* The words ‘‘alaq’ in this verse and ‘‘alaqa’ in verses 22:5 and 23:14 describe the human embryo from days 7–24 when it clings to the endometrium of the uterus like a leech. Just as the leech clings to the skin and derives blood from the host, the human embryo clings to the endometrium and derives blood from the mother. It is remarkable how much the embryo resembles a leech at 23–24 days. Microscopes were not available in the 7th century, so without recourse to revelation, it would not have been possible for anyone to have known that the human embryo at this stage was clinging to the endometrium and had a leech-like appearance.