SEX (GENDER) DETERMINATION:
The sex of a fetus is indomitable by the nature of the sperm and not 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 strength 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 fetus is a female and if it is a ‘Y’ bearing sperm then the fetus is a male.“That He did create in pairs – male and female, from a seed when lodged (In its place).” [Al-QURAN 53:45-46]
The Arabic word nutfah means a minute quantity of liquid and tumna means ejaculated or planted. Therefore nutfah specifically refers to sperm because it is ejaculated.
The QURAN 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-QURAN 75:37-39]
Here again it is mentioned that a small quantity (drop) of sperm (indicated by the word nutfatan min minifying) which comes from the man is responsible for the sex of the fetus. Mothers-in-law in the Indian subcontinent by and large prefer having male grandchildren and often blame their daughters-in-law if the child is not of the desired sex. If only they knew that the formative factor is the nature of the male sperm and not the female ovum! If they were to blame anybody, they should guilt their sons and not their daughters-in-law since both the QURAN and Science hold that it is the male fluid that is dependable for the sex of the child!