Surah 40. Ghafir, Ayah 67

See note [4] on 23:12 .

Or: "a term known [only to Him]" - cf. 6:2 and the corresponding note [2].

 Your father, Adam.

 Nuṭfah refers to the union of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) which results in the zygote after fertilization.

 ’Alaqah, meaning the embryo resembles a leech.

Cf. this passage with xxii. 5 and notes 2773 and 2774. The various stages of man's physical life are: (1) first, simple matter (dust); (2) the sperm-drop in the father; (3) the fertilised ovum in the mother's womb; (4) out into the light, as a human child; (5) youth and full maturity; (6) decay; and (7) death. In some cases the later stages are curtailed or cut off; but in any case, a Term appointed is reached, so that the higher purpose of Allah's Will and Plan may be fulfilled in each given case, that man "may understand."