The Heavens

At a glance

In the Quran, the heaven or sky is not merely an empty physical expanse, but a towering, perfectly crafted ceiling that covers the earth. Its immense height, order, and beauty testify directly to the oneness, boundless power, and meticulous wisdom of the Creator. Across hundreds of verses, Allah calls your attention upward to see in the sky an enduring sign of divine mercy, sustenance, and authority.

From the sky descends the blessed rain that revives barren soil, mirroring how heavenly revelation brings dead hearts to life. As a fortified dome, it is maintained securely without pillars, guarded from eavesdropping devils, and populated by angels worshipping their Lord. Reflecting on the heavens helps you recognize the smallness of human arrogance before the Majesty who raised the universe.

Ultimately, the sky serves as an undeniable proof for the Day of Judgment. The God who built this vast structure from smoke and keeps it suspended can effortlessly resurrect humanity. When the Hour arrives, this solid canopy will split, melt, and be rolled up, reminding you that all worldly permanence belongs to Allah alone.

Key verses

1. Adh-Dhariyat 51:47: Allah built the heaven with absolute power and continues to be its vast expander, showing His infinite capacity to create and sustain.
2. Fussilat 41:12: Allah completed the heavens as seven distinct realms in two days, assigning to each its specific command and purpose.
3. At-Tariq 86:11: Allah swears by the sky that returns with recurring rain, carrying the continuous provisions needed to sustain earthly life.
4. Al-Furqan 25:61: Allah is exalted for placing constellations in the sky alongside the radiant sun and the illuminating moon.
5. Al-Buruj 85:1: Allah swears by the sky adorned with towering celestial stations, linking cosmic order to the comforting assurance of ultimate justice.
6. Adh-Dhariyat 51:7: Allah swears by the heaven full of woven tracks and pathways, contrasting its flawless harmony with the contradictory speech of doubters.
7. Al-Mu'minun 23:17: Allah created seven paths layered above humanity, representing the tiered heavens through which angels ascend and descend.
8. Al-Mulk 67:3: Allah crafted seven heavens in flawless harmony, inviting you to look repeatedly without finding a single crack or fault.
9. Al-Jinn 72:8: The jinn recounted reaching out to the sky only to find it densely fortified with powerful guards and flaming meteors protecting revelation.
10. Abasa 80:26: Allah pairs the pouring of rain from the sky with the cleaving of the earth, proving His power to bring forth vegetation and revive the dead.
11. Al-Haqqah 69:16: On the Last Day, the heaven will split open and become frail, marking the complete upheaval of cosmic stability before divine judgment.
12. Al-Inshiqaq 84:1: The sky will be torn apart on the Day of Resurrection, obeying the command of its Lord as it yields completely to His will.

Words to know

السماء `al-sama'`

Linguistically, anything that is elevated and towers above you, predominantly used in the Quran for the physical celestial canopy over the earth, and occasionally for the ceiling of a house.

Appears 381 times in the Quran.

Most common forms: سَماء (310), اسْم (39), مُسَمًّى (21), سَمَّى (8), سَمِيّ (2)

Root: س م و

الفلك `al-falak`

A circular orbit or pathway directly beneath the lowest heaven along which celestial bodies, such as the stars, sun, and moon, continually travel.

Root: ف ل ك

الأرض `al-ard`

The physical body opposite to the heaven, representing the low ground upon which creation resides and the landing place for what descends from above.

Root: ا ر ض

Swearing by the sky in some of its states

From the paper: «القسم بالسماء في بعض أحوالها»

When Allah swears by something in the Quran, it magnifies its honor and draws attention to its profound significance. In Surah al-Tariq, Allah swears by the sky and the piercing night star At-Tariq 86:1-3, whose shining emergence in the dark highlights how divine guidance pierces spiritual darkness. In that same surah, He swears by the sky of recurring rain At-Tariq 86:11-12, pairing the revival of dry earth with the decisive power of the Quran to revive dead hearts Ash-Shura 42:52 and bring about the promised resurrection At-Tariq 86:8.

Allah also swears by the heaven containing constellations Al-Buruj 85:1, pointing to the lofty stations of the sun, moon, and stars Al-Furqan 25:61 that set seasonal calendars for humanity. This oath in Surah al-Buruj bridges visible celestial lights with unseen divine realms, encouraging believers undergoing persecution to trust God's supreme order. In Surah al-Dhariyat, Allah swears by the heaven full of woven tracks Adh-Dhariyat 51:7-9, contrasting the majestic alignment of celestial pathways with the disjointed, conflicting falsehoods of deniers Ali 'Imran 3:191.

Furthermore, Allah swears by the heaven and its wondrous construction Ash-Shams 91:5. Its vast dome was erected with divine power Adh-Dhariyat 51:47 and raised without any visible defect or imbalance An-Nazi'at 79:27. Looking up at this towering edifice reminds you that creating the sky is vastly greater than creating mankind Al-Mu'minun 23:14, proving how effortless resurrection is for the Almighty 17:99}, {46:33.

Intrinsic descriptions of the sky

From the paper: «أولًا: أوصاف السماء الذاتية»

The Quran describes the heaven through several intrinsic characteristics. First, it is an architectural building raised as a secure dome over the earth to shelter humanity 2:22}, {40:64. Second, the heavens are seven in number 2:29}, {41:12}, {65:12, layered on top of one another as seven paths traversed by angels Al-Mu'minun 23:17, seven harmonious tiers without any defect 67:3}, {71:15, and seven mighty realms built with immense strength An-Naba 78:12.

Third, the sky is a guarded canopy Al-Anbiya 21:32 kept from crashing upon the earth except by divine permission Al-Hajj 22:65 and shielded from rebellious devils Al-Hijr 15:17. Fourth, it is characterized by immense expanse Adh-Dhariyat 51:47, where Allah continually expands space and provisions for His creation Ta-Ha 20:50. Fifth, the heaven originated from smoke before being fashioned into its current state Fussilat 41:11.

Sixth, Allah raised the heavens without visible pillars 13:2}, {31:10, displaying perfect strength that requires no physical support. Seventh, the sky possesses actual gates 54:11}, {78:19 that remain closed to the arrogant and open to the righteous 7:40}, {35:10}, {13:14. Eighth, the heavens stand firmly established solely by Allah's command Ar-Rum 30:25. Finally, the universe was fashioned deliberately across six days 7:54}, {36:82, teaching mankind patience, steady deliberation, and reliance on divine wisdom.

Extrinsic descriptions of the sky

From the paper: «ثانيًا: الأوصاف الخارجية للسماء»

Beyond its intrinsic makeup, the sky is adorned with features that interact with created beings. Allah placed towering constellations in the lowest heaven 85:1}, {25:61, serving as celestial mansions for the sun and moon that guide human vision and navigation An-Nisa 4:78. The sky is further embellished with shining stars and planets 37:6}, {82:1-2, sparkling like radiant jewels to provide luminous beauty for observers on earth 6:76}, {67:5.

Additionally, the heaven is not an empty vacuum; it is home to inhabitants, primarily the angels who worship Allah and attend the Highest Assembly As-Saffat 37:7. To safeguard this sacred realm, Allah placed strict guards throughout the sky. As recorded in Surah al-Jinn, the jinn discovered that the heavens had been filled with intense guardians and flaming meteorites Al-Jinn 72:8-9 to prevent eavesdropping spirits from stealing revelation and confusing humanity. Through these guardians and piercing flames, Allah permanently secured the Quran as it was conveyed from the celestial heights down to the Prophet Muhammad.

Matters attributed to the sky

From the paper: «ثالثًا: أمور أسندت للسماء»

The Quran repeatedly attributes pivotal cosmic actions to the heaven. Prime among these is the sending down of water Hud 11:44, which revives dead ground, brings forth nourishing vegetation, and sustains animal life 45:5}, {2:164}, {80:24-32. When communities turn to their Lord in sincere faith and righteousness, Allah promises to throw open broad blessings from the sky and the earth Al-A'raf 7:96, granting bountiful, unearned abundance.

Conversely, the sky is also the channel through which divine punishment, termed rijz (chastisement), descended upon transgressive peoples 34:5}, {29:34. Because it descends directly from the sky, such punishment is impossible for anyone to avert or escape.

Finally, the sky was the origin of the miraculous feast granted to Jesus and the disciples Al-Ma'idah 5:114. The disciples requested this feast not out of doubt in Allah's capability, but as a courteous plea for inner peace and tangible proof 5:112-113}, {2:260. Allah responded by sending down a miraculous table from the sky, establishing it as an enduring sign of sustenance and celebration for believers, coupled with a severe warning for those who disbelieve after witnessing such proof Al-Ma'idah 5:115.

States of the sky at the Hour

From the paper: «رابعًا: أحوال السماء عند قيام الساعة»

The remarkable stability of the heavens will completely dissolve when the Last Hour arrives. First, the sky will crack open with clouds of blinding light as ranks of angels descend to encompass humanity for judgment Al-Furqan 25:25. In this cataclysm, its firm composition will soften, melting and turning red like boiling oil, and becoming utterly fragile 55:37}, {69:16}, {84:1.

Second, Allah will roll up the vast expanse of the heavens just as a scribe rolls up a written scroll Al-Anbiya 21:104, holding the folded skies in His right Hand Az-Zumar 39:67. Third, the sky will undergo infitar (bursting split), cleaving along its breadth while its stars are scattered abroad 82:1}, {67:3}, {73:18.

Finally, the sky will experience complete inshiqaq (rupture), breaking apart into deep chasms and opening like wide doors 84:1}, {80:26}, {50:44}, {69:16. These violent transformations strip away the cosmos you see today, leaving no doubt that worldly power is fleeting and that all sovereignty belongs exclusively to the Creator.

The sky and the setting of parables

From the paper: «السماء وضرب الأمثال»

The Quran utilizes the imagery of the sky to make profound spiritual realities vivid to human minds:

• Spiritual constriction: Rejecting faith makes the chest so unbearably tight that the disbeliever feels as though they are straining to ascend into the upper sky Al-An'am 6:125, a state modern science links to oxygen depletion at high altitudes.
• Fleeting worldly life: Earthly existence is compared to water poured from the sky 10:24}, {18:45. Lush plants suddenly flourish, dazzling onlookers, only to be struck down swiftly by divine decree, turning into dry chaff blown away by the wind.
• The revival of revelation: Divine revelation is compared to rain pouring from the heavens into valleys according to their capacities Ar-Ra'd 13:17. Just as rain brings lush greenery to receptive soil, the Quran produces beautiful character traits in healthy hearts, while corrupt souls remain barren 7:58}, {35:32.
• The fall of polytheism: Associating partners with Allah is compared to plummeting from the sky Al-Hajj 22:31. The fallen individual is either violently torn apart mid-air by predatory birds, symbolizing stray desires, or swept away by harsh winds into a desolate abyss, symbolizing the devil dragging them to destruction.

Miraculous aspects of the sky

From the paper: «لمسات إعجازية في السماء»

The Quran embeds several breathtaking cosmological signs within its discussion of the heavens. First, it mentions that the sky was originally smoke Fussilat 41:11, an unorganized, lightless matter prior to the differentiation of celestial bodies. Second, the sky is described as having intricately woven pathways (al-hubuk) Adh-Dhariyat 51:7-8, referring to the interwoven orbits of stars and galaxies that resemble finely patterned cloth.

Third, Allah highlights the vastness and expansion of the cosmos, stating that He built the heaven with might and is steadily expanding it Adh-Dhariyat 51:47. Contemplating the endless distances of space and its billions of stars inspires deep humility and strengthens faith.

Finally, the Quran points out that the heavens and the earth were initially fused together as one joined entity before Allah separated them Al-Anbiya 21:30. This separation was paired with the pouring of rain and the cracking open of the earth for vegetation 86:11-12}, {80:24-26. These cosmic marvels invite you to look closely, reflect deeply on the origins of the universe, and turn to Allah in worship and awe 51:21}, {40:57}, {3:190-191.

Takeaways

1. Look Up to Cleanse Your Mind

   Regularly observing the clear, elevated sky helps free your thoughts from worldly distractions. When you observe its massive scale and faultless harmony, you remember the power of the One who holds it aloft.

2. Water Your Heart with Revelation

   Just as dry land depends on regular rain from the sky to sustain life, your soul shrivels without constant Quranic recitation. Treat daily reading as your spiritual downpour.

3. Do Not Attach Your Heart to Fleeting Beauty

   The stunning greenery produced by rainwater soon dries up and disappears. Remind yourself that worldly luxuries will likewise vanish, helping you focus on deeds that last.

4. Seek Heavenly Gates with Sincere Deeds

   Arrogant, rebellious souls find the gates of the heavens firmly shut against them. Keep your prayers pure and words kind so your deeds ascend freely to your Lord.

Reflect

• When was the last time you paused to look up at the night sky and reflect on the One who keeps it from falling?
• In what ways has your heart felt like parched land, and how can you allow Quranic verses to bring it back to life?
• What worldly luxury are you holding onto that, like vegetation after rain, will soon dry up and pass away?
• How does knowing that the towering heavens will one day be folded up change the weight you give to your everyday worries?

Go deeper

Linguistic meaning

Linguistically, the word comes from the root denoting height and elevation. It refers to anything that rises, towers upward, and acts as a sheltering roof over what is beneath it, such as a cloud or the ceiling of a house.

Technical meaning

Technically, it designates the elevated realm above humanity: the dwelling place of angels, the descending point of revelation, and the physical cosmic domes that shelter the earth in distinct, layered horizons.

How it differs from related terms

الفلك Celestial Orbit

While al-sama' refers to the towering celestial canopy itself, al-falak denotes the circular path or orbital track located beneath the lowest sky along which stars, planets, the sun, and the moon continuously rotate.

الأرض The Earth

While al-sama' designates the elevated upper boundary from which commands and rain descend, al-ard is the lower base that receives what falls from above. Relative to the vastness of the heavens, the entire earth is like a tiny pebble in a boundless desert.

Every verse in the paper

All 97 verses the research paper discusses, grouped under its own headings.

The sky in Quranic usage «السماء في الاستعمال القرآني»

2:22, 41:12, 51:47, 22:15

Related terms «الألفاظ ذات الصلة»

Linguistic meaning of orbit «الفلك لغة»

21:33

The relationship between earth and the sky «الصلة بين الأرض والسماء»

65:12

Swearing by the sky in some of its states «القسم بالسماء في بعض أحوالها»

The sky and at-Tariq «أولًا: السماء والطارق»

86:1-3

The sky with returning rain «ثانيًا: السماء ذات الرجع»

86:8, 86:11-12, 86:1-3, 42:52

The sky full of constellations «ثالثًا: السماء ذات البروج»

15:16, 25:61, 85:1, 4:78, 33:33, 24:60

The sky full of pathways «رابعًا: السماء ذات الحبك»

51:7-9, 3:191

The sky and who built it «خامسًا: السماء وما بناها»

51:47, 79:27, 91:5, 9:110, 23:14, 17:99, 46:33

Special descriptions of the sky «أوصاف خاصة للسماء»

Intrinsic descriptions of the sky «أولًا: أوصاف السماء الذاتية»

2:22, 40:64, 2:29, 23:17, 41:12, 65:12, 67:3, 71:15, 78:12, 21:32, 22:65, 15:17, 51:47, 20:50, 41:11, 13:2, 31:10, 7:40, 54:11, 78:19, 35:10, 13:14, 30:25, 7:54, 36:82, 46:33

Extrinsic descriptions of the sky «ثانيًا: الأوصاف الخارجية للسماء»

85:1, 25:61, 4:78, 37:6, 82:1-2, 6:76, 67:5, 37:7, 72:8, 72:9

Matters attributed to the sky «ثالثًا: أمور أسندت للسماء»

11:44, 45:5, 2:164, 80:24-32, 7:96, 34:5, 29:34, 5:114, 5:112, 5:113, 2:260, 5:115

States of the sky at the Hour «رابعًا: أحوال السماء عند قيام الساعة»

25:25, 55:37, 69:16, 84:1, 21:104, 39:67, 82:1, 67:3, 73:18, 80:26, 50:44

The sky and the setting of parables «السماء وضرب الأمثال»

The impossible or feeling constriction «أولًا: المستحيل أو الشعور بالضيق»

6:125

Worldly life like water sent from the sky «ثانيًا: مثل الحياة الدنيا كماء أنزل من السماء»

10:24, 18:45

Likening revelation to water sent from the sky «ثالثًا: تمثيل الوحي بالماء المنزل من السماء»

13:17, 7:58, 35:32

Likening the polytheist to one falling from the sky «رابعًا: تمثيل المشرك بمن يخر من السماء فتخطفه الطير»

22:31

Miraculous aspects of the sky «لمسات إعجازية في السماء»

The sky when it was smoke «أولًا: السماء وهي دخان»

41:11

The sky full of pathways «ثانيًا: السماء ذات الحبك»

51:7, 51:8

The vastness of the sky «ثالثًا: سعة السماء»

51:47

The heavens and earth were joined then separated «رابعًا: السماوات والأرض كانتا رتقًا ففتقناهما»

21:30, 86:11-12, 80:24, 80:25, 80:26, 51:21, 40:57, 3:190-191

About this source

Volume

9

Research paper

«السماء» (The Heavens)

Read the full paper (Arabic)

Encyclopedia of Thematic Tafsir of the Noble Quran, published by the Tafsir Center for Quranic Studies.

This study guide summarizes the Arabic research paper. For full scholarly detail, refer to the original. This preview has not been reviewed yet.