Question
How are 7 heavens interpreted in the various verses in the Quran?
Answer
7 heavens is mentioned in the Qur’an seven times
2-29 It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His
being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.
In verse 2-29 ,7 heavens is interpreted as the atmosphere
17-44 The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but
glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.
In verse 17-44 , 7 heavens is interpreted as the universe
23-86 Say, “Who is Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Great Throne?”
In verse 23-86 . 7 heavens is interpreted as the 7 layers of spiritual domain ( ie. the spiritual domain visited by the Prophet SAW on the night of meraaj)
41-12 So He formed the heaven into seven heavens in two Days, assigning to each its mandate. And We adorned the lowest heaven with ˹stars like˺ lamps ˹for beauty˺ and for protection. That is the design of the Almighty, All-Knowing.”
In verse 41-12 ,7 heavens is interpreted as the atmosphere
65-12 It is Allâh Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allâh has power over all things, and that Allâh surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) knowledge.
We do not have sufficient information of the universe at this stage to comment on what the 7 heavens and 7 earths are.
67-3 Who created the seven heavens one upon another.
In verse 67-3 , 7 heavens is interpreted as the atmosphere
71-15 -17 “See you not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another ,And has made the
moon a light THEREIN, and made the sun a lamp?And Allah hath caused you to grow as a growth from the
earth,..”
In verse 71-15 , 7 heavens is interpreted as the atmosphere
Allah SWT and His prophet SAW know best