🌌 Exploring Samāʾ (سماء‎): The Islamic Concept of Heaven

Heaven (Samāʾ/سماء): An Islamic Perspective 🌠

Comprehensive Definition

In Islamic theology, Samāʾ (سماء‎) refers to the concept of heaven or the heavens above, which encompasses seven distinct layers or stages. These stages are often linked to various prophets and celestial beings, indicating a structured order in the Islamic cosmology.

Etymology and Background

The term Samāʾ finds its etymology in the Arabic root “س م و” (s-m-w), meaning “to be high” or “lofty.” This root also resonates with the Hebrew term “שָׁמַיִם” (Shamayim) and the Persian “اسمان‎” (Asman), signifying a shared cultural and linguistic heritage reflecting the celestial realm.

Theological Insights from the Qur’an

The Qur’an explicitly mentions the seven heavens or layers of the sky. For instance:

• Sūrah 23:17: “And We have created above you seven paths, nor are We heedless of the creation.”
• Sūrah 21:16: “We created not the heaven and the earth, and that which is between them, by way of sport.”
• Sūrah 22:64: “He holds up the heaven from falling on the earth save at His bidding.”

These verses underscore the precision and purposefulness of God’s creation and the anticipated eschatological events at the end of times.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Temporal metaphysical concepts like heaven show variations across religious traditions:

• Islam: Features seven heavens, each associated with significant figures like Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Abraham.
• Judaism and Christianity: Present layered structures resembling Islamic thought, with references to “heaven of heavens” (Deut. 10:14) and St. Paul’s “third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2).

Related similarities include:

• Ptolemaic Spheres: Reflecting the ancient understanding of celestial structures with planets revolving in specific spheres. This view shares a conceptual alignment with the Islamic seven heavens.
• Rabbinic Teachings: Highlight several layers of heavens, echoing Islamic traditions but with nuances particular to Rabbinic interpretations.

Related Terms and Definitions

• Paradise (Jannah): Often confused with Samāʾ, Paradise is a specific abode of eternal bliss for the righteous.
• Mi’raj: The ascension of Prophet Muhammad through the heavens, discovering distinct realms associated with specific Prophets.
• Eschatology: The study of end times and afterlife, including the destiny of souls in heaven.

Exciting Facts

1. Mi’raj Journey: Describes the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey, traversing through the seven heavens and gaining divine insights.
2. Prophetic Abodes: Each heaven uniquely ties to a prophet with specific divine experiences and attributes.

Quotations

• Al-Ghazali: “The Gnosis of the heavens is the path through which emanations descend.”
• Rumi: “Beyond the sky and stars lies the celestial garden of divine union.”

Suggestions for Further Studies 🔍

• “The Divine Reality: God, Islam & The Mirage of Atheism” by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis: A contemporary exploration into Islamic cosmology and beyond.
• “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: Offers rigorous explanations pertinent to the nature of the heavens.
• “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong: Provides contextualized insights regarding early Islamic beliefs and theological perspectives.

Academic Reference Works

• Bernard Lewis’s “The Cambridge History of Islam”
• Fazlur Rahman’s “Islamic Methodology in History”

Farewell Note 🌟

Understanding the Islamic concept of Samāʾ immerses one in the profound layers of spirituality, theology, and ancient cosmological insights. As we explore these celestial realms, may our quest for knowledge never cease, leading us to a deeper appreciation of the divine masterpiece.

Zaynab Al-Amin

Published on October 6, 2023

Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Samāʾ (سماء‎) 💡