SEX DETERMINATION

               SEX DETERMINATION

The sex of a foetus is determined by the nature of

the sperm and not of the ovum. The sex of the child,

whether female or male, depends on whether the

23rd pair of chromosomes is XX or XY respectively.

Primarily, sex determination occurs at fertilization

and depends upon the type of sex chromosome in

the sperm that fertilizes an ovum. If it is an ‘X’

bearing sperm that fertilizes the ovum, the foetus

is a female and if it is a ‘Y’ bearing sperm then

the foetus is a male.

“That He did create

in pairs – male and female,

from a seed when lodged

(in its place).”

[Al-Qur’an 53:45-46]

The Arabic word nutfah means a minute quantity of

liquid and tumnaa means ejaculated or planted.

Terefore nutfah specifically refers to sperm

because it is ejaculated.

The Qur’an says:

“Was he not a drop

of sperm emitted

(in lowly form)?

“Then did he become

a clinging clot;

then did (Allah) make

and fashion (him)

in due proportion.

“And of him He made

two sexes, male

and female.”

[Al-Qur’an 75:37-39]

Here again it is mentioned that a small quantity

(drop) of sperm (indicated by the word nutfatan min

maniyyin) which comes from the man is responsible

for the sex of the foetus.

Mothers-in-law in the Indian subcontinent, usually

prefer having male grandchildren and often blame

their daughters-in-law if the child is not a boy. If

only they knew that the determining factor is the

nature of the male sperm and not the female ovum!

If they were to blame anybody, they should rather

blame their sons, not their daughters-in-law, since

both the Qur’an and Science hold that it is the male

fluid that is responsible for the sex of the child!