Question Summary:
Is the word ashraful makhluqat present in quran. If not then why human beings are regarded as ashraful makhluqat. Can you please provide references

Question Detail:

Is the word ashraful makhluqat present in quran. If not then why human beings are regarded as ashraful makhluqat. Can you please provide references

Answer :

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

Allah has mentioned:
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِي
Indeed Allah has created the human in the best of forms. (Surah Teen, verse 4)
 
This verse indicates to Insaan (humans) being the best and most noble creation of Allah.