Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "For forty days, the drop of fluid remains in its state in the mother's womb, and there is no change in it. When forty days pass, it becomes a clot of blood. After forty days, it becomes a lump of flesh. Likewise, after forty days, bones are clothed with flesh. Then, when Allah wills to complete its form and appearance, He sends an angel to it. The angel appointed for this task asks Allah: 'O Lord! Will it be male or female? Will it be wretched or blessed? Will it be short or tall? Will it be defective in creation or complete? What will its provision be and how long will its lifespan be? Will it be healthy or sick?' All these things are written down." Upon hearing this, someone from among the people asked: "O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! When all these things have been written, then what is the benefit of action?" He replied: "You should continue to act, for every person will be directed towards that for which he was created."