30 Day Ramadan Challenge 2025

As-salamu alaykum everyone!

Yesterday, we began our journey into the first revelation, witnessing the Prophet ﷺ in the Cave of Hira, as he encountered Angel Jibril for the first time.

A powerful command was given:

"Read with the name of your Lord who created."

But the revelation did not stop there...

More words followed, revealing something profound about our very existence.

Today, we continue the story, uncovering the second verse ever revealed to humanity. Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:2)

خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ

Khalaqa al-insaana min ‘alaq

Created man from a clot.

The Prophet ﷺ, still overwhelmed by Jibril’s presence, listened as the next divine words were spoken.

Allah was not only commanding him to read, but was now revealing something about the very nature of human creation.

What is ‘Alaq?

The Arabic word ‘alaq (علق) carries multiple meanings:

• A clinging substance or something that attaches itself to something else.

• A clot of blood, referring to an early stage of human development in the womb.

• A suspended form, something hanging in place before it takes full shape.

This one word perfectly describes the early stages of an embryo, long before science could confirm such details about human gestation. The Qur’an is not a book of biology, yet its descriptions of human creation match modern embryology with astonishing precision.

But beyond science, this verse is deeply spiritual.

Humility in Our Creation

Allah reminds us where we came from.

He does not say we were created from gold, pearls, or diamonds. Not from anything glorious or powerful. Instead, He says we were created from ‘alaq, something small, fragile, and dependent.

This is a reminder of our humble beginnings. No matter how powerful we become, no matter how much wealth, status, or knowledge we acquire, we all come from a tiny, insignificant clot in the womb.

This should fill our hearts with humility before our Creator.

A Contrast with Arrogance

Why does Allah begin revelation by mentioning our smallness?

Because mankind has a tendency toward arrogance.

People often feel self-sufficient, as if they do not need Allah. The Quraysh of Mecca were proud of their lineage, their wealth, and their power. But this verse destroys the illusion of superiority.

No one can claim to be greater than another, because all of us began as the same tiny clot.

This is the first crack in the pride of those who reject the truth.

The Story Continues…

The Prophet ﷺ had just heard something astonishing. The weight of these words settled deep within his soul.

He had entered the Cave of Hira as Muhammad ibn Abdullah, but he was now leaving as the Messenger of Allah.

But his journey was far from over. The next revelation would reveal even more about Allah’s wisdom and generosity.

To be continued…

How does this verse make you feel?

What does it mean to you that Allah reminds us of our small beginnings?

Let’s reflect together. ❤️

Disclaimer:This is not a formal tafsir, nor do I claim to have scholarly knowledge. I am simply reflecting on the Qur’an using resources available to me, with the intention of understanding and connecting with it on a deeper level. If I make any mistakes, may Allah guide me, and I welcome corrections from those with more knowledge. My only goal is to grow closer to the Qur’an and to learn together with this beautiful community, insha’Allah.