Milk Production Explained in the Quran

Anatomy of the Breast

Subhan’Allah, over 1400 years ago, Allah (swt) revealed how the body makes milk.

The translation of Surah An-Nahl verse 66 states “And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies – between excretion* and blood – pure milk, palatable to drinkers.”

*farth is translated as excretion here and is defined as substances that are eat but not digested

Historically, it was believed that breastmilk came from the uterus. But scientists now know that its production begins in the intestinal tract.  Here is a simplified explanation of how it works:

Nutrients from the intestine are absorbed into the bloodstream which carries it to the to the breast glands (also known as mammary glands). In the glands, small clusters of cells called alveoli synthesize the milk. The milk then travels down ducts to the nipples to be drank.

Intestinal Villi, part of Intestine that absorbs nutrients

How the Bloodstream Connects to the Breast