Tafsir of Ar-Rahman 55:14

Surah Ar-Rahman (55): Verse 14

خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ كَالْفَخَّارِ (He created man from clay like pottery.)

Regarding "Ṣalṣāl" (صلصال), there are two interpretations:

1. It means that which has become stale or putrid. This is derived from the root ṣalla (صلّ), meaning the flesh has putrefied. In this sense, ṣalṣāl originates from ṣulūl (الصلول).
2. It is derived from ṣalīl (الصليل), which means a sound produced when iron strikes something. Under this interpretation, ṣalṣāl refers to dry clay that, when parts of it strike each other, produces a sound. This describes sticky, hot clay that, when it adheres to something and is then suddenly separated, emits a sound upon detachment.

If man was created from ṣalṣāl, how is it also stated in the Qur'an that he was created from dust (turāb), from clay (ṭīn), from dark mud (ḥamā’), and from a humble drop of fluid (mā’ mahīn)?

We respond:

• The mention of creation "from dust" (Q 22:5) at one time, and "from a humble drop of fluid" (Q 77:20) at another, refers to two different creations:
  • Adam (peace be upon him) was created from ṣalṣāl and ḥamā’.
  • His descendants were created from a mā’ mahīn.
  • If Adam had not been created, his descendants would not have been created.
• Alternatively, one might say, "Zayd was created from ḥamā’" meaning his origin, his ancestor, was created from it.

• As for the verses mentioning creation "from sticky clay" (Q 37:11) or "from dark mud" (Q 15:26) and similar phrases, these indicate the stages of Adam's creation:
  • First, he was created from dust (turāb).
  • Then, it became clay (ṭīn).
  • Then, dark, molded mud (ḥamā’ masnūn).
  • Then, sticky clay (lāzib).
  • Thus, it is as if he was created from this, and from that, and from this other thing.

Regarding Al-Fakhkhār (Pottery/Earthenware):

• Al-Fakhkhār is clay hardened by fire (ceramic). It is used based on its etymological root, which implies boasting or pride (fakhār). It is an intensive form, like ʿallām (Allāh, the Great Knower) for ʿālim (knower).
• This is because dust, which is naturally prone to crumbling, reaches a state where it can hold water and liquids without disintegrating or becoming soaked. It is as if it boasts over the other members of its own kind (i.e., ordinary dust/clay).

وَخَلَقَ الْجَانَّ مِن مَّارِجٍ مِّن نَّارٍ (And He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire.)

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ (Then which of the favors of your Lord will you both deny?)