SEVEN HEAVENS
The seven heavens are the spiritual ladders created for the soul to become a spirit. Every soul must climb these stairs. Qur’an and hadiths often say that there are seven Samawats, some verses of the Qur’an mention sama’wat. There are two interpretations of the use of the number «seven», in one view, the number «seven» here simply means «many» and is not to be taken literally, but many other commentators use the number literally, the Qur’an, for example, simply states that «Allah created seven heavens in succession» (Qur’an 71:14 (15).
Another verse says: «Allah created seven heavens and as many earths (Qur’an 65:12). Prophet Muhammad traveled through the seven describes the heaven. In the Qur’an, seven places are connected with the world of hell. Thus, in the first heaven (from the earth) the legendary prophet Ismail of the Arabs lives. Below him is an army of angels, those who protect the sky from demons. In the second heaven, the Prophet Jesus, the angel Gabriel, in the third – Yusuf, in the fourth – Idris (Enoch), in the fifth place – Harun (Aaron) and in the sixth place – Moses (Moses) In the seventh heaven there is Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who showed Muhammad paradise. Beyond that lies the sea, above which is the highest throne, the throne of God. Hell is guarded by nineteen angels, «each of whom has great power.» Hell has seven gates, each of which corresponds to a certain level, sin is twinned with its work, «the fire shall cover some up to the ankles, and others up to the knees, and others up to the loins, and others up to the necks.» moreover, according to the prophet, «hypocrites lie in the lowest floor of hell», between heaven and hell there is a barrier of al-a’raf (some translators of the Koran call it purgatory in the Bible), there will be people who still do not know about their fate after life.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Allah, out of His unconditional mercy and love for us, created the same number of seven heavens and earth, original hadith: «Allah created the seven heavens and the seven earths with mercy…» (Sunan Ibn Majah 4216). It reminds us to acknowledge and be grateful for the hadith and use it for our own good and to draw closer to Allah. Learning about God’s creation, including the seven heavens and the seven earths, can strengthen our faith and help us admire his wisdom and beauty. we can feel the gravity of Allah in his creation, which helps us to turn to him in prayer and thanksgiving. it can also help us overcome the difficulties and trials of life, knowing that Allah, who created the world and created the seven heavens and the seven earths, is with us and controls everything. «All that is in heaven and on earth praises God, who is the possessor of power and wisdom.» this verse indicates that Allah is the creator of the heavens and the earth and that all creatures in them glorify him. Further confirmation is given in Surah Talaq (65:12), which states:
«Allah is not more than seven and created as many earths.»
This confirms that Allah Almighty created seven heavens and as many earths, confirming His power and greatness. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also confirmed this teaching in his hadiths. In a hadith narrated by Abu Umama al-Bahili, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: «O Abu Umama, have you heard that Allah created seven heavens and seven earths?»
– Yes, O Prophet, – answered Abu Umama.
– O Allah, I praise You seven times – says the Prophet.
This hadith once again confirms the teaching that Allah created seven heavens and as many earths. He calls the believers to praise Allah for this absolute creation. The belief that God created seven heavens and seven earths is an important part of the Muslim faith and reminds man of God’s majesty and power.