The phrase “Istawa-alal-arsh” is used for 7 times in 7 verses of the Quran.
In 6 of these verses it is used after mentioning Allah SWT created the universe.
A-The study of Quran and science involves assigning a scientific term to a phrase in the Quran. “Heavens and earth” is interpreted as the universe
B-In 6 verses Allah SWT informs us that AFTER CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE ,”istawa-alal-arsh” occured
C- The interpretation of “istawa-alal-arsh” is beyond the scope of the study of Quran and science and suffice it to say we take the position of Imam Malik. Imam Malik said, ‘The establishment (Istiwa) (on the throne) is known, the mode (‘how’) is unknown, asking about it is an innovation, and belief in it is compulsory’. (Tafseer Al Qurtubi )
D- Except for verses 20 (4-5) ,in all other Quranic verses the word THEN occurs which indicates a sequence of events ie” istawa-alal-arsh” occured AFTER the creation of the universe.
E-Except for verse 13 2 in all other verses reference is made to heavens and earth.(universe)We thus conclude heavens/samaa in 13 2 is a metaphor for the multiple galaxies in the universe as well.
7:54
Indeed, your Lord is Allāh, who created the heavens and earth in six days and THEN established Himself above the Throne.He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command.
10:3
Indeed, your Lord is Allah , who created the heavens and the earth in six days and THEN established Himself above the Throne, arranging the matter [of His creation]. There is no intercessor except after His permission. That is Allah , your Lord, so worship Him. Then will you not remember?
13: 2
It is Allah who erected the heavens without pillars that you [can] see; THEN He established Himself above the Throne and made subject the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term. He arranges [each] matter; He details the signs that you may, of the meeting with your Lord, be certain.
20 (4-5)
A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens,
The Most Merciful [who is] above the Throne established.
25 59
He who created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days and THEN established Himself above the Throne – the Most Merciful, so ask about Him one well informed.
32 4
It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six days; THEN He established Himself above the Throne. You have not besides Him any protector or any intercessor; so will you not be reminded?
57: 4
It is He who created the heavens and earth in six days and THEN established Himself above the Throne. He knows what penetrates into the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein;
Allah SWT in His infinite knowledge knows best