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A Comparative Study of Exegetical Views on the Phrase “Thumma Anshaʾnāhu Khalqan Ākhar” (Qur’an 23:14) with Emphasis on the Views of Dr. Boroumand
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Amir Hossein Attarzadeh   , Amir Joudavi1 , Samiyeh Shahbazi |
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Abstract: (13 Views) |
| In interpreting the phrase thumma anshaʾnāhu khalqan ākhara (Q 23:14), most exegetes have understood it to refer to the breathing of the spirit (nafkh al‑rūḥ). However, some commentators have interpreted it as referring to the physical growth and bodily stages of human development. Others, while ultimately endorsing the notion of spirit‑breathing, have outwardly referred to instances that in fact approach psychological or soul‑related interpretations. Overall, exegetical opinions on this phrase can be classified into four main categories. The first and most widely supported view interprets the phrase as the breathing of the spirit. The second group refers to psychological or soul‑related manifestations, though in conclusion their view does not substantially differ from the first. The third group attributes the phrase to bodily stages and physical growth, while the fourth consists of exegetes who either refrain from offering a clear opinion or merely note that this stage differs from the preceding ones. The diversity of interpretations—among both classical and contemporary commentators—demonstrates the necessity of a comparative study. Employing a descriptive‑analytical method, this study first extracts and categorizes the exegetical views concerning the phrase. It then evaluates the arguments supporting each position and examines the interrelationship of the surrounding verses. The findings suggest that although the first category’s interpretation (breathing of the spirit) is not without limitations, it is closer to the intended meaning and more defensible than alternative views. The study further highlights the importance of analyzing intra‑Qur’anic coherence in determining the most accurate interpretation within comparative exegesis. It argues that in this verse, God introduces a mode of creation distinct from the prior material stages in order to prepare the ground for the breathing of the spirit. This distinct stage refers to the nafs (soul/self). While the verse does not deny the breathing of the spirit, its primary purpose is to introduce the reality of the nafs as a creation belonging to the realm of none-material (amr) rather than mere material creation (khalq). |
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| Keywords: Sūrah al‑Muʾminūn, Khalqan Ākhara (23:14), Nafs, None-Material (Amr) and Creation (Khalq), Coherence of Verses. |
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Full-Text [PDF 450 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/07/1 | Accepted: 2026/07/1 | Published: 2026/07/1
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