I’jaz Tibbi in Embryonic Anatomy: An Analytical Study of the Terminology of Shulbi and Tara’ib in QS. Ath-Thariq: 5-7 and QS. Al-A’raf: 172

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of i’jaz tibbi (medical miraculousness) in QS. Al-A’raf: 172 and 
QS. Ath-Thariq: 5-7 regarding human embryonic and fetal anatomy. The primary focus of the study lies 
in the terminology of as-shulbi (the backbone) and at-tara’ib (the breastbone/ribs) and their relevance 
to modern embryological findings. The research method utilizes a literature review with a scientific 
exegesis (tafsir ilmi) approach to align the revealed text with contemporary medical facts. The results 
reveal that during the embryonic phase, the reproductive organs (testes and ovaries) initially develop in 
the area near the kidneys, which is anatomically situated between the spinal column and the 11th and 
12th ribs. Although these organs migrate to their natural positions as the fetus grows, their origin 
remains traceable through the nerve supply and blood vessels, which continue to originate from the 
initial point of development. From a neurological perspective, the spinal region is also proven to be the 
center of the autonomic nervous system that controls human reproductive functions. The use of the terms 
shulbi and tara’ib in the Qur'an not only possesses precise anatomical accuracy but also contains 
linguistic beauty (majaz mursal) that represents male vitality and the female emotional aspect.