Apart from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud, this hadith was also narrated by several other companions
(Sahabahs).
This hadith by ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud was recorded with different versions where some words/terms conflicted with each other, resulting in varying versions having different meanings regarding Creation. The conflicts are as follows:
The addition of the word “nutfah” (the drop of a fluid) .The word is not mentioned in Bukhari neither Muslim’s narration. However it was added to other narrations including this one chosen by al-Imam al-Nawawi to provide a better interpretation or explanation but instead it gave two conflicting views of the creation of mankind in terms of the different stages of the fetus:
First View:
The three stages of the fetus comprise forty days each, equaling to a total of 120 days for the stages to complete. It is only after this 120 days that the ruh (spirit) is breathed into the fetus, as well as the recording of the fetus’ provision, life span, deeds and destiny.
This opinion, the inclusion of the word “nuftah”, is the view held by the majority of the Scholars.
One problem with this opinion is that the stages of the fetus as interpreted in this hadith are in contradiction the facts proven by science today.
Another challenge concerns the Fatwa on abortion. Scholars say that abortion is permitted (provided there is a very good reason – e.g. the woman’s life is in danger) only before the
ruh is breathed into the fetus, i.e. before 120 days – as opposed to 40 days if the second opinion is to be taken (see below).
Second View:
The word “nutfah” does not form part of the text of the hadith. This changes the meaning of
the narration which interprets the three stages of the fetus as taking place in the first forty
days. This opinion correlates with scientific facts. And it means that the ruh is breathed
into the fetus after forty days, and not 120 days. Consequently the Fatwa(ruling) on abortion
states that abortion is permitted only before forty days.
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