In Islamic belief, the concept of the seven heavens (السماوات السبع as-samāwāt as-sab‘) is one of the fascinating topics that reflects the greatness of Allah’s creation. Many people wonder: How many heavens are there in Islam? The Qur’an and authentic Hadith give us a clear and awe-inspiring answer.
The Seven Heavens in the Qur’an
The Qur’an explicitly mentions that Allah created seven heavens, each with its own order and purpose. Allah says:
“It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:29)
And again:
“So He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command.”
(Surah Fussilat 41:12)
These verses show that the seven heavens are not just poetic symbols, but real layers of creation — beyond human comprehension — where each has its own function and order known only to Allah.
What Do the Hadith Say About the Seven Heavens?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also spoke about the seven heavens in many authentic narrations. One famous hadith describes the Mi‘raj (ascension), where the Prophet ﷺ was taken by Allah from Makkah to the highest heaven.
During that miraculous journey, the Prophet ﷺ met several prophets at each level of heaven:
1st Heaven: Prophet Adam (AS)
2nd Heaven: Prophet Isa (AS) and Prophet Yahya (AS)
3rd Heaven: Prophet Yusuf (AS)
4th Heaven: Prophet Idris (AS)
5th Heaven: Prophet Harun (AS)
6th Heaven: Prophet Musa (AS)
7th Heaven: Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
This narration is found in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, showing that each heaven is a real realm containing specific signs of Allah’s power and specific inhabitants chosen by Him.
The Meaning Behind the Seven Heavens
The idea of seven heavens is not just about numbers; it reflects the vastness of Allah’s creation and the limits of human understanding. Scholars explain that the number seven in Arabic can also represent completion and perfection, but in this case, it truly refers to seven distinct layers of heaven.
Imam al-Qurtubi (a classical Qur’an commentator) wrote that these heavens are “real entities, not merely metaphors,” each one above the other, surrounding the earth.
The Highest Heaven: Sidrat al-Muntaha
At the very top of all the heavens lies the Sidrat al-Muntaha — the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary. This is where the Prophet ﷺ stopped during the Mi‘raj, beyond which none but Allah can go. The Qur’an mentions:
“Near it is the Garden of Refuge (Jannatul-Ma’wa).”
(Surah An-Najm 53:15)
It’s a place of divine mystery and ultimate closeness to Allah, a symbol of the highest spiritual journey one can imagine.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Allah’s Majesty
So, according to Islam, there are seven heavens, each created with wisdom, beauty, and divine order. The Qur’an and Hadith both affirm this reality — not as myth, but as a sign of Allah’s infinite power.
When believers reflect on the seven heavens, it reminds them how small we are in the grand design of creation — and how great is the Creator who made them all. It inspires awe, humility, and faith.
“Do you not see how Allah created seven heavens in layers?”
(Surah Nuh 71:15)
Truly, the seven heavens are one of the many signs that guide us to know Allah — Al-Khaliq, The Creator of everything seen and unseen.
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