Surah Al-Mulk 67:3
سُورَةُ المُلۡكِ · Meccan · Verse 3 of 30
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍۢ طِبَاقًۭا ۖ مَّا تَرَىٰ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ مِن تَفَٰوُتٍۢ ۖ فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍۢ
Translation
who created the seven heavens, one above the other. You will not see any flaw in what the Lord of Mercy creates. Look again! Can you see any flaw?
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'You will not see any flaw in the creation of the Most Merciful, so look again: do you see any rifts?' The commentators note the deliberate challenge: not a claim to accept, but an experiment to run, turn your gaze up and hunt for a single crack in the design. And observe the name chosen: not 'the Powerful' but 'the Most Merciful' (ar-Rahman), the flawless order is an act of mercy, not just might (al-Biqa'i, Ibn Ashur). Ask yourself: when did I last actually look, not glance, at the sky, the body, the balance of things, as evidence rather than backdrop? The verse dares me to search for a flaw precisely because it knows what my searching will find.
Grounded in classical tafsir: Ibn Ashur, al-Biqa'i, Ibn Kathir.
Wording
The verse before us, Surah 67, Ayah 3, is a profound call to reflect on the magnificent order of the cosmos, directly from Allah to any thoughtful observer. It comes as part of a challenge to humanity to recognize the perfection of Allah's creation.
A Harmonious Design
Allah begins by stating that He is the One "Who created seven heavens in layers" (ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍۢ طِبَاقًۭا). The word *ṭibāqā* (طباقا) is crucial here. Scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur explain it in a couple of illuminating ways. It can mean that the heavens are "matching, one above the other," like layers of leather in a sandal, as al-Zamakhshari illustrates. This suggests a precise arrangement where each layer fits perfectly with the next. Ibn Ashur also notes it can mean they are "similar in qualities," such as their spherical shape and orderly, non-colliding movements. This single word encapsulates the intricate, coordinated system of the celestial bodies, hinting at Allah's immense power that suspends them without visible support and grants each a unique, measured path.
The Rahman's Perfect Creation
Following this, Allah makes a sweeping statement: "You will not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency" (مَّا تَرَىٰ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ مِن تَفَٰوُتٍۢ). The phrase "the creation of the Most Merciful" (خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ) is a powerful choice. Instead of simply saying "in His creation" (referring to the heavens), Allah uses His Divine Name, *Ar-Rahman*, The Most Merciful. Ibn Ashur points out that this serves a dual purpose: first, it broadens the statement to encompass *all* of Allah's creation, implying that flawlessness is a characteristic of everything He creates. Second, it highlights that this perfect order is a direct manifestation of His vast mercy. This stable, consistent cosmic system ensures that human life can flourish without constant disruption, a true blessing from Ar-Rahman. The word *tafāwut* (تَفَاوُتٍ) itself means "disparity," "inconsistency," or "defect," emphasizing the absolute harmony and lack of any flaw in His design.
A Challenge to Your Gaze
The verse then issues a direct challenge: "So return your gaze, do you see any fissures?" (فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍۢ). The command "farji'il baṣara" (فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ), "return your gaze," invites us to actively verify this truth. It is not enough to simply hear it; we are prompted to look again and again, with careful scrutiny, to truly appreciate the perfection. The question "Do you see any fissures?" (هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍۢ) is a rhetorical one, expecting a resounding "no." *Fuṭūr* (فُطُورٍ) means "cracks" or "fissures," implying structural weakness or incompleteness. Ibn Ashur observes that this emphasizes how seamlessly and perfectly the heavens are knit together. This invitation to observe, scrutinize, and then concede the sheer flawlessness of creation deepens our understanding and awe of Allah's perfect knowledge and power.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Worldly Mirror
Observing Divine Perfection
Surah Al-Mulk opens our eyes to Allah's magnificent power, and in verse 3, He invites us to gaze upon the heavens: "ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٍۢ طِبَاقًۭا ۖ مَّا تَرَىٰ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ مِن تَفَٰوُتٍۢ ۖ فَٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍۢ" (He who created seven heavens, one above another. You will see no fault in the creation of the Most Merciful. So look again: do you see any cracks?). This verse describes Allah as the One who brought into being seven harmonious heavens, perfectly layered. He then challenges us, the viewers, to find any flaw or inconsistency in this vast creation. The word "تَفَاوُتٍ" (tafawut) refers to any discrepancy, imbalance, or imperfection, while "فُطُورٍ" (futur) means cracks, gaps, or fissures. Allah urges us to repeatedly return our gaze to the sky, asking if we can detect even the slightest fault.
A Mirror to Our World
This invitation to observe the flawless cosmos becomes a powerful mirror for our human experience. As scholar Tazkirul Quran notes, the universe, apart from humanity, operates with extreme organization and perfection, devoid of any defects. Yet, when we turn to human life, we often encounter injustice and corruption. This contrast is profound. The universe reflects Allah's perfect order and design, while the human realm, by virtue of our free will, can manifest disorder. Our freedom to act, given as part of our test in this life, allows for both good and ill. The challenge, then, is to learn from the cosmic order and strive to implement similar principles of balance, justice, and harmony in our social and political lives.
The Inner Challenge
This ayah isn't just about cosmic wonders; it's a spiritual diagnosis for our inner selves. When we look at the universe and find no fault, it humbles us and confirms the absolute perfection of Allah's creation. As Sayyid Qutb observes, our vision will grow weary before finding any defect, for there is "no disorder, no flaw, and no anxiety" in Allah's creatures. This realization should inspire profound reverence and gratitude within us. It beckons us to examine our own lives, our characters, and our actions. Are we striving for integrity and balance in our personal spheres, mirroring the perfection we observe in creation? The constant, flawless operation of the heavens, as noted by Israr Ahmad, where no scientist has ever found a defect, stands as a testament to Allah's unparalleled power and wisdom, inviting us to align our hearts and actions with His divine will.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Mulk 67:3 is discussed in 4 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Mulk 67:3 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.