Naqeer & Qitmeer (Speck & membrane of a date seed) Micropyle and Endocarp
Botanical term
“Micropyle: A minute opening in the dorsal side of a palm seed. It serves as a link between the seed and the outer world, since it allows water into the internal part of the seed to provide nutrition to the embryo.
Endocarp: The thin layer that surrounds a palm seed. Because of its membranous nature, it is usually eaten along with the fruit. “
“Both terms, as well as the following one, are mentioned in the Glorious Quran as symbols of minute things. An instance of naqeer (speck) is: (Or have they a share of dominion? Then [if that were so], they would not give the people [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.) [An-Nisaa: 53]
An instance of qitmeer (membrane) is: (He causes the night to enter the day, and He causes the day to enter the night and has subjected the sun and the moon – each running [its course] for a specified term. That is Allah, your Lord; to Him belongs sovereignty. And those whom you invoke other than Him do not possess [as much as] the membrane of a date seed.) [Faatir: 13]”