Chapter: Discussion of the creation of the heavens and the signs they contain

We have already stated that the creation of the earth preceded the creation of the heaven, as the Exalted says:

“He is the One who created for you all that is on the earth, then turned toward the heaven and fashioned them into seven heavens; and He has knowledge of all things.” (al-Baqarah 2:29)

He, Most High, also says:

“Say, ‘Do you indeed disbelieve in the One who created the earth in two days and set up rivals with Him? That is the Lord of all realms. He placed upon it firm mountains, blessed it, and apportioned its provisions in four days—exactly for those who ask. Then He turned toward the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come, willingly or unwillingly.” They said, “We come willingly.” So He completed them as seven heavens in two days, revealed in each heaven its command, and We adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and as a protection. That is the determining of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.’” (Fussilat 41:9-12)

And the Exalted says:

“Is your creation harder, or that of the heaven? He built it: He raised its vault and proportioned it, darkened its night and brought forth its daylight; and after that He spread the earth.” (al-Nāziʿāt 79:27-30)

We have already answered the clause, “and after that He spread the earth,” by explaining that spreading (dahiy) is not the same as creating; it took place after the creation of the heaven.

He, Glorified be He, says:

“Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things Powerful—who created death and life that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed, for He is the Mighty, the Forgiving—who created seven layered heavens. You will not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any disparity, so turn your gaze: do you see any flaw? Then turn your gaze yet again; your gaze will return to you humbled and exhausted. And We have indeed adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and made them missiles for the devils, and We have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze.” (al-Mulk 67:1-5)

He, the Exalted, says:

“We built above you seven mighty [heavens] and placed therein a blazing lamp.” (al-Nabaʾ 78:12-13)

He says:

“Have you not seen how Allah created seven layered heavens, and placed the moon therein as a light and placed the sun as a radiant lamp?” (Nūḥ 71:15-16)

And He, the Exalted, says:

“Allah is the One who created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The command descends between them so that you may know that Allah is powerful over all things and that Allah encompasses all things in knowledge.” (al-Ṭalāq 65:12)

He, Blessed is He, says:

“Blessed is He who placed constellations in the sky and placed therein a lamp and a luminous moon. And He is the One who made the night and the day alternate for whoever wishes to remember or wishes to give thanks.” (al-Furqān 25:61-62)

And He, Exalted, says:

“We have indeed adorned the lowest heaven with the beauty of the stars, and as a safeguard against every rebellious devil. They cannot eavesdrop on the exalted assembly; they are pelted from every side—repelled, and for them is an unceasing punishment—except the one who snatches a fleeting word; a piercing flame pursues him.” (al-Ṣāffāt 37:6-10)

And He says:

“We placed constellations in the sky and adorned it for the onlookers, and We guarded it from every accursed devil—except one who stealthily listens, whereupon a clear flaming meteor pursues him.” (al-Ḥijr 15:16-18)