A STANDARD REFERENCE FOR INTERPRETING 7 HEAVENS IN 4 QURANIC VERSES;
A standard reference for the interpretation of ” 7 heavens” in the following 4 Quranic verses below is the ATMOSPHERE. Its the best interpretation from a scientific and theological perspective.
QURAN 2-29
It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. THEN He directed Himself to the heaven and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.
QURAN 41:9 -12
Say: “Do you verily disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two Days? And you set up rivals with Him? That is the Lord of all that exists.’He placed therein firm mountains from above it, and He blessed it, and measured therein its sustenance in four Days equal for all those who ask.THEN He rose over the heaven(SKY) when it was SMOKE and said to it and to the earth: “Come both of you willingly or unwillingly.”
They both said: “We come willingly.”And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command
Quran 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,.
QURAN 67 (3-5)
Who has created the seven heavens one above another, you can see no fault in the creations of the Most Beneficent. Then look again:Can you see any rifts?”Then look again and yet again, your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out.
And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps(stars)
7 heavens is to be interpreted based on the context in which it occurs and thus it is NOT understood to be the atmosphere in 2 other Quranic verses.
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)
Allah SWT knows best