Firmament / Heavens/ Skies

Surprisingly enough, certain Ayahs & the Classical Exegesis based on the Interpretation of the pious predecessors , opine the concept for ‘Heavens’, more like a Crafty construction of the Firmament, similar to the Biblical Cosmology. While Heavens used in the Texts, no way seems to convey an Infinite Vacuum space or Universe, unlike what the Modern speakers interpret, Allah knows best however. Below are some Classical exegeses:

“Who has created the seven heavens one above the other; you can see no fault in the creation of the Most Gracious. Then look again. Can you see any rifts”. (Al-Mulk 67:5)

Imam IbnKathir(Rah) comments, “meaning stacked one on top of the other. Are they connected to each other, meaning that they are in elevated ascension, some of them being stacked above others, or separated with space between them There are two views concerning this, and the most correct opinion seems to be the latter as is proven in the Hadith of Isra' (the Prophet's Night Journey) and other narrations. Concerning Allah's statement, (you can see no fault in the creation of the Most Gracious.) means, it (the creation) is done in a flawless manner, and these are connected with each other so as to forms a straight level, having no disunion, conflict, inconsistency, deficiency, flaw or defect. (Then look again. Can you see any rifts) meaning, look at the sky and pay close attention to it. Do you see any flaw, deficiency, defect or rifts in it Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Ad-Dahhak, Ath-Thawri and others said concerning Allah's statement, (Then look again. Can you see any rifts) that it means cracks. As-Suddi said that, (Can you see any rifts) means any tears….”. (Vol 10, Page 81-82) End of quote. The firmament is something mentioned in nearly all scriptures and stories from past civilizations. It is something that masonic science and elite authorities have hidden from us for a long time.

Few translators of the Quran prefer to use the word firmament to describe its authentic nature to people. However, in Arabic, the word is (سَمَآء) sky or heavens .This word is found around 300 times in the Quran. Due to our indoctrination as children and faked moon landings, we have been led to believe that humans can go beyond our atmosphere into what we have been told is a vacuum of outer space. The Qur'an tells us otherwise and gives us clues about the dome that lies above our heads, which may in fact be more than just the Van Allen radiation belt.

Government-owned space agencies, which have been caught continuously lying to the masses.They convince people that there is no throne of Allah beyond the sky, and they could race past the firmament, sending monkeys and even humans into space. But we must understand the reality of Allah’s throne from this verse of the Quran. His Throne does extend over the sky and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme. (Quran 2:255)

The firmament has been built strong and impenetrable

And the heaven He has raised high, and He has set up the Balance, in order that you may not transgress the balance (55:7-8)
Keep in mind that the verb, transgress (taṭghaw - تَطْغَوْا), which has been used in the above verse, can also mean overflow or overpower. In other cases, this verb is used to mean going too far, in the case of a transgressor. The following verse states that Allah created the sky firmament with strength (Bi-aydi)
And the firmament we constructed with strength, and indeed, we are [its] Expanders. (Quran, 51:47)
Now imagine a firmament or dome that is strong enough to resist nuclear missiles and rockets that are launched straight up into the sky. This is further supported by the verse: And We made above you seven strong ones (Quran, 78:12). The word used for strong in this case is شِدَادًا. That word, shidādan, can also mean intense, mighty, and hard. A good example where this word is used is when Allah speaksabout the hearts that are hardened, to the point which they become harder than stones. Therefore, this firmament is strong, hard, and impenetrable.

Firmament is made up of seven skies

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 (Quran, 65:12)

Firmament is a ceiling/canopy /dome/covering/structure

Allah refers to the sky or firmament as a structure (bināan - بِنَاءً):
Who made the earth a bed for you and the heaven a structure and (Who) sends down rain from the cloud then brings forth with it subsistence for you of the fruits. (Quran 2:22)

It is Allah who made for you the earth a place of settlement and the sky a ceiling and formed you and perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord; then blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds. (Quran 40:64)
Qur'an clearly uses a word (saqfan - سَقْفًا) to describe the firmament / sky as a ceiling or canopy can be illustrated in the following verses:

"And we have made the heaven a Roof, safe and well guarded". (21:32)

IbnKathir (Rah) says, "means , covering the earth like a Dome above it.
This is like the ayah... "With hands we construct the heavens. Verily, we are able to extend the vastness of space there of". (51:47), means, "we made it vast and we brought its roof higher without pillars to support it, and thus it is hanging independently". (Vol 9, 273)

By the Canopy Raised High (52:5)

This triliteral root sīnqāffā (سقف) occurs four times in the Quran as the noun saqf (سَقْف), and in all cases it is used to mean roof, ceiling, or canopy. This is shown in 16:26, wherein it says, "...so the roof fell upon them from above them", as well as 43:33. Therefore, should we not think of the sky as a canopy?

Firmament can break or open only by the will of Allah

The Quran makes several references to the Firmament breaking open, hence implying that it is a solid-structured dome above our heads. Here is one example:
The heavens may almost rend asunder from above them and the angels sing the praise of their Lord (Quran 42:5)
All translators have used this word to mean rent asunder or break apart. The word used for rend asunder or break apart is yatafaṭṭarna (يَتَفَطَّرْنَ). Some more examples where this word is used:
The heavens almost rupture (yatafaṭṭarna) therefrom and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation (19:90)
When the sky breaks apart (infaṭarat) (82:1).
The heaven will break apart (munfaṭirun) therefrom; ever is His promise fulfilled. (73:18)

In all cases, all the various translators have used the words rent asunder or break apart. There are more verses which mention the Heavens or Firmament breaking open, this time using the word tashaqqaqu. This same word is used to describe the splitting or breaking apart of earth, stones, moon, and of course, Heavens:

The Day when the heaven will split open (tashaqqaqu) with clouds, and the angels will be sent down in successive descent. (25:25)

There is also a mention of this verse in 55:37, which states, "And when the heaven is split openand becomes rose-coloured like oil."

See you not that Allah has subjected to you (mankind) all that is on the earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His Command? He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except by His Leave. Verily, Allah is, for mankind, full of Kindness, Most Merciful. Surah Al-Hajj 22:65.
Ibnkathir (rah) says regarding, If Allah willed, He could give the sky permission to fall on the earth, and whoever is in it would be killed, but by His kindness, mercy and power, He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth, except by His leave.

Verily! Allah grasps the heavens and the earth lest they move away from their places, and if they were to move away from their places, there is not one that could grasp them after Him. Truly, He is Ever Most Forbearing, OftForgiving. Surah Fatir Verse 51

The lowest sky holds the stars and its likes

The Qur'an also mentions that the lower firmament is adorned with stars in order to protect against shaitans. They are chased off by a flame:

And We adorned the lower heaven with brilliant stars and to guard; that is the decree of the Mighty, the Knowing. (Quran, 41:12)

And certainly We have made strongholds in the heaven and We have made it fair seeming to the beholders. And We guard it against every accursed Shaitan. But he who steals a hearing, so there follows him a visible flame (Quran, 15:16-18).

Surely We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment, the stars, and a safeguardagainst every rebellious Shaitan. They cannot listen to the exalted assembly and they are thrown at from every side, being driven off, and for them is a perpetual chastisement, except him who snatches off but once, then there follows him a brightly shining flame. (Quran, 37:6-10)

Even the creation of jinn are banned from entering the lowest firmament:

And that we sought to reach heaven, but we found it filled with strong guards and flaming stars. And that we used to sit in some of the sitting-places thereof to steal a hearing, but he who would (try to) listen now would find a flame lying in wait for him. (Quran: 72:8-9)

What is fascinating about the above verses is their resemblance to passages found in theBible , Book of Enoch, which was discovered many centuries after the Qur'an was revealed. The verse is as follows,

From thence I went to another place to the west of the ends of the earth. And I saw a burning fire which ran without resting, and paused not from its course day or night but (ran) regularly. And I asked saying: 'What is this which rests not?' Then Raguel, one of the holy angels who was with me, answered me and said unto me: 'This course of fire which you have seen is the fire in the west which persecutes all the luminaries of heaven.' (Book of Enoch, Ch. 23: 1-4)

Water above the firmament

Thegovernment run billion dollars fed space agencies, are so called searching for traces of water on Moon and Mars (Fake voyages) and still can’t find it. Few insights from the Quran will show us water exists above the heavens.

Quranic verses that prove water above the heavens

A. It is an estabilished fact from the other verses of the Quran and sahih hadith that Allah’s throne is on the Arsh above the heavens. Keeping this in mind read the following verse

And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days - and [before that] His Throne was upon the water that He may test you, who of you is better in conduct If you were to say (O Muhammad): 'All of you will surely be raised after death', then those who disbelieve will certainly say: 'This is nothing but plain sorcery. Surah Hud 11:7

B. The flood during the time of Prophet Nuh (Peace be upon him) is a proof that heavens hold water above.

So, We opened the gates of the heaven with water Munhamir, Torrential rain, the only water that fell from the sky before that day and ever since was from clouds. But the sky's gates were opened on them that day, and therefore, the water that came down was not from clouds. So both the waters (of the earth and the heaven) met according to a matter ordained." ( TafsiribnKathir Surah Al Qamar 11-13)

In this it is clearly mentioned that the rain was from the heavens and not the clouds, as the gates of heaven were opened. The word used here is Assamaa

To counter check , you can refer to Surah An Nurverse 43 where Allah uses the word sahaban for clouds to describe the rain that falls from clouds.

The SahihAhadith about Allah’s throne above water :

A. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'Spend (O man), and I shall spend on you." He also said, "Allah's Hand is full, and (its fullness) is not affected by the continuous spending night and day." He also said, "Do you see what He has spent since He created the Heavens and the Earth? Nevertheless, what is in His Hand is not decreased, and His Throne was over the water and in His Hand there is the balance (of justice) whereby He raises and lowers (people). (Source: Sahih Al Bukhari : Volume 6, Book 60, Number 206)

B ........and His Throne isover the water, and in His Other Hand is the Mizan (Scale) which He raises and lowers.'" (Source : Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 5, Book 44, Hadith 3045 )

The Daeef Hadith of Sunan Abu Dawud about sea above the heavens :

Narrated Al-Abbas ibnAbdulMuttalib: I was sitting in al-Batha with a company among whom the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) was sitting, when a cloud passed above them.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) 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 which 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.

Biblical references

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. (Genesis 1:7)

Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens! (Psalm 148:4)

Where is the sweet palatable sea ?

The arabic word for river is نهر (Nahar) (54 times in the Quran))

The arabic word for sea is بحر (Bahar)(41 times in the Quran)

For the readers’ interest, these are few references where Allah has used the word نهر (Nahar) for rivers

2:25, 2:74, 2:249, 2:266, 3:15, 3:136, 3:195, 3:198, 4:13 and many more

Also, few references where Allah has used the word بحر (Bahar) for sea

2:50, 2:164, 5:96, 6:59, 6:63,6:97 and many more

Some classical Arabic dictionaries say bahar can also refer to a lake or a pond but in the Quran and Hadiths it is never been used for that context.

Allah speaks of two seas in the Quran, and has specifically used it as Al bahrayni ( The two seas, 4 times in the Quran) . Two important verses are as follows

And it is He Who has let free the two seas, one palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter, and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them. Quran (25:53)

Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water). Is there any ilah (god) with Allah? Nay, but most of them know not. Quran (27:61)

The existing translations are perfect for these verses, but unfortunately most of us have understood these verses wrongly, and explain it with an error.

Inspite of clear arabic terminologyof nahar and bahar , we assume the not mixing of the sweet sea and the salty sea, is the not mixing of the river water and sea water.

If you analyze, Allah speaks of a barrier that does not allow these two waters to meet or mix.

1. It is apparent that the river water mixes with the sea water without any barrier, due to which the salinity of the seasare maintained.On average, seawater in the world's oceans has a salinity of approximately 3.5% .This means that for every 1 litre (1000 mL) of seawater there are 35 grams of salts (mostly, but not entirely, sodium chloride) dissolved in it. This optimization provides the ideal environment for fishes, corals and other creatures to thrive in abundance in the sea. If river water stops mixing then the extreme salinity(also enhanced by evaporation), will make it impossible for life in the ocean, Like the dead sea that has no flora and fauna (33.7% saline)

So where is the barrier?

2. Today’s muslim speakers and writers on books like science in the Quran show you this photo of two seas not mixing. But, where is the connection. ?

3. Firstly which ocean in these kind of photos is sweet? Also where is the barrier? What appears in these photos is the meeting of two seas that are different in depths, densities, currents and water turbidity, due to which these seas are of two different colors, but are not the ships, fishes, submarines, intercontinental cables passing by between these two seas? Can’t we take a bucket of water and dip it from the right side and pull it out from the left ? When Allah says the water does not mix, means there has to be a barrier to stop them from mixing.
4. Where is the sea that is sweet? Or palatable? We only acknowledge seas on earth that are salty.
5. Still in the misconception that Al bahrayni is the sea and river ?

The sweet sea is real and it exists. Read ahead to know the truth.

This barrier which Allah speaks of that does not allow the sweet sea and salt sea to mix is the firmament. In other words, the impenetrable barrier that Allah speaks of in other verses about the balance of the heavens which cannot be crossed is the same barrier that keeps the two seas apart.
Ibn Abbas (R) and IbnJubair (R) said it means heaven’s sea and the earth’s sea..and there is a barrier between (Source : Tafsir al Qurtubi)

Does ever-expanding eternal vacuum space exist?

Allah openly challenges mankind and Jinn to try and trespass the heavens,

O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority [from Allah ]. (Surah Arrahman verse 33)
Firstly knowing from the Quran, Surah 37 verses 6 to 10 that the stars are placed in the lowest of heaven is a clear sign that intergalactic space does not exist. As soon as we read the word heavens, our pre conceived minds imagine eternal vacuum space that is far from reality. Human race has been indoctrinated over thousands of years in believing the presence of space. The commercial movies industries around the world haveefficiently been used in making people believe in passing the firmament to avoid any kind of catastrophe, or even an apocalypse on earth. Just to a mention few movies like Elysium, Wall - E , oblivion, such movies very casually show how man is in control of his existence and can dodge the Quranic truth about end of times. This slow and repetitive indoctrination has led masses to stray away from faith in the creator and put their trust into governments. Breaking the firmament for atheistic space agencies is as important as breaking the faith of people.

The lowest heaven is a boundary that jinnscannottrespass,(Quran 37:6-10) though Allah has given them capacities to travel vast distances within matter of few seconds. Keeping this in mind, it would be utter stupidity to believe that we can do what the jinnscannot in terms of movement \ travel and breaking the barrier above. The conspiring heliocentric space agencies have convinced the world with fake voyages, computer animated videos and media control. The bottom line is earth is an enclosed eco system made by Allah for us for a short period of testing time, there is no way we can leave this system and wander away from the control of the one who created us.

Some food for thought questioning the existence of space.