Scientific Realities of the Heavens and the Earth in the Qur’an
Modern science states that the sky is not a physical entity, but rather a vacuum in which the Earth, stars, and planets exist.
On the other hand, the Qur’an frequently mentions the "earth and heavens," raising the question:
Is the Qur’an in harmony with scientific facts?
It must be remembered that the Noble Qur’an is not a book of science; rather, its primary purpose is to guide humanity.
Its language and style are such that they are comprehensible both to the people who lived 1400 years ago and to those in the modern age.
The Qur’an does not aim to explain scientific facts; however, the scientific indications present within it are rooted in reality.
The Qur’an addressed people from every stratum of society; hence, its language is simple and easily understood.
In the Qur’an, the word "sky" (السَّمَاء) is used in different places with varying meanings.
Generally, the "sky" refers to the atmosphere above the Earth, which includes:
✔ Stars and planets
✔ Clouds and outer space
The Qur’an discusses the heavens, stars, planets, and constellations.
Misunderstanding arises when Qur’anic terminology is directly compared to modern scientific terminology.
Even today, people across the globe continue to use the same expressions for the "sky" as used in the Qur’an. For example:
✔ "The sun is shining in the sky."
✔ "The moon and stars are sparkling in the sky."
These phrases are widespread in common parlance, even if they may not be scientifically precise.
The Qur’an communicates its message through commonly understood expressions.
The word "Samā’" (Sky) in the Qur’an has been used in multiple senses depending on the context:
“Then He turned to the sky, and it was smoke.”
(Surah Fussilat: 11)
Here, "sky" refers to the entire universe, as made clear by the context.
“And We sent down blessed water from the sky.”
(Surah Qāf: 9)
In this context, the sky refers to the source of rain.
“Blessed is He who placed constellations in the sky, and placed therein a lamp and a shining moon.”
(Surah Al-Furqan: 61)
Here, it refers to the visible sky containing celestial objects.
“Who created seven heavens one above another.”
(Surah Al-Mulk: 3)
In various places, "sky" in the Qur’an also conveys the meanings of clouds, the universe, or a roof/ceiling. The context makes its intended meaning clear.
The Qur’an clearly mentions seven heavens:
“It is Allah Who created the seven heavens, and likewise the earths.”
(Surah At-Talaq: 12)
According to scholars, these seven heavens may represent different layers or realms, just as the Earth's atmosphere has layers.
Scholars have different interpretations about the seven Earths:
Some believe they represent different layers or surfaces of the Earth,
while others suggest the possibility of other Earth-like planets in the universe.
Reference: “Ma’āriful Qur’ān” by Syed Abul A‘la Maududi (رحمه الله)
Atheists often claim that the Qur’an describes the Earth as flat.
They cite the following verse:
“And We have spread out the earth.”
(Surah Al-Hijr: 19)
This verse refers to the surface of the Earth, not its shape or form.
The Qur’an mentions that Allah has made the Earth vast and habitable.
Another verse states:
“Then He spread out the Earth.”
(Surah An-Nāzi‘āt: 30)
The word "Dahāhā" means "to spread" or "to flatten," which can apply to a spherical or an oblong object.
This refers to making the Earth suitable for human habitation, not its physical shape.
✔ The Qur’an’s purpose is not to define scientific terminology but to offer divine guidance.
✔ Terms like “sky” and “earth” in the Qur’an are used in a commonly understood manner.
✔ The Qur’anic descriptions of scientific realities are framed in the language of their time, yet they remain accurate and consistent.
✔ As for the seven heavens and seven Earths, no specific details are provided in the Qur’an or Hadith, hence speculation should be avoided.
❖ Objection:
Modern science states that the sky is not a physical entity, but rather a vacuum in which the Earth, stars, and planets exist.
On the other hand, the Qur’an frequently mentions the "earth and heavens," raising the question:
Is the Qur’an in harmony with scientific facts?
◈ The Relationship Between the Qur’an and Science
➊ The Qur’an is Not a Scientific Text
It must be remembered that the Noble Qur’an is not a book of science; rather, its primary purpose is to guide humanity.
Its language and style are such that they are comprehensible both to the people who lived 1400 years ago and to those in the modern age.
The Qur’an does not aim to explain scientific facts; however, the scientific indications present within it are rooted in reality.
The Qur’an addressed people from every stratum of society; hence, its language is simple and easily understood.
◈ The Meaning of ‘Heaven’ in the Light of the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, the word "sky" (السَّمَاء) is used in different places with varying meanings.
Generally, the "sky" refers to the atmosphere above the Earth, which includes:
✔ Stars and planets
✔ Clouds and outer space
The Qur’an discusses the heavens, stars, planets, and constellations.
Misunderstanding arises when Qur’anic terminology is directly compared to modern scientific terminology.
➋ Common Language and the Qur’an
Even today, people across the globe continue to use the same expressions for the "sky" as used in the Qur’an. For example:
✔ "The sun is shining in the sky."
✔ "The moon and stars are sparkling in the sky."
These phrases are widespread in common parlance, even if they may not be scientifically precise.
The Qur’an communicates its message through commonly understood expressions.
➌ Various Meanings of the Word ‘Sky’
The word "Samā’" (Sky) in the Qur’an has been used in multiple senses depending on the context:
• Universe:
“Then He turned to the sky, and it was smoke.”
(Surah Fussilat: 11)
Here, "sky" refers to the entire universe, as made clear by the context.
• Rain:
“And We sent down blessed water from the sky.”
(Surah Qāf: 9)
In this context, the sky refers to the source of rain.
• Atmosphere:
“Blessed is He who placed constellations in the sky, and placed therein a lamp and a shining moon.”
(Surah Al-Furqan: 61)
Here, it refers to the visible sky containing celestial objects.
• Seven Heavens:
“Who created seven heavens one above another.”
(Surah Al-Mulk: 3)
In various places, "sky" in the Qur’an also conveys the meanings of clouds, the universe, or a roof/ceiling. The context makes its intended meaning clear.
◈ The Seven Heavens and the Seven Earths
➊ Seven Heavens:
The Qur’an clearly mentions seven heavens:
“It is Allah Who created the seven heavens, and likewise the earths.”
(Surah At-Talaq: 12)
According to scholars, these seven heavens may represent different layers or realms, just as the Earth's atmosphere has layers.
➋ Seven Earths:
Scholars have different interpretations about the seven Earths:
Some believe they represent different layers or surfaces of the Earth,
while others suggest the possibility of other Earth-like planets in the universe.
Reference: “Ma’āriful Qur’ān” by Syed Abul A‘la Maududi (رحمه الله)
◈ Is the Earth Flat or Round?
❖ Objection:
Atheists often claim that the Qur’an describes the Earth as flat.
They cite the following verse:
“And We have spread out the earth.”
(Surah Al-Hijr: 19)
❖ Response:
This verse refers to the surface of the Earth, not its shape or form.
The Qur’an mentions that Allah has made the Earth vast and habitable.
Another verse states:
“Then He spread out the Earth.”
(Surah An-Nāzi‘āt: 30)
The word "Dahāhā" means "to spread" or "to flatten," which can apply to a spherical or an oblong object.
This refers to making the Earth suitable for human habitation, not its physical shape.
Summary:
✔ The Qur’an’s purpose is not to define scientific terminology but to offer divine guidance.
✔ Terms like “sky” and “earth” in the Qur’an are used in a commonly understood manner.
✔ The Qur’anic descriptions of scientific realities are framed in the language of their time, yet they remain accurate and consistent.
✔ As for the seven heavens and seven Earths, no specific details are provided in the Qur’an or Hadith, hence speculation should be avoided.
