Gender Determination In Quran
Gender Determination” refers to the process by which the biological sex (male or female) of an offspring is decided, often at the moment of conception. In humans, this process is primarily influenced by the chromosomes carried by the male sperm, which determine whether the child will be male (XY) or female (XX).
Since sperm only comes from the male, and it carries either an X or Y chromosome, it is the male who determines the sex of the baby – not the female.
- Male sperm (X) + Female egg (X) = XX = Girl
- Male sperm (Y) + Female egg (X) = XY = Boy
The female egg always carries an X chromosome, so it is the type of sperm (X or Y) that determines whether the child is male or female.
And that’s exactly what the Qur’an pointed to in:
📖Quran 53:45-46
And He creates the pairs – male and female – from a sperm-drop when it is emitted.
This verse is a clear indication that gender is decided at the moment of sperm emission – by the male, which modern science has confirmed today,
Interestingly, verse 46 mentions that male and female are created “from a sperm-drop” — the moment of conception. This verse aligns not only with modern genetics (where the sperm determines the sex), but also with a deeper scientific reality:
Humans have 46 chromosomes 23 from the mother’s egg and 23 from the father’s sperm, The fact that this key scientific detail is subtly echoed in verse number 46 is a remarkable coincidence – or divine precision -highlighting the Qur’an’s timeless insight.
- The verse content (sperm-drop = origin of gender)
- The verse number (46 = total chromosomes)
- The scientific accuracy (chromosomal pairing and sex determination)
In humans, females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. During conception, the female egg contributes one X chromosome and the male sperm contributes either an X or a Y chromosome. Therefore, male sperm cells determine the sex of the child conceived.
Chromosomes come in pairs. Normally, each cell in the human body has 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total chromosomes). Half come from the mother; the other half come from the father.
Reference: Chromosome
Additional Information
The Qur’an is not primarily a scientific textbook, but it provides signs and guidance that point to the wonders of the universe and creation. Its core purpose is to offer a comprehensive framework for how to live a righteous and purposeful life, guiding humanity in understanding why we are here and how to fulfill our role in this world. While the Qur’an speaks about the natural world and the universe, it does not delve deeply into scientific explanations. Instead, it encourages humans to observe, reflect, and explore the world around them. As the Qur’an mentions, humanity is urged to “Say, ‘Travel through the land and observe how He originated creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. (Surah Ankabut, 29:20)” and contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth, the cycles of nature, and the intricate balance of life. These reflections are meant to inspire curiosity and deepen our understanding of the world, leaving space for human discovery and scientific exploration. The Qur’an acknowledges the human capacity for knowledge and exploration, guiding us to seek wisdom through our own efforts and observation, with faith and reverence for the Creator.