Placenta: A Rational Membrane or a Manifestation of Divine Wisdom and Decree
The placenta (al-Mashīmah) is one of the most vital biological structures during pregnancy, playing an essential role in supporting, nourishing, and protecting the fetus within the mother’s womb. This intricate membrane, which is expelled after childbirth, contains two distinct circulatory systems—one belonging to the mother and the other to the fetus. From a medical and scientific standpoint, the precise functioning of this membrane reveals an intelligent and highly coordinated system that provides the necessary nutrients for the fetus’s growth and survival without any direct mixing of maternal and fetal blood.
In this discussion, we will scientifically explain this unique biological structure and introduce it as a clear example of divine wisdom and decree.
The Structure of the Placenta and Its Dual Circulatory Systems
The placenta is a large membranous disc that attaches to the uterine wall and connects through a network of blood vessels to two completely separate blood systems: the maternal and the fetal circulations. Each system has its own distinct blood group, which prevents any direct mixing of their blood. Between these two circulations lies a thin and delicate layer known as the chorionic membrane (or placental barrier), which acts as a selective filter or protective barrier.
The Intelligent Function of the Chorionic Membrane
The chorionic membrane is ingeniously designed to prevent the direct transfer of blood from the mother to the fetus while allowing the passage of vital nutrients, oxygen, and defensive antibodies from the maternal blood into the fetal bloodstream.
At the same time, it enables the transfer of fetal waste products—such as carbon dioxide and other metabolic toxins—back into the mother’s blood, where they are eliminated through her body’s natural processes.
Thus, the placenta plays a critical role in protecting the fetus from diseases and infections, ensuring that most maternal illnesses are not transmitted to the unborn child.
The Selective Transfer of Substances Through the Placenta
Nutrient Supply:
The placenta carefully selects and transfers nutrients such as potassium, calcium, glucose, and proteins according to the developmental needs of the fetus.
Oxygen Transfer:
Oxygen, obtained through the mother’s breathing, passes across the placental membrane to the fetus, ensuring the survival and proper function of fetal cells.
Antibody Transmission:
Protective antibodies cross from the maternal bloodstream into the fetus, granting the unborn baby immunity against various diseases.
Waste Removal:
Metabolic waste, including carbon dioxide, is transported from the fetus to the mother’s blood to be excreted from her body.
The Placenta as a Multi-Functional Organ
Beyond the functions mentioned above, the placenta also produces hormones that help stabilize pregnancy and stimulate the growth of mammary glands in preparation for breastfeeding after childbirth.
Furthermore, the placenta provides a safe and stable environment for the fetus and helps regulate the temperature and chemical balance within the womb.
Comparative Table: Main Functions and Their Equivalent Organs
Substitute Organ
Primary Function
Function of the Placenta
Lungs
Respiration
Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Digestive System
Nutrition
Transfer of digested nutrients
Kidneys and Liver
Excretion
Transfer of toxins to the mother’s blood
Endocrine Glands
Hormone secretion
Production of hormones necessary for pregnancy maintenance and breast development
Scientific Confirmation and Its Connection with Qur’anic Verses
Modern medical science, through precise study of the placenta’s function, has discovered yet another scientific marvel that aligns with the Qur’anic verses such as the following:
Translation: “He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation, in three layers of darkness.”(1)
This verse refers to the three layers of darkness surrounding the developing fetus, one of which is the placental membrane and the associated fluids that enclose and protect the embryo.
These “three darknesses” have been interpreted by many scholars and scientists as the abdominal wall, the uterine wall, and the placental membranes — each serving as a protective layer in the stages of human development.
The alignment of this Qur’anic description with modern embryological findings is striking. The placenta, with its selective permeability and precise biological functions, perfectly illustrates a divinely designed system — a living example of the Creator’s knowledge, power, and wisdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the placenta (al-Mashīmah), with its unique structure and complex multi-functional role, is a highly intelligent biological membrane that ensures the nourishment, protection, respiration, immunity, and homeostasis of the fetus.
This intricate system reflects the divine wisdom and decree (ḥikmah wa taqdīr ilāhī) embedded in creation — a phenomenon that modern medical science acknowledges as one of the miracles of nature and a sign of the Creator’s design.(2)
Sources:
1- Adapted from Mawsūʿat al-Iʿjāz al-ʿIlmī fī al-Qurʾān wa al-Sunnah, Vol. 1, pp. 95–98.
