In Islam, the "7 skies" or "seven heavens" (samawat) are understood by some to represent seven distinct universes or levels of existence beyond our own.
Understanding the Seven Heavens
The concept of seven heavens is found in several verses of the Quran. While interpretations vary, one understanding is that they are not merely layers within our observable universe, but rather distinct realities.
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Different Interpretations: Some scholars interpret them as literal physical layers or dimensions, while others understand them metaphorically as different states of consciousness or spiritual realms.
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Quranic Basis: The Quranic verse [67:5] is sometimes used to support the idea that the lowest heaven (nearest to us) is adorned with lamps (stars) and is a realm where devils can be cast out, implying a physical or tangible space. This verse is often cited in conjunction with the belief that the seven heavens are separate universes.
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Hierarchy of Existence: The seven heavens are often viewed as a hierarchy, with each higher heaven being more refined and closer to God. The specific details of each heaven are not explicitly detailed in the Quran, leading to various interpretations within Islamic tradition.
Summary
Essentially, the "7 skies" or "seven heavens" in Islam represent a complex concept with varying interpretations, with one prominent understanding being that they denote seven distinct universes or planes of existence.
