Title: A Question regarding Embryology in the Qur’an Question: About 2 weeks ago I emailed you regarding the allegation that Christian missionaries make about the references to embryology in the Qur'an. You responded back by asking me what exactly was the allegation made by the Christians. Well the allegation they make is regarding Surah 23 verse 14. They say that when the Qur'an talks about the development of bone in the fetus and then covering of bone by the muscle is embryologically incorrect (nastajibullah). I would like to know what your opinion on this issue is and also if you can provide me some with scientific data on this topic (stuff like web links to websites that explain this issue) I personally believe that the Qur'an is 100% correct, but I would like to know how to respond to a certain allegation that is made by the unbelievers about the Holy Book. Please reply. I greatly appreciate your help in advance. Fi Amanillah Muslim Majid Answer: The related part of the referred verse of the Qur'an translates as: Then We made the drop [of semen] a sticky material; and made this sticky material a [shapeless] lump [of flesh]; and made bones in this lump [of flesh] and clothed these bones with skin. One could only say that the last part of the referred verse is scientifically incorrect, if the development of bones in the fetus does not even initiate till the time that all the layers of the skin are fully developed. In view of the foregoing, I would suggest that you ask your friend, who has criticized this verse to provide reliable references to establish the point that the formation of all of the layers of the skin precedes even the initiation of the development of bones in the fetus. Regards, Moiz Amjad July 21, 2002