Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (Part 19)
The Layered Heavens and the Wonder of Creation
The Holy Quran, the Book of Guidance and Knowledge, has repeatedly drawn human attention to the signs of creation in the heavens and the earth. One of these signs is mentioned in the blessed Surah “Al-Mulk”, where Allah says: «ٱلَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبۡعَ سَمَٰوَٰتٖ طِبَاقٗاۖ » Translation: “He who created seven heavens one above the other, in harmony.” [Al-Mulk: 3]
Despite its unparalleled brevity, this Quranic expression has found surprising correspondence today with scientific findings about the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. In this section, we will examine the layered structure of the Earth’s atmosphere from a scientific perspective and clarify its correspondence with the divine verses.
The Perfect Creation of the Heavens
Allah continues this verse by saying: (مَّا تَرَىٰ فِي خَلقِ ٱلرَّحمَٰنِ مِن تَفَٰوُتۖ) Translation: “You do not see any discrepancy or inconsistency in the creation of the Most Gracious. (Indeed, the universe, with all its greatness, is endowed with amazing coherence and stability, and has a wonderful order and system, and precise laws and relationships governing every atom of the beings.)” [Al-Mulk: 3]
(فَٱرجِعِ ٱلبَصَرَ هَل تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٖ) Translation: “So look again. Do you see any discrepancy or inconsistency?” [Al-Mulk: 3] [1]
This sentence expresses the perfection and precise harmony in the cosmic system; an order in which no part of it is chaotic or lawless.
Atmospheric layers from the perspective of science
Today, space science and climatology divide the Earth’s atmosphere into several specific layers, each of which has specific characteristics and functions. These layers continue from the surface of the Earth to higher altitudes and can be rightly considered “layered skies”.
Troposphere
The lowest layer of the atmosphere, estimated to be about 16 kilometers.
This is the place where living things, birds and the place where all atmospheric phenomena occur.
The temperature in this layer decreases with increasing altitude.
Air currents, rain, storms and clouds form in this part.
Stratosphere
From about 16 to 50 kilometers in height.
Has an ozone layer that absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun.
The presence of special gases such as sulfur that play a role in the formation of rain.
Protects life from deadly solar radiation.
Mesosphere
A very cold layer that protects the Earth from meteorites.
Its temperature reaches -90 degrees Celsius.
Cosmic objects burn in this layer and are destroyed before reaching the Earth.
Thermosphere and Ionosphere
At an altitude above 80 km.
Gas molecules are ionized by solar radiation.
Reflects radio waves, the foundation of global communications.
If this layer were not there, the transmission of signals between continents would be impossible.
Exosphere
The upper layer of the atmosphere, from about 1,000 to 65,000 km.
The air in this area is very thin and low-density.
Space is considered a transition to the cosmic vacuum.
The sky; a protected ceiling
In another verse, the Quran says: (وَجَعَلنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ سَقفا مَّحفُوظا) Translation: “And We have made the sky a protected ceiling.” [Al-Anbiya: 32]
Western scientists have also admitted that the Earth’s atmosphere, despite its delicacy, is a serious barrier against harmful rays, meteors and cosmic objects. This ceiling has preserved our life and made living conditions on Earth possible.
Temperature balance: from heat to absolute cold
During air flights, the outside air temperature can reach 50 degrees below zero, while the temperature of the Earth’s surface at the same time may be above 55 degrees Celsius. This extreme temperature difference is the result of the precise and engineered adjustments of the layers of the atmosphere.
A sign for the wise
At the end of the verses, Allah says: (إِنَّمَا يَخۡشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡعُلَمَٰٓؤُاْۗ) Translation: “Only those who have knowledge fear Allah.” [Fatir: 28]
This statement of the Quran is an invitation to reflect on creation, recognize the greatness of creation, and believe in Allah Almighty through the path of knowledge. Each layer of the sky, while having a physical function, is also a divine message for thought and faith.
Finally, as a summary, it can be said that the verses mentioned today have found precise correspondence with the science of atmospheric physics, climatology, and technology. This fact shows that the Quran is not only a spiritual guide; Rather, it also opens a door to the scientific understanding of creation.
Every word of the Quran contains a world of meaning and knowledge. Contemplating these verses strengthens a person’s faith and awakens his heart to the greatness of the Creator. [2]
Continues…
References:
- The translation, with additions in parentheses, is taken from Tafsir Noor, by Dr. Mustafa Khorramdel.
- The summary of the article is taken from: Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles in the Quran and Sunnah (2/3-5).
