of its organs:  Most organs and  systems are rapidly maturing into their final form and  fetus at this stage of development reveal spontaneous movements, and reflex muscular contractions can be elicited by an external stimulus. By the end of the phase, the various fetal organs are fully developed and prepared to function and,  as Qura'n described , the fetus has changed from its first creation (embryo) that does not appear human , to another one (fetus), that has the definitive human appearance.

 

3-Period of viability:  The fetus becomes capable of sustaining life outside the womb, at around six months of development. This is in agreement with the meanings of the following statements from the Qura'n : chapter 46 (AL-AHQAF ) ; verse 15 :" ...and  the bearing of him ( period of pregnancy  ) until  his separation  (weaning or end of lactation period)  is thirty months.." , chapter 31 (LUQMAN) ; verse 14 : " ...His separation (weaning) is at the end of two years... " , chapter 2 (Al-Baqarah) ; verse 233: ".. and Mothers should suckle their  children for two whole years, this is for those who want to complete the period of suckling ..."  , all these verses together indicate that  the period of pregnancy is about 6 months. This conclusion was the opinion of the 4th caliph, Ali Ibn Abi Talib, and this view was accepted by the companions of the Prophet , peace and blessings be upon him.

 

      The ommentators of Qura'n  also  depending on the previous verses understood that the six month period is the minimum duration of pregnancy. In fact, it is now believed that the minimum age for infant survival is 24 weeks of gestational age , because before this age , the lungs are too undeveloped to start breathing , even with the  artificial ventilation . Thus, it is clear that Qura'n accurately determine the minimum duration of pregnancy  that is in complete accordance with facts of modern science.

B. Uterine incubation ;  Since the total period of breast feeding and pregnancy is stated to be 30 months, and the period of breast feeding is considered to be 2 years (24 months), the minimum period necessary for the fetus to become viable is 6 months. However, it is a common knowledge that the duration of pregnancy is usually 9 months. The remaining 3 month period can be considered a time for the uterus to provide additional support and a place for normal growth. However, if born immature after a minimum of 6 months of pregnancy, it is possible for the infant to survive with outside support.

        Thus , it is now clear that  Qura'n   accurately described the most obvious  external and internal  changes in  the last stage of fetal  development. The Arabic words  used by Qura'n to express these changes are  ansha 'nahu   khalqan akhar  that is translated into " We cause him to develop into another creation"  . These developmental  changes  are clearly coinciding with all the meanings of (ansha 'nahu) , which  in Arabic , is a derivative of the verb nasha'a , that means : " initiate or begin " , describing the initiation or beginning of  functioning of the various organs and systems. The second meaning , "Grow"  ,  indicating the rapid growth and the comprehensive development  undergone by  the various organs and systems during this period. The third meaning , "To rise and increase", describing the obvious increase in the fetal size and weight , so Qura'n  is very descriptive and accurately expressing  the fetus in the period from the 9th week until labor.