The Quran on Human Embryonic Development - The Religion of Islam

 

terally, the Arabic word alaqah has
three meanings: (1) leech, (2) suspended thing, and (3) blood clot.

In comparing a leech to an embryo in the alaqah
stage, we find similarity between the two[1]
 as we can see in figure 1.  Also, the embryo at this stage obtains nourishment
from the blood of the mother, similar to the leech, which feeds on the blood of
others.[2]