Heaven (Samāʾ)
Definition and Etymology
Heaven in Arabic is referred to as Samāʾ (سماء), while in Persian it is known as Asmān (اسمان). The Hebrew term for heaven is שָׁמַיִם. In Islamic tradition, Samāʾ signifies the heavens or firmament, distinct from Firdaus (Paradise), the ultimate abode of bliss [see also: Paradise].
References in the Qurʾān
In the Qur’an, heaven is described using various terms and phrases, with specific emphasis on its multiplicity and divine purpose.
Seven Paths or Stages:
- Sūrah 23:17: “And we have created above you seven paths, nor are we heedless of the creation.”
Commentators interpret these “paths” as routes for angels and celestial bodies, suggesting a tiered or layered cosmos reflecting divine order.
Creation for Glory:
- Sūrah 21:16: “We created not the heaven and the earth, and that which is between them, by way of sport.”
This verse underscores the idea that heavens were created for the glory of God, not as a trivial endeavor.
Divine Support:
- Sūrah 22:64: “He holds up the heaven from falling on the earth save at His bidding.”
This verse indicates the heavens are upheld by God’s power and will remain so until the Last Day.
The Seven Heavens in Islamic Tradition
According to Islamic tradition, particularly the Mishkāt (book 24, chapter 7) and accounts of the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey (miʿrāj), there are seven heavens:
- First Heaven: Pure virgin silver, the residence of Adam.
- Second Heaven: Pure gold, the residence of John the Baptist and Jesus (though some traditions place Jesus in the fourth heaven).
- Third Heaven: Pearls, the residence of Joseph.
- Fourth Heaven: White gold, the residence of Enoch (in some traditions, Jesus).
- Fifth Heaven: Silver, the residence of Aaron.
- Sixth Heaven: Ruby and garnet, the residence of Moses.
- Seventh Heaven: The residence of Abraham.
It is reported that the distance between each heavenly region is five hundred years’ journey, further suggesting immense expanses and the grandeur of the divine creation.
Comparative Views
Similar to Islamic traditions, other religious frameworks also speak of multiple heavens. For instance:
- Rabbinic Judaism: Describes two heavens (Deut. 10:14) or sometimes seven.
- Christianity: St. Paul mentions the “third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2), which stirred theological debates, suggesting a layered cosmology similar to Islamic and Jewish beliefs.
Further Reading
For more in-depth studies on the concept of heaven in Islam and comparative religion, consider the following texts:
- “Heaven and Hell in Islamic Tradition” by Weston Walker
- “The Concept of Heaven in Islamic Theology” by Jane Smith
- “The Cosmology of the Arabs and Persians” by Henry Corbin
Takeaways and Conclusion
Heaven in Islamic thought is multi-faceted, encompassing seven distinct stages, each associated with prophetic figures and described in vivid metaphors of precious materials. This layered cosmology is intertwined with Quranic revelation and further elaborated in hadiths and scholarly interpretations, reflecting a deep connection between the physical and spiritual realms within Islam.
Understanding these layers not only provides insight into Islamic eschatology but can also broaden comparative religious discussions around cosmology, theology, and the destiny of the soul.
