Creation of man with water Surah Al-Furqan

[Amina Rahmani]

And He it is Who has created man from water,... 25:54.

Please kindly explain the reference of creation of man by water.   The Quran has asserted that humans are created of mud.  What is the connotation of water?

[Heba E. Husseyn]

The precise or confirmed reference is known to Allah only.  However there are certain opinions from readers and thinkers.  The most obvious and likely allusion is that humans and all living beings on earth require water to survive.  Creation with mud is the first step when Allah Almighty creates the soul.  Creation by water alludes to the physical side of every living being.

Creation with water has been stated in at least two other Verses as well.

“Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were of one piece, then We parted them, and We made every living thing of water? Will they not then believe?”  21:30 Al-Anbiya.


The expression “one  piece”  denotes that the earth (in whatever form it existed prior to its creation known to Allah alone) was a part of the entire heavens, it existed within the universe.


“Allah hath created every animal of water.”  24:45  An-Nur.


The reference appears to be that water is a necessity for every living creature (humans, animals, birds, insects, reptiles, sea life, plants) created by Allah Almighty. 

Some commentators of the Quran have surmised that the term “water” might refer to the birth of humans from a drop of sperm.  But that interpretation seems a bit unlikely considering all the Verses where this expression is mentioned.  Certain others have guessed it may refer to the theory that life began in the earth’s oceans, that Allah Almighty created sea life before humans.  This too is just a guesswork as Allah has not confirmed this point in the Noble Quran.

As I mentioned, the most likely reference is to the confirmed fact that water is a dire necessity for the survival of every living creation.

And only Allah knows best.