posted on May, 27 2005 @ 04:53 AM
I read a book called Science in Quran, it analyses scientific references in Qur'an regarding creation of universe, earth, life on earth etc, etc.
Among other things the Seven Heavens thing is adressed.
In one of the verses in Qur'an, God says that he created seven universes and an equal number of earths in them. The closest layer of heaven was
filled with stars. (Verses 41:12 and 65:12). That suggests that "heavens" are not layers of atmosphere but something else, possibly parallel
universes with "earths", planets with life, in them. (Verse 23:17)
The book also states that the arabic word for "seven" can also mean many, an undetermined number. Something like the english word "dozen".
The relevant Qur'an quotes are listed bellow.
I often use the translation of Dr. Rashad Khalifa, because it is the newest, modern one. I also quoted other translations for comparison, they pretty
much say the same thing.
Khalifa translation :
(41:12) Thus, He completed the seven universes in two days, and set up the laws for every universe. And we adorned the lowest universe with
lamps, and placed guards around it. Such is the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient.
Other translations of the same verse :
PICKTHAL: Then He ordained them seven heavens in two Days and inspired in each heaven its mandate; and We decked the nether heaven with lamps, and
rendered it inviolable. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Knower.
SHAKIR: So He ordained them seven heavens in two periods, and revealed in every heaven its affair; and We adorned the lower heaven with brilliant
stars and (made it) to guard; that is the decree of the Mighty, the Knowing.
Khalifa translation :
(65:12) GOD created seven universes and the same number of earths. The commands flow among them. This is to let you know that GOD is
Omnipotent, and that GOD is fully aware of all things.
Other translations of the same verse :
YUSUFALI: Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye
may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge.
PICKTHAL: Allah it is who hath created seven heavens, and of the earth the like thereof. The commandment cometh down among them slowly, that ye may
know that Allah is Able to do all things, and that Allah surroundeth all things in knowledge.
SHAKIR: Allah is He Who created seven heavens, and of the earth the like of them; the decree continues to descend among them, that you may know that
Allah has power over all things and that Allah indeed encompasses all things in (His) knowledge.
Khalifa Translation :
(23:17) We created above you seven universes in layers, and we are never unaware of a single creature in them.
Other translations :
YUSUFALI: And We have made, above you, seven tracts; and We are never unmindful of (our) Creation.
PICKTHAL: And We have created above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of creation.
SHAKIR: And certainly We made above you seven heavens; and never are We heedless of creation.