It is common knowledge that when trying to have an understanding of any issue we equip ourselves with as much information as we can to achieve the right conclusion. Likewise, when trying to understand an issue from the Quran it is crucial to first gather all of the verses discussing the matter and approach it as a whole, adding to that being aware of the context of each verse. Otherwise an individual can lack true understanding of the meaning and assume contradiction. God guided us to this principle when He said: “A Quran which We unfolded gradually, that you may recite to the people over time. And We revealed it in stages.” 17:106
One of the examples is in the topic of the creation of Adam. The Quran mentioned that Adam was created from dust, water, clay, molded mud, an extract of clay, sticky clay, and hard clay. All revealed in the following verses:
“And of His signs is that He created you from dust; and behold, you become humans spreading out.” 30:20
“God created every living creature from water. Some of them crawl on their bellies, and some walk on two feet, and others walk on four. God creates whatever He wills. God is Capable of everything.” 24:45
“It is He Who created you from clay, then decided a term—a term determined by Him. Yet you doubt.” 6:2
“We created the human being from clay, from molded mud.”15:26
“We created man from an extract of clay.” 23:12
“Inquire of them, “Are they more difficult to create, or the others We created?” We created them from sticky clay.” 37:11
“He created man from hard clay, like bricks.” 55:14
It is obvious that if a person were to read one verse, they would incorrectly assume that the verse is giving a full answer. However, by reading all of the verses, they will have a complete understanding which is that the original material for Adam was dust mixed with water to become mud, then He took from the mud the extract of clay that became partially dry to form sticky clay, then He formed a dark molded mud that when it is dried He referred to it as a hard clay to shape the physical appearance of Adam. Compiling all the verses leads us to a full meaning and gives us a complete understanding of the process of the creation of Adam.
The Quran takes us from the final stage of creating Adam to the stage of creating his children. God said: “We created man from an extract of clay. Then We made him a seed, in a secure repository. Then We developed the seed into a clot. Then We developed the clot into a lump. Then We developed the lump into bones. Then We clothed the bones with flesh. Then We produced it into another creature. Most Blessed is God, the Best of Creators.” 23:12,13,14.
Through this method we understand part of the wealth of the Quran.
