Introduction 10- The sky: The Earth atmosphere around us actually consists of a number of layers. Each has characteristic composition and physical properties. This relatively modern discovery could be an interpretation of the multiple “heavens, one above the other”, referred to in the Qur’ân. Another possible interpretation could be the different components of the infinite Cosmos, e.g. galaxies, stars therein, planets, moons, black holes, inter-galaxy and intra-galaxy spaces: § See you not how Allâh has created the seven heavens one above another.[71/15] § And We have built above you seven strong heavens.[78/12] § And indeed we have created above you seven heavens (one over the other). [23/17] These layers represent a perfectly stable structure, as indicated in the following verse: § Are you more difficult to create or is the heaven that He constructed. He raised its height and has perfected it. [79/27-28] It is a continuous structure. The absence of major discontinuities or flaws is stated as follows: § Have they not looked at the heaven above them? How We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it? [50/6]
The
overall earth atmosphere is permanently stable. It is stabilized by gravity
(mountains also probably have a role), and by equilibrium between the
atmospheric gases and the products of chemical and biological reactions on
earth: § And We have made the heaven a roof, safe and well guarded. [21/32] It will so remain until major disorders occur such as the “Resurrection”. § And when the heaven is stripped off. [81/11] § When the heaven is split asunder. [84/1] § When the heaven is cleft asunder. [82/1] The atmosphere plays a vital role in preserving the air (essential for biological life) from escaping away into space. In its lower layers, water vapor evolved from plants and water surfaces (seas and oceans) condenses and “returns” to the earth as rain. Also, thermal radiation reflected back (returned) from the atmosphere is not allowed to leak away. So does wireless waves… etc. the Qur’ân describes this “return” effect as: § By the sky (having rain clouds) which gives the raj (return: rain …etc)? [86/11] |