Evaluation of Embryonic Development in the Holy Quran and Traditional Iranian Medicine and the Role of “Quwa” in Embryogenesis

The embryonic development is one of the most important and delicate stages in human life. The mysteries and marvels of this intricate development have perplexed everyone. Muslim physicians and scholars of traditional Iranian medicine have explained these phases based on their accepted principles. The etiology of several fetal abnormalities could be described by understanding the processes involved in embryonic development. The aim of this study was to investigate the fetal development based on Iranian traditional medicine and religious studies with an emphasis on "Quwa" as one of the effective factors in this regard. This study was conducted based on a qualitative (content analysis) research design focusing on Iranian traditional medicine and religious texts. The notes and data were taken, collected, and classified. The forces (Quwa) which play important roles during the embryonic development process are classified as vital, psychic, and natural. There are two forces, namely productive, and shaper (Muwallida and Muṣawira) that are effective in the survival of generations. They are derived from a natural force whose origin is the liver. The role of the productive force is the production of semen and the shaper force formats the organs. The role of these forces in the embryonic development process can be defined meticulously based on the holistic point of view of Muslim physicians and scholars of traditional Iranian medicine. In addition, the amazing results that embryology and genetics have achieved can be taken into consideration to reinforce these forces in order to prevent some embryonic abnormalities.