Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), the true and truly inspired said, "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature's) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him. So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behavior and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behavior, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise."
Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3208
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari reveals the divine wisdom in human creation and predestination, narrated by Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him).
Stages of Embryonic Development
The Prophet (ﷺ) delineates three forty-day periods: first as nutfah (sperm-drop), then as alaqah (clinging clot), then as mudghah (chewed lump of flesh). This demonstrates Allah's perfect creative power in gradual formation.
Modern embryology confirms this miraculous description, though the Prophet (ﷺ) received this knowledge through revelation, not scientific study.
The Angel's Divine Assignment
After 120 days, Allah sends an angel to record four decrees: deeds, provision, lifespan, and ultimate destiny (blessed or wretched). This occurs before soul infusion (nafkh ar-ruh).
This establishes the Islamic doctrine of divine decree (al-qadr) while maintaining human responsibility.
The Paradox of Free Will and Predestination
The final portion resolves the apparent contradiction between divine foreknowledge and human choice. A person's final deeds align with their predetermined nature, yet they remain accountable for their actions.
As scholars explain, divine knowledge doesn't compel action but encompasses it. The recorded decree manifests through a person's inherent disposition and circumstances.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith combines embryology with theology, showing how physical and spiritual development intertwine.
Al-Nawawi emphasizes that while destiny is sealed, we only know our fate through our final actions. Thus, Muslims should remain hopeful in Allah's mercy and fearful of His justice.