A Possible Scientific Explanation
for the Birth of Isa
Disclaimer: The following article presents one of several theories I have regarding the birth of Isa. I am sharing it because it offers a unique perspective and is thought-provoking. This is not the only view I hold, and I will be sharing other theories on my blog in the future
Can Science Explain the Birth of Isa?
Many believe that science and faith exist in opposition, but what if science can provide insights into one of the greatest miracles recorded in the Qur’an—the birth of Isa (Jesus) from the virgin Maryam?
To explore this, we must first analyse a key verse often misunderstood:
“Surely Isa’s example with The God is as the example of Adam. He created him from dust, then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” (3:59)
This verse does not claim that Isa was created from nothing. Instead, it establishes that he was formed from dust—materials that already exist in the physical world.
This distinction is crucial because it tells us that Isa’s creation adhered to the natural laws set by God. “Be and it is” does not imply something supernatural in the sense of violating these laws. Rather, it signifies that the process was already determined, set in perfect measure.
Click Here for the article "BE and we experience IT"
This opens the door to an extraordinary possibility: Could Isa’s birth have been the result of a rare but scientifically explainable biological phenomenon?
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The First Miracle: The Birth of Maryam
The key to understanding Isa’s birth begins with his mother, Maryam, and the miraculous circumstances surrounding her own birth.
Unusual Mention of a Future Offspring
At Maryam’s birth, there is an exceptional statement in the Qur’an:
“And I have named it Maryam, and I commend her and her offspring into Thy protection from the accursed Shaitan.” (3:36-37)
Unlike the announcements given to Ibrahim about Ishaq or to Zakariya about Yahya—which occurred at the time of conception—Isa’s existence is referenced before his mother even reaches womanhood.
This anomaly suggests something extraordinary was already taking place.
The Mention of a Male at Maryam’s Birth
“My Lord! Surely I have brought forth a female, and Allah knew best what she brought forth, and the male is not like the female...” (3:36)
Why would this declaration include a reference to a male? This could imply that a male was already present in some form.
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Maryam’s Mysterious Provisions
Another compelling indication that Isa was somehow “there” before his miraculous birth comes from the provision of food Maryam received in the temple:
“Every time Zachariah entered upon her in the temple enclosure, he found provisions with her. He said: ‘O Mary, from where did you get this?’ She said: ‘It is from God, for God provides for whom He wishes without reckoning.’” (3:37)
Compare this with Isa’s later ability:
“Isa the son of Maryam said: O Allah, our Lord! Send down to us food from heaven which should be to us an ever-recurring happiness…” (5:114)
The link is clear: Maryam received divine provisions, just as Isa would later be capable of requesting food from the heavens.
This suggests that the miracle of Isa’s existence was already in motion within Maryam before the angel formally announced his birth.
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A Scientific Explanation: Fetus in Fetu
So how can we reconcile these details? A potential biological explanation for Isa’s birth is a rare condition called Fetus in Fetu (FIF)—a phenomenon in which one twin develops inside the body of the other.
Could Maryam and Isa Have Been Twins?
Consider the evidence:
1. Isa was present within Maryam at her birth.
2. A male was referenced at Maryam’s birth.
3. Isa’s miraculous abilities seemed to be in effect while still within her.
All these align with the possibility that Isa was a twin developing inside Maryam—a fetus within a fetus.
In cases of FIF, one twin is encapsulated within the other and remains dormant, sometimes for years. If Isa was an enclosed twin within Maryam, his “birth” would not have been a standard conception but an eventual emergence from her body.
This could explain why the Qur’an consistently portrays Isa as being present before his official revelation and why his abilities seemed to manifest even within the womb.
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Why Did the Angel Visit If Isa Was Already There?
One might ask: if Isa was already within Maryam, why did the angel visit her to announce his coming?
The answer lies in Isa’s role as a prophet.
“And I taught you the Scripture and the wisdom, and the Torah, and the Injeel.” (5:110)
Isa was not merely present—he needed knowledge. He had to be taught the Torah and the Injeel before assuming his role as a messenger of God.
This aligns with another important verse:
“So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place.” (19:22)
The second “him” here may not refer to Isa—it could be referring to the well-made man mentioned earlier in the chapter, the being who assisted Maryam and taught Isa while he was still within her.
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Could the Well-Made Man Be Joseph the Carpenter?
Another fascinating possibility arises when comparing the Islamic and Christian narratives.
(I don’t believe in the Bible at all. While its stories are inaccurate, it does tend to portray the characters correctly and match the Quran. In the following idea, references to the Bible are used solely for the purpose of thought provocation)
In the Bible, Joseph the Carpenter is described as:
• Receiving a dream to marry Maryam (Matthew 1:20)
• Receiving a dream to take her away (Matthew 2:13)
However, in the Qur’an, Maryam is approached not by Joseph but by a well-made man—a mysterious figure who assists her on her journey.
Could Joseph and the well-made man be the same entity?
Could this figure have played a role in teaching Isa within Maryam’s womb, ensuring that when he was born, he could immediately speak?
“He spoke to the people in the cradle and in old age.” (5:110)
“But then he called to her from beneath her: ‘Do not be sad, your Lord has made below you a stream.’” (19:24)
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Conclusion: The Angel Did Not “Create” Isa
He Activated His Mission
Contrary to common belief, the angel’s role was not to miraculously plant Isa into Maryam’s womb. Instead, his visit marked the beginning of Isa’s prophetic mission.
Isa’s birth was not the result of spontaneous supernatural creation. Instead, it followed a divinely preordained process that may align with rare but known biological phenomena.
This perspective bridges the gap between faith and science, reinforcing the idea that God’s miracles operate within the very laws He has set in motion.
Perhaps the real miracle of Isa’s birth is not that it defied nature,
but that it demonstrated God’s mastery over it.