❖ Introduction
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
The claim that the heavens and the earth comprise a total of fourteen layers—seven for the heavens and seven for the earth—is not speculative. It is rooted in the clear statements of the Qur'an and authentic Ahadith. This article explores the textual evidence and theological perspective regarding this claim.
❖ ① Quranic Evidence: Surah al-Ṭalāq, Verse 12
اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ...
(Surah al-Ṭalāq 65:12)
Translation:
"Allah is He who created seven heavens and from the earth the like of them..."
✔ This verse explicitly equates the number of layers in the earth to that of the heavens — seven each, making a total of fourteen.
❖ ② Tafsīr of Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما)
Imam al-Ṭabarī and others narrate from ʿAbdullah ibn ʿAbbās:
"The phrase سبع أرضين (seven earths) indicates that just as the heavens are layered, so are the earths."
(References: Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 14/153, Ibn Abī Ḥātim, al-Ḥākim 2/394, al-Bayhaqī)
❖ ③ Prophetic Hadith Supporting Seven Earths
The authentic Hadith further confirms the layered structure of the earth:
✿ Hadith on Oppression and the Seven Earths
"Whoever usurps even a handspan of land unjustly, he will be made to wear it as a burden from the seven earths."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 4/74, Sahih Muslim 3/1230
Another narration:
"He will be swallowed into the earth until he reaches the seven layers of the earth."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 4/75
❖ ④ Mention of the Earths in Supplications and Descriptions
✦ Hadith in Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī:
"The seven heavens and all they contain, and the seven earths and all they contain... are as insignificant before the Kursi as a ring in a desert."
— Tirmidhī, Kitāb al-Daʿwāt, 5/539
✦ Supplication of the Prophet ﷺ:
"O Allah! Lord of the seven heavens and what they cover, and Lord of the seven earths and what they contain..."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 4/75
These references emphasize the divine creation and structure of both realms, and the sevenfold nature of each.
❖ ⑤ The Nature of the Seven Earths
Although the existence of seven earth layers is proven by revelation, their exact nature, structure, and inhabitants are part of the ghaib (unseen), known only to Allah ﷻ.
❖ ⑥ Scholarly Caution on Delving Too Deep
Imam al-Khafājī stated:
"We believe the earths are seven, and they may be inhabited by creatures known only to Allah."
Shah Ṣiddīq Ḥasan Khān (رحمه الله) remarked:
"The safest and most moderate view is to affirm what the Qur’an and Sunnah affirm — seven heavens and seven earths. Delving into the hidden nature of these realms is unnecessary and not our obligation."
❖ Conclusion
✔ The Qur'an and authentic Hadith firmly establish that there are seven heavens and seven earths, totaling fourteen realms.
✔ This belief is part of the ʿAqīdah of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah.
✔ Speculating beyond the revealed knowledge is discouraged; the reality of these realms lies with Allah ﷻ alone.
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
