The Structure of Creation
Islamic cosmology presents a comprehensive vision of reality: from the creation of the universe in six days to the seven heavens above, the seven earths below, and the ultimate journey through death, judgment, and eternal destinations.
Core Topics
Six Days of Creation
How Allah created the heavens and earth, the throne, the preserved tablet (Lawh Mahfuz), and all forms of life. The divine command "Be!" and it is.
Key Concept: Creatio ex nihilo (creation from nothing)
The Afterlife Journey
From death through Barzakh (the intermediate realm), resurrection on the Day of Judgment, the crossing of the Sirat bridge, to final destinations in Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell).
Key Concept: Accountability for earthly deeds
The Seven Heavens
Layered structure of the cosmos, each heaven containing specific prophets, angels, and celestial phenomena. Muhammad ascended through all seven during the Mi'raj.
Key Concept: Hierarchical spiritual realms
The Seven Earths
Quranic reference to seven layers of earth (Quran 65:12), interpreted variously as geological strata, parallel worlds, or spiritual dimensions.
Key Concept: Depth and complexity of material creation
The Unseen World (Al-Ghaib)
Realm of angels, jinn, and spiritual realities invisible to human perception. Access through revelation and spiritual unveiling (kashf).
Key Concept: Reality beyond sensory perception
Divine Decree (Qadr)
Allah's knowledge and determination of all events. Balance between divine sovereignty and human free will, a central theological debate.
Key Concept: Predestination and choice
The Seven Heavens (As-Samawat As-Sab')
During the Mi'raj (Ascension), Prophet Muhammad journeyed through seven distinct heavens, meeting various prophets at each level. This journey revealed the hierarchical structure of spiritual reality.
Guardian: Ismail (Ishmael) administers this realm
Prophet Met: Adam, father of humanity
Description: Closest to Earth, contains stars and celestial phenomena
Gate Guardian: Angels who guard entry
Prophets Met: Isa (Jesus) and Yahya (John the Baptist)
Description: Cousins who preached similar messages of repentance and divine kingdom
Significance: Purity and spiritual renewal
Prophet Met: Yusuf (Joseph)
Description: Known for extraordinary beauty and patience through trials
Symbolism: Beauty, integrity, perseverance through suffering
Prophet Met: Idris (Enoch)
Description: Raised to a high station, mentioned in Quran 19:56-57
Significance: Ascension and divine knowledge
Prophet Met: Harun (Aaron)
Description: Brother and spokesperson of Moses, first high priest
Symbolism: Priestly intercession and communication
Prophet Met: Musa (Moses)
Description: Gave Torah, spoke directly with Allah, led Israelites
Significance: Divine law and direct communication with God
Prophet Met: Ibrahim (Abraham)
Location: Near the Lote Tree (Sidrat al-Muntaha) and the heavenly Kaaba (Bayt al-Ma'mur)
Description: Ibrahim sits with his back against the frequently visited house (Bayt al-Ma'mur),
where 70,000 angels worship daily and never return
Significance: Submission, friendship with Allah, father of monotheism
Beyond: From here, Muhammad proceeded alone to the Divine Presence
Key Cosmological Concepts
Al-Arsh (The Throne)
The greatest creation, the Throne of Allah, carried by eight mighty angels. Represents divine sovereignty over all creation. Encompasses the entire universe. "The Throne's relation to the Footstool (Kursi) is like a ring thrown in a vast desert" (Ibn Abbas).
Al-Kursi (The Footstool)
Mentioned in Ayat al-Kursi (Quran 2:255), the Footstool is vast beyond comprehension—"His Footstool extends over the heavens and the earth." Smaller than the Throne but encompasses all seven heavens and seven earths.
Al-Lawh al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet)
The divine record containing all that was, is, and will be. Every event from creation to the Day of Judgment is inscribed. Represents Allah's complete knowledge. Source from which Quranic revelation descended to the lowest heaven on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power).
Bayt al-Ma'mur (The Frequented House)
The heavenly counterpart to the Kaaba, located in the seventh heaven directly above the earthly Kaaba. 70,000 angels perform worship there daily, never to return—replaced by new angels each day. Shows the eternal nature of worship in Allah's presence.
Time in Islamic Cosmology
Islamic texts describe vastly different time scales in different realms:
🔗 Related Concepts
Similar Concepts in Other Traditions
- Jewish Creation - Shared Genesis narrative
- Christian Creation - Similar Abrahamic origin
- Jewish Seven Heavens - Parallel structure
- Zoroastrian Cosmology - Seven realms concept
Related Across the Mythos
Prophet Muhammad
Journeyed through heavens