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A Quranic Understanding of the Universe

Written by: TH Huxley

1. Introduction:

Among the more bizarre arguments used by Islamic apologists is the claim that the
Qur’an contains scientific information that could not have been known 1400 years ago.
Needless to say, the slightest bit of critical review invariably shows such claims to be
entirely specious. There does not exist in the Qur’an any correct information that was
not already known to ancient civilizations that long preceded the birth of Muhammad.

But that is not the subject of this essay. This article is designed more narrowly to
uncover and explain the actual state of scientific knowledge that is represented in the
Qur’an and the Sunnah. Specifically, we will explore Islamic Cosmology, in particular the
Qur’ans understanding of the nature and structure of the physical universe.

To no surprise, “Islamic Cosmology” was not advanced beyond that of any of its ancient
neighbors, and in fact is far less sophisticated and accurate in its understanding than the
Greeks or Romans that had preceded them by centuries. While other civilizations had
(for example) long before realized that the earth was a globe, the Qur’an betrays no
understanding that the earth is anything but flat. But, I get ahead of myself.

Now, it is recognized up front that (as in almost every other ancient text), some of what
is reflected in the Qur’an was meant to be taken literally, while some is allegorical or
symbolic. But such recognition does not give the reader license to simply reject some
descriptions that are obviously in error without good reason. In fact, the cosmology
suggested by the Qur’an and the Sunnah is remarkably consistent, regardless of the
specific purpose of the particular story being read.

This is because at no point was the purpose of the Qur’an or the Sunnah to describe the
structure of the universe. In almost every instance, such descriptions exist only as side
affects of the other religious or ethical lessons that were the real objectives of the texts
we consider. If a detail of cosmology is contained in an allegory, yet itself has no
allegorical purpose, then it must be accepted as the actual understanding of the author.
So, while we have only a handful of direct statements concerning cosmology, a lot can
still be determined from the occasional intriguing detail accidentally dropped by the
authors as part of other discussions.

The wealth of such “hints” provide a compelling resource, and provide a clear picture of
what Muhammad thought the universe looked like.
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2. The Heavens and the Earth:

Any accounting of the cosmology of the Qur’an must begin with the fact that the Islamic
universe is extremely small and simple. It consists entirely of two (and only two)
components; the heavens and the earth.

There is no recognition of any of the other features of the universe that modern peoples
take for granted. There is no concept of solar systems, of galaxies, or of “space.” There
is no hint that the earth is a planet like the other planets visible from it, or that stars are
other suns, just very far away. Quranic cosmology is primarily limited to that which is
visible to the naked eye, and where the author’s attempts describe what is not actually
visible, they are invariably wrong.

The fundamental status of the “heavens and the earth” as the two key components of
creation is emphasized repeatedly in the Qur’an, and it is the “separation” of the two that
stands as the initial creative act of Allah.

Quote:
Al-Qur’an 021.030
Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together
(as one unit of creation), before we clove them asunder? We made from water
every living thing. Will they not then believe?

The exclusivity of these two venues is also repeatedly stressed. There is (for example)
no third place within which things might exist or conversations might take place.
Whenever the authors of the Qur’an want to make a point concerning Allah’s
omniscience, for example, the phrase “in heaven or on earth” is invariably used as
shorthand for the entire universe.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 014.038
"O our Lord! truly Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for
nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven.

Al Qur’an 021.004
Say: "My Lord knoweth (every) word (spoken) in the heavens and on earth: He
is the One that heareth and knoweth (all things)."

Al Qur’an 022.070
Knowest thou not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it
is all in a Record, and that is easy for Allah.
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Al Qur’an 031.026
To Allah belong all things in heaven and earth: verily Allah is He (that is) free of
all wants, worthy of all praise.

The “heavens and the earth” are also described as a sort of “container” within which the
entire Universe (that man experiences) operates. There is only heaven, earth, and the
things between them.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 021.016
Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is
between!

Not surprisingly, the nature of this space “between the heavens and the earth” is
described according to the straightforward (if false) perception of a human standing on
the ground. Looking in all directions, the Earth appears to be basically flat, and the
circular horizon gives the impression of standing at the center of a flat disc. Looking up,
the sky (heaven) appears as a solid blue dome reaching its greatest height directly
overhead, and anchored at or beyond the horizon. This is essentially (as we will discuss
in detail) what we find in the Qur’an.

Additionally, the Qur’an is clear that when Allah created the heavens and the earth, the
earth came first.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 041.009-011
Say (O Muhammad, unto the idolaters): Disbelieve ye verily in Him Who created
the earth in two Days, and ascribe ye unto Him rivals? He (and none else) is the
Lord of the Worlds.

He placed therein firm hills rising above it, and blessed it and measured therein
its sustenance in four Days, alike for (all) who ask;

Then turned He to the heaven when it was smoke, and said unto it and unto the
earth: Come both of you, willingly or loth. They said: We come, obedient.

And
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Quote:
Al Qur’an 002.029
He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. Then turned He to the
heaven, and fashioned it as seven heavens. And He is knower of all things.

So there we have the basic framework. The earth is a flat disc, and the heavens are a
solid dome (actually seven solid domes) overhead. For a look at more of the details, let
us first consider the heavens

The Heavens and their Denizens

As seen from the earth, the dome of the innermost heaven extends overhead, although
in actuality they are more correctly described as seven concentric domes with the disk of
the earth at their base.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 002.029
It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His
design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the
seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge.

Al Qur’an 041.012
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to
each heaven its duty and command.

These seven heavens are solid objects; this can be shown in several ways. For starters,
they stand as barriers that both protect (as does a roof) and contain.

The protective nature of this roof is shown in verses such as:

Quote:
Al Qur’an 021.032
And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: yet do they turn
away from the Signs which these things (point to)!

And the fact that they are solid is shown by references to pieces of the heavens falling
and potentially injuring residents of the earth.

Quote:
Al-Qur’an 034.009
See they not what is before them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If
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We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of
the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to
Allah (in repentance).

In fact, they are so substantial that it is even conceivable to climb up onto them using a
ladder.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 006.035
If their spurning is hard on thy mind, yet if thou wert able to seek a tunnel in the
ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a sign,- (what good?).

And finally, the heavens are apparently heavy enough to require physical supports of
some sort. Contrary to some Muslim claims, the Qur’an acknowledges that such
supports are required, but also explains that they are invisible.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 013.002
Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; is firmly
established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon
(to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate
all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the
meeting with your Lord.

The authors here take it as obvious that the heavens require support of some kind. But
their emphasis is on their invisibility, not their actual absence.

To further expound on the nature of the seven heavens, we need additional help from
the Hadith. Here we learn the distances between each heaven, as well as what is on the
other side of the furthermost.

Quote:
Sunan Abu ADawud Book 40, Number 4705:

Narrated Al-Abbas ibn AbdulMuttalib:

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I was sitting in al-Batha with a company among whom the Apostle of Allah
(peace_be_upon_him) was sitting, when a cloud passed above them.
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) looked at it and said: What do you
call this?

They said: Sahab.

He said: And muzn? They said: And muzn. He said: And anan? They said: And
anan. AbuDawud said: I am not quite confident about the word anan. He asked:
Do you know the distance between Heaven and Earth? They replied: We do not
know. He then said: The distance between them is seventy-one, seventy-two, or
seventy-three years. The heaven that is above it is at a similar distance (going
on till he counted seven heavens). Above the seventh heaven there is a sea, the
distance between whose surface and bottom is like that between one heaven
and the next. Above that there are eight mountain goats the distance between
whose hoofs and haunches is like the distance between one heaven and the
next. Then Allah, the Blessed and the Exalted, is above that.

Ignoring the giant mountain goats that are never mentioned in the Qur’an itself, the
outermost heaven lies beneath a sea that is as deep as the distances between adjacent
heavens. That Allah’s “throne” is above such waters is mentioned in the Qur’an as well
as the Hadith.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 011.007
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days - and His Throne
was over the waters - that He might try you, which of you is best in conduct. But
if thou wert to say to them, "Ye shall indeed be raised up after death", the
Unbelievers would be sure to say, "This is nothing but obvious sorcery!"

There are however no mentions of galaxies, quasars, galaxy clusters or empty space.
Simply water, a throne, and Allah himself.

Additional details concerning the individual heavens are found in the accounts of
Muhammad’s “night journey.” Rather than quoting at length, readers are referred to
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Sahih Bukhari Volume 9, Book 93, Number 608 for the long version. But here are the
key points.

Multiple angels and a few other folks populate each of the seven heavens as well. These
heavens are entered through doors in the solid domes, each with an angelic guard and
each populated by a resident prophet. For example, immediately above the dome of the
first heaven is where Muhammad met Adam, and discovered (in the absence of true
geographic knowledge) the sources of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The second
heaven is the home of the Prophet Idris. Aaron is in the fourth heaven, Abraham the
sixth, and Moses the seventh.

3. The Celestial Objects:

Inside the nearest heaven (i.e. less than 73 years away) are the stars and (apparently)
also the sun and moon. We can be certain that the stars are inside this closest heaven,
as the Qur’an is quite explicit on this point.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 037.006
We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars, -

Al Qur’an 041.012
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to
each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with
lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in
Might, Full of Knowledge.

The idea that the stars might actually be objects on the scale of the sun, but much
farther away was clearly missed by the authors of the Qur’an.

4. The Sun and the Moon:

The sun and moon are a bit more ambiguous, as all we know is that they are in the
“midst” of the heavens, and not explicitly inside the lowest of them.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 071.016
And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a (Glorious)
Lamp?
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These two lights (along with the stars and planets) follow prescribed paths along the
curved walls of the solid heavenly domes.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 021.033
It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the
celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.

Al Qur’an 036.040
It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip
the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).

And at the end of their daily paths across the sky, the sun (and presumably also the
moon and stars) pass through the earth’s flat disk near the far Western edge using
openings filled with water.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 018.086
Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of
murky water: Near it he found a People: We said: "O Zul-qarnain! (Thou hast
authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness."

Once out of view of the humans that populate the top of the earthly disc, their motion
stops, and they rest for the night in particular resting places.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 036.038
And the sun runneth on unto a resting-place for him. That is the measuring of
the Mighty, the Wise.

At some point during the night, however (and here again we call to the Hadith for details)
the sun must negotiate its return the next day with a direct appeal for Allah’s permission.

Quote:
Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 54, Number 421:
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Narrated Abu Dhar:

The Prophet asked me at sunset, "Do you know where the sun goes (at the time
of sunset)?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "It goes (i.e.
travels) till it prostrates Itself underneath the Throne and takes the permission to
rise again, and it is permitted and then (a time will come when) it will be about to
prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted, and it will ask permission
to go on its course but it will not be permitted, but it will be ordered to return
whence it has come and so it will rise in the west. And that is the interpretation
of the Statement of Allah: "And the sun Runs its fixed course For a term
(decreed). that is The Decree of (Allah) The Exalted in Might, The All-Knowing."
(36.3)

With permission to rise received, the sun passes back through the earthly disk near its
Eastern edge to commence the next day. While no “muddy pools” are specifically
mentioned for the sunrise, the description of people living nearby the exit point mirrors
the description of the place where the sunset.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 018.090
Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for
whom We had provided no covering protection against the sun.

5. Eclipses of the Sun and Moon:

The Qur’an demonstrates no understanding whatsoever of of eclipses. Perhaps this is

understandable. The Hadith claim that Muhammad only experienced one solar eclipse
during his lifetime, an experience which frightened him into a spectacular act of piety.
But the Qur’an only makes (as far as I have been able to find) a single reference to
eclipses, and that is a lunar eclipse that will take place at the end of the world.

In fact, the Qur’an actually makes a statement that would conceivably make eclipses
impossible.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 036.040
It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip
the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).
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For a solar eclipse to occur however, the sun and the moon actually must (from the
perspective of the earth) "catch up" to each other in their "orbits." But since the moon
itself is not visible at that time, the authors of the Qur'an never noticed this.

But then, when discussing the end of time the Qur’an assumes that a lunar eclipse
(which can only occur when the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth) can
occur at the same time the sun and moon finally do “catch up” to each other.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 075.00-0096
He asketh: “When will be this Day of Resurrection?”

But when sight is confounded

And the moon is eclipsed

And sun and moon are united,

The “uniting” of the sun and the moon not only demonstrate a singular instance when
they do “catch up” with each other, but also indicate that the authors of the Qur’an
believed they were comparable in size. This is of course only an illusion of comparative
distance.

6. Night and Day:

The fact that the authors of the Qur’an did not realize that the sun and moon actually
cause eclipses (as opposed to simply experiencing them) is similar to their failure to
realize that the sun actually causes day and night. In the Qur’an, night is not simply the
absence of day. Night and day are each specific, tangible creations of Allah, and they
engage in a form of balanced conflict independent of the celestial bodies.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 003.027
"Thou causest the night to gain on the day, and thou causest the day to gain on
the night; Thou bringest the Living out of the dead, and Thou bringest the dead
out of the Living; and Thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without
measure."
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Al Qur’an 003.190
Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night
and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,

Al Qur’an 013.003
He draweth the night as a veil o'er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there
are signs for those who consider!

Al Qur’an 022.061
That is because Allah merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and
verily it is Allah Who hears and sees (all things).

Day and night are clearly entities independent from the sun, moon or any other celestial
objects. Even when considered in the same verse, night and day are independent of the
sun, with no recognition that the sun causes either of them.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 007.054
Your Guardian-Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six
days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority): He draweth the night
as a veil o'er the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created
the sun, the moon, and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His command. Is
it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and
Sustainer of the worlds!

Al Qur’an 014.033
And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently
pursuing their courses; and the night and the day hath he (also) made subject to
you.

Al Qur’an 021.033
It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the
celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.

Al Qur’an 031.029
Seest thou not that Allah merges Night into Day and he merges Day into Night;
that He has subjected the sun, and the moon (to his Law), each running its
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course for a term appointed; and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye
do?

Al Qur’an 039.005
He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night
overlap the Day, and the Day overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and
the moon (to His law): Each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He
the Exalted in Power - He Who forgives again and again?

So, if the sun does not cause day and night, what is its purpose other than merely being
the brighter of the two major celestial lamps?

Well, it turns out that the purpose of these objects is primarily time and calendar
keeping.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 006.096
He it is that cleaveth the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest
and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): Such is the
judgment and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient.

Al Qur’an 010.005
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of
beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might know the number of
years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and
righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who
understand.

7. The Stars, Planets and Meteors:

It is not obvious from the translations of the Qur’an that the authors of the Qur’an
actually distinguished between stars and planets, as the same word is often translated
to mean either. But as ancient peoples generally knew that planets were different from
ordinary stars (they moved) it is a safe assumption that the earliest Muslims were
equally aware.

But the mistaken (if understandable) belief that stars are very small nearby objects is not
merely reflected in the placement of them inside the nearest dome. As with most other
ancient people, the authors of the Qur’an believed that meteors literally were “falling
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stars.” Yet with the unmistakable flavor of Arab martial creativity, they do not fall without
purpose. They are weapons against devils and jinn.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 067.005
And we have, (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We
have made such (Lamps) (as) missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have
prepared for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.

This appears to be part of the protective role of the heavens.

Quote:
Al Qur'an 072.008
And (the Jinn who had listened to the Qur'an said): We had sought the heaven
but had found it filled with strong warders and meteors.

8. The Earth and its Denizens:

The authors of the Qur’an felt a lesser need to describe the nature of the earth than the
heavens, since much of the earth’s nature was obvious to the people that lived upon it.
There was simply much less to explain. But the descriptions that do exist provide us with
unassailable conclusions.

First and foremost, the earth is flat. Repeatedly, the authors of the Qur’an use same
word to describe the “spreading out” of the earth that Arabs used to discuss the
spreading out of a “carpet,” a usage that translators often make use of.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 015.019
And the earth We have spread out (like a carpet); set thereon mountains firm
and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance.

Al Qur’an 020.053
"He Who has, made for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you
to go about therein by roads (and channels); and has sent down water from the
sky." With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from the
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others.

Al Qur’an 43.010
(Yea, the same that) has made for you the earth (like a carpet) spread out, and
has made for you roads (and channels) therein, in order that ye may find
guidance (on the way);

Al Qur’an 050.007
And the earth- We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm,
and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs)-

Al Qur’an 051.048
And We have spread out the (spacious) earth: How excellently We do spread
out!

In fact, at one point the Qur’an even emphasizes how much flatter the earth would be
were it not for the mountains that disrupt the view.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 018.047
One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level
stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one
of them.

And in the same way one would stake down a tent or a carpet to keep it from shifting or
blowing away, the mountains are described as serving this same purpose.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 016.015
And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake
with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves;

Al Qur’an 078.007
And the mountains as pegs?

Perhaps the one unclear facet of Islamic cosmology is the fact that the Qur’an mentions
without explanation that there are (like the heavens), seven earths:
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Quote:
Al Qur’an 065.012
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.

The seven concentric domes of the heavens are fairly straightforward. The seven
different earths are a bit more difficult to picture. One hint is given by the Qur’ans
mention that in the same way “things” can “come down from” or “mount up to” the
heavens, there are also things that can “come forth out of” or “enter within” the earth.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 057.004
He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and is moreover
firmly established on the Throne (of Authority). He knows what enters within the
earth and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what
mounts up to it. And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And Allah sees well
all that ye do.

This leads to the conclusion that the seven earths are stacked one atop the other,
similar to a stack of coins. This conclusion would certainly help us solve the one great
remaining cosmological puzzle.

9. Where are Paradise and Hell?

Islamic cosmology takes a perfectly prosaic position in terms of Paradise and Hell, and
places them firmly within the cosmos that consists of the heavens and the earth. The
description of Muhammad’s “night journey” shows each of the seven heavens already
populated with the departed prophets in Paradise. This is consistent with the Qur’ans
description of the size of Paradise.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 003.133
Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose
width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the
righteous,-
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Al Qur’an 057.021
Be ye foremost (in seeking) Forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden (of
Bliss), the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those
who believe in Allah and His messengers: that is the Grace of Allah, which He
bestows on whom he pleases: and Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding.

If the heavens (to include the seventh and largest) are already populated with denizens
of Paradise, the width of Paradise would be precisely that of heaven and earth.

And since Paradise is on the other side of the first heaven, it follows that Hell is below
the surface of the first earth, filling the spaces beneath and between the seven earths.
This is consistent with the descriptions of hell as being a completely enclosed place.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 007.041
For them there is Hell, as a couch (below) and folds and folds of covering
above: such is Our requital of those who do wrong.

Al Qur’an 009.049
Among them is (many) a man who says: "Grant me exemption and draw me not
into trial." Have they not fallen into trial already? and indeed Hell surrounds the
Unbelievers (on all sides).

Further, the direction of hell, when it is mentioned, is invariably “down.”

Quote:
Al Qur’an 052.013
That Day shall they be thrust down to the Fire of Hell, irresistibly.

Elsewhere, it is described as an underground dungeon.

Quote:
Al Qur’an 017.008
It may be that your Lord will have mercy on you, but if ye repeat (the crime) We
shall repeat (the punishment), and We have appointed hell a dungeon for the
disbelievers.
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And in yet another reference, an observer is directed to “look down” in order to witness a
denizen of hell.

Quote:
Al Qur'an 037.054-055
(A voice) said: "Would ye like to look down?"

He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

And so, we have the Islamic Universe in completion.

10. Summary:

The Qur’an is not a book of science. As such, it makes no extended effort to describe
the cosmos in the way a textbook might. Yet dealing as it does with universal questions
of creation, purpose and fate it cannot avoid revealing its cosmological framework as it
describes the workings of Allah.

In so doing, while it never comes out and says, “this is the form of the universe,” a
consistent and comprehensive cosmology still reveals itself. And to no surprise, this
proves to be the mythical cosmos of 7th century Arabia rather than an accurate
description of the real universe.

In the Qur’an, the entire universe is very small and contains simply the earth and its
surrounding heavens. There are no galaxies, other solar systems, or such a thing as
“outer space.”

The earth is the top-most of seven, flat discs, surrounded by the seven solid concentric
domes of the heavens. The celestial objects that do exist (sun, moon, stars and planets)
are quite small, very close, and they follow semi-circular paths within the innermost of
the seven heavenly domes. When they are not in the sky above the earth, they are
resting somewhere underneath it, except while petitioning Allah’s permission to return
the following day (or night). Paradise exists between the seven heavens, and hell exists
between the seven earths.

All of this is submerged in a cosmic sea, above which is the throne of Allah.

And Allah knows best.