Surah 'Abasa — Verse 18

Word Meanings:

• Min ayyi shay'in — From what thing/substance
• Khalaqahu — He (Allah) created him (the human being)

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse poses a profound rhetorical question to every human being who dares to turn away from his Lord in arrogance and disbelief: "From what thing did Allah create him?" It is a question that strips away all pretension and pride, inviting the human being to reflect deeply on his humble origin.

Allah created the human being from a mere drop of fluid — a weak, insignificant substance that no one would boast about or feel proud of. Yet, despite this humble beginning, some people become arrogant and deny their Creator. The question is not asked because Allah needs an answer; rather, it is asked to awaken the human conscience and remind him of his true nature.

Consider the journey: from a small drop of semen, Allah fashioned the human being through stages — a clot, then a lump of flesh, then bones, then flesh, then a soul breathed into him. He who was nothing now walks the earth, sees, hears, and thinks. Should this not fill the heart with gratitude and humility before the One who brought him into existence?

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that human beings have no reason for arrogance. The very substance from which they were created is weak and lowly. If they reflect on this, they will realize that their existence, their strength, and their abilities are all gifts from Allah — and the appropriate response to such blessings is gratitude, submission, and worship.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, pause for a moment and ponder this question as if it were addressed directly to you. From what were you created? From a drop of fluid that you would not even notice if it fell on your clothes. Yet Allah, in His infinite mercy and power, transformed that insignificant drop into a human being with intellect, consciousness, and a soul.

This is not merely a biological fact — it is a sign of Allah's greatness and His love for humanity. He honored you with existence, shaped you in the best form, and gave you the ability to know Him, worship Him, and attain eternal happiness in His presence.

So why turn away from such a Generous Lord? Why reject the One who created you, sustains you, and has prepared Paradise for those who believe and do good deeds? Let this reflection soften your heart, increase your humility, and draw you closer to Allah. For the same Lord who created you from a drop of water is fully capable of resurrecting you after death and rewarding you with the everlasting bliss of His mercy. Do not let arrogance deprive you of this eternal success.