أَلَمْ تَرَوْا۟ كَيْفَ خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ سَبْعَ سَمَـٰوَٰتٍ طِبَاقًا 15
Translations
Do you not consider how Allāh has created seven heavens in layers
Transliteration
Alam taraw kayfa khalaqa Allahu saba samawatin tibaqan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah calls upon humanity to observe and reflect upon Allah's creation of the seven heavens in layers or strata (tibaqan), which serves as evidence of His perfect design and infinite power. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir interpret 'tibaqan' to mean the heavens are arranged in layers, one above another, with each distinct from the others, demonstrating the systematic and orderly nature of Divine creation. This verse is part of Prophet Nuh's argument to his people, compelling them to recognize the signs of Allah's majesty as a rational basis for monotheism and belief.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Nuh, a Meccan chapter where Prophet Nuh addresses his people over 950 years, calling them to abandon idolatry and acknowledge Allah's oneness. The verse exemplifies Nuh's rhetorical strategy of invoking observable natural phenomena to awaken his audience's consciousness of the Creator, fitting within the broader Meccan emphasis on signs (ayat) in creation as proof of Allah's existence and power.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best worship is to know Allah through His signs.' (Related to spiritual contemplation of creation). Also relevant: 'Reflect upon the creation of Allah, but do not reflect upon the essence of Allah, as you will not be able to comprehend it.' (At-Tirmidhi) - encouraging reflection on creation while maintaining proper boundaries in understanding the Divine.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that careful observation and reflection upon the natural world is not only spiritually enriching but serves as a pathway to recognizing and submitting to Allah's majesty; believers are encouraged to move beyond heedlessness and engage their intellect in contemplating creation as a means of strengthening their faith.