When it is said 'The seven earths and the seven heavens', what does that mean exactly?
Question
I have heard 2 meaning of the seven earths. One being that there are seven layers, and the second being that there are many galaxies in the universe, and like yours is the milkyway, there are 6 others where there is a place like earth and people live on them. I accept this one, but I would like to know more on these topics Inshallah. Jazakallah Khair
Answer
Both the above views have been mentioned by the Mufassireen.
In brief, neither the Qur'aan nor the Ahaadith have given any clear description of the seven earths. This itself shows that this is not an article of faith, for had it been, then surely Allah Ta'ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) would have clarified the matter.
For us, it is sufficient to believe that there are 7 earths, and that Allah Ta'ala knows what form they are. There are millions or billions of secrets and mysteries of the universe which we do not know, nor are we required to delve therein. This is just one of them. We leave these affairs to the knowledge of Allah Ta'ala.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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