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Quran Scientific Miracles & Islam's Prophecies (in Hadiths and Quran) / Re: HEAVEN IS NOT PARADISE IT IS UNIVERSE
« Last post by Emre_1974tr on August 06, 2024, 12:19:10 AM »At-Taghabun 3:
"He created the heavens and the earth in truth. He shaped you and made your forms good. And to Him is the final return."
At-Talaq 12:
"Allah is He who created seven heavens and of the earth, their like. The command descends among them so that you may know that Allah is powerful over everything and that Allah encompasses everything in knowledge."
In my previous writings, I demonstrated that the Quran mentions multiple (though a limited number of) heavens/universes created by our Lord. Among these, the Afterlife Universe, which includes the realm of eternity/immortality, is referred to as "Lord's Floor":
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9609800.msg409410#msg409410
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9609800.msg409411#msg409411
I also explained that certain highly virtuous individuals, such as martyrs or messengers, have begun their blessed lives in this universe with different physical laws without waiting for the Day of Judgment:
http://emre1974tr.blogspot.com/2011/07/nobody-has-got-ghost-according-to-quran.html
In this study, I will present other information given in the verses about the created universes and share new evidence showing the existence of these multiple, though limited in number, universes.
First, I must point out that the Afterlife Universe/realm referred to as "Lord's Floor" might itself be a structure containing multiple universes. That is, heavens and hells could be separate universes within themselves or grouped within a few universes. If so, The Lord's Floor would be the place/level that encompasses these sub-universes.
"Indeed, a day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning."
(Al-Hajj 47)
"The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years."
(Al-Ma'arij 4)
While the verses describe our universe and the afterlife universe(s) (Lord's Floor) in detail, they use general expressions for other universes.
It should be noted that in Arabic, the number 7 also indicates plurality. Therefore, when the verses mention "seven heavens," it could refer to a numerical seven or to many/multiple heavens/universes.
At-Talaq 12:
"Allah is He who created seven heavens and of the earth, their like. The command descends among them so that you may know that Allah is powerful over everything and that Allah encompasses everything in knowledge."
Considering the word "seven" as an expression of plurality in this verse, we understand that "many universes and likewise many earths/planets have been created" ("created seven heavens and of the earth, their like"). In this context, it also emphasizes that the earth is one of the planets in the heavens.
However, even if the verses refer to many universes rather than exactly seven, they do not describe "infinite parallel universes" as some modern scientists hypothesize. They are finite in number, and likewise, the celestial bodies within them are also finite. In reality, nothing can be infinite in number. In the realm of eternity, our age will never reach infinity, but our lifespan will continue endlessly (increasing by one year each year). That is, the process can continue infinitely, but no number within time and space can reach infinity.
(Some interpret these and related verses as describing the seven layers of the earth, the seven layers of the atmosphere surrounding our globe, the seven layers of atoms, or galaxies. In my opinion, these interpretations could be secondary or tertiary meanings of the verse).
The term "heaven" in the verses is clearly used both to describe the sky surrounding a planet or celestial body and the universe. However, it mostly refers to the universe. So, when the Quran speaks of "heavens," it predominantly means "universes," though it also includes the meaning of planets and their skies.
Additionally, the term "heaven" sometimes describes things outside our universe, as they are "directionally" aligned with the heavens from our perspective.
Al-Mu'minun 17:
"We have certainly created above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of [Our] creation."
Some commentators see the phrase "seven paths above you" as referring to the pathways in our bodies (e.g., blood vessels, nerves, acupuncture energy paths, etc.), while others claim it describes the seven chakras in our bodies. However, the verse actually speaks of the seven heavens or "many" universes/heavens. Other interpretations could be secondary or tertiary meanings.
An-Naba 12-13:
"We constructed above you seven strong [heavens] and made [therein] a burning lamp."
UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE VERSES, TWO DIFFERENT MODELS COME TO MIND: "SEPARATE UNIVERSES" AND "INTERTWINED UNIVERSES"
Initially, we see that these heavens/universes were created together and in unity, and then separated:
Nuh 15: "Do you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens in harmony? Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, and We have separated them?" (Al-Anbiya 30).
The creation from nothing and the expansion of the heavens described in the Quran encompass not just our universe but also other universes.
Al-Baqarah 117: "He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is."
Al-An'am 101: "He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a child when He has no wife? He created everything and He is All-Knowing."
Adh-Dhariyat 47: "We built the heaven with might, and We are certainly expanding it."
Ar-Rahman 7: "He raised the heaven and established the balance."
Ar-Ra'd 2: "It is Allah who raised the heavens without any pillars that you see, then He established Himself above the Throne and subjected the sun and the moon, each running for a specified term. He arranges each matter; He details the signs that you may, of the meeting with your Lord, be certain."
The expression of raising the heavens/universes also implies their expansion.
Moreover, this separation could be occurring between universes as well. If so, not only galaxies and stars but also universes emerged with the Big Bang and are moving away from each other, and in the future, with the Big Crunch, not just our universe but all universes (excluding the afterlife universe(s)) will collapse into a singularity. However, each universe might experience its own inward collapse at the same time, merging at a single point afterward.
Certainly, all these universes, including the Afterlife Universe(s), are material. All creations are such, and notions like a "realm beyond matter, a realm of spirits" are non-Islamic ideas instilled by spiritual teachings.
And all these created realms are real:
Al-Ankabut 44: "Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth. Surely, in that is a sign for the believers."
Another perspective on the seven layers of heaven is the idea that the universes are interwoven into a single integrated structure. Our universe being the innermost layer, surrounded by a second larger layer, and so on, each encompassing the previous ones. If all universes are intertwined to form a mega, hyper universe, we can still consider the existence of another separate structure as its pair. In this model, universes are expanding, and their end would be a singularity like a black hole.
UNIVERSES WERE INITIALLY IN A LIQUID FORM
It is understood that the universes created from nothing initially existed in a form like water or liquid before transforming into other forms:
Hud 7: "He is the one who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His Throne was upon the water, that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed. But if you were to say to them, 'You will surely be resurrected after death,' those who disbelieve would say, 'This is nothing but obvious magic.'"
Al-Anbiya 30: "Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass, then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?"
Recent scientific findings also indicate that the early state of our universe was in a liquid form.
Fussilat 11-12: "Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, 'Come willingly or unwillingly.' They said, 'We come willingly.' So He completed them as seven heavens in two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and for protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing."
Each universe has different functions and characteristics. Moreover, as the heavens/universes are created and arranged, the nearest heaven to the earth, our universe, is adorned with stars, as mentioned here and in other verses:
As-Saffat 6: "Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars."
Al-Mulk 5: "And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze."
The presence of stars seems to be unique to our universe. Other universes (at least some of them) must have a completely different structure. We can infer that in the Afterlife Universe, especially in paradise, the sun, i.e., stars, are not used for light and heat based on the following verse:
Al-Insan 13: "Reclining within it on adorned couches. They will not see therein any [burning] sun or [freezing] cold."
(Of course, this might also mean only that scorching heat will not be experienced. Conversely, there is an emphasis in some verses on the fiery environment of stars resembling hell.)
In the Afterlife Universe, named "Rabbin Katı," the physical laws are somewhat different from those in our universe, as described in the verses (I have addressed this in my writings linked above).
THE CREATION IN PAIRS INDICATES THAT THE UNIVERSE IS NOT UNIQUE
It is known that the Quran mentions that everything is created in pairs, meaning there are multiple:
Yasin 36: "Exalted is He who created all pairs - from what the earth grows and from themselves and from that which they do not know."
Adh-Dhariyat 49: "And of all things We created two mates; perhaps you will remember."
In this context, since the universe is also a creation, it should not be unique. All created beings have pairs. After the Day of Judgment, only the "Rabbin Katı" will remain, but it will still exist within multiple universes (the verses emphasize that the "heavens" and "earths" of the afterlife will exist forever).
In short, these verses indirectly but clearly indicate that multiple universes have been created.
The only being without a pair is the exalted Allah. All His creations have pairs, meaning they exist in multiple numbers.
UNIVERSES WILL END WITH THE "BIG CRUNCH"
Our universe and other universes (except for the Afterlife Universe(s), which will exist forever) will end simultaneously. As previously mentioned, according to our Holy Book, this will happen by collapsing inward, in the "Big Crunch":
Al-Anbiya 104: "The Day when We will fold the heaven like the folding of a [written] sheet of records. As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. [That is] a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it."
Az-Zumar 67: "They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be within His grip on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him."
Al-Qasas 88: "And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgment, and to Him you will be returned."
Al-Anbiya 104 speaks of the collapse/compaction of our universe, while Az-Zumar 67 states that other heavens/universes will share the same fate.
In contrast, Al-Qasas 88 emphasizes that everything in our universe (including the universe itself) will surely perish.
Al-Hajj 65: "Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is on the earth and the ships which run through the sea by His command? And He restrains the sky from falling upon the earth, unless by His permission. Indeed Allah, to the people, is Kind and Merciful."
Fatir 41: "Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth, lest they cease. And if they should cease, no one could hold them [in place] after Him. Indeed, He is Forbearing and Forgiving."
While Al-Hajj 65 indicates that our universe is protected from the Big Crunch by Allah, Fatir 41 states that all universes are similarly protected from collapsing inward, but that Allah can cause this collapse at will.
Az-Zumar 68: "And the Trumpet will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on."
Those exempt from this in verse 68, who will not die or experience this terror, include the servants already living in paradise.
Their universe will exist forever, as mentioned.
An-Naml 87: "And the Day the Trumpet will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be terrified except whom Allah wills. And all will come to Him humbled."
THE "ARGUMENT FROM DESIRE" ALSO INDICATES THAT THE AFTERLIFE UNIVERSE ALREADY EXISTS
Additionally, I believe the famous "Argument from Desire," which demonstrates the existence of God and the reality of eternal life, also serves as evidence that the Hereafter Universe and its life already exist. This is because people desire the immediate and continuous continuation of their lives. It seems as if this desire is encoded in their genes, in their programming. No one wants to wait thousands or millions of years to be resurrected. In this context, according to the Argument from Desire, it is more rational to accept that there are servants who immediately attain heavenly life after their death.
For an explanation and details on the Argument from Desire, Caner Taslaman's relevant book can be read for free here:
http://www.canertaslaman.com/2012/08/arzu-delili-arzulardan-allaha-ulasmak/
As I mentioned, the Argument from Desire indicates that the life of the Hereafter already exists. Let's break this down:
We observe that the natural and healthy desires of humans generally have their counterparts (for example, the existence of water to fulfill the desire to drink water, etc.).
Almost no one wants to remain in a state of non-existence or wait for thousands or millions of years; even if there is a pause, they want to continue their lives as soon as possible, especially to immediately attain heavenly life.
In this context, at least some deserving servants have already been created in heaven without waiting, thus starting their eternal lives (and consequently, there is a place/places where this is happening).
Moreover, according to the Argument from Desire, the blessings that people desire are mostly already created, that is, they are prepared in advance. From this perspective, it is again more logical to think that heaven exists not in the future but now according to the Argument from Desire.
Additionally, this perspective/questioning provides another proof that similar blessings to those in this world exist in heaven.
Anbiya
21:19 - "To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those near Him are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire."
Rahman
55:29 - "Whoever is in the heavens and earth asks Him; every day He is bringing about a matter."
Nahl
16:49 - "And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant."
Isra
17:55 - "And your Lord is most knowing of whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]."
As we repeatedly see in these and similar verses, there are living beings in other universes. (Of course, these verses may also be referring to living beings in other parts of our universe besides our Earth).
Some of these are angels, while others are special people/servants like martyrs and prophets who have already started living in heaven. (Besides these, there seem to be other beings as well).
Isra
17:44 - "The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving."
Shura
42:5 - "The heavens almost break from above them, and the angels exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth. Unquestionably, it is Allah who is the Forgiving, the Merciful."
Maryam
19:90 - "The heavens almost rupture therefrom and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation."
Rahman
55:33 - "O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority."
The expressions in the verses mentioning the heavens almost breaking from above them, the regions of the heavens and the earth, and the creation of seven heavens and their likes in Surah At-Talaq (65:12), emphasize the spherical shape of universes and planets, i.e., that they have a similar shape. It is also explained that one needs special power or technology, knowledge, or capability to pass through these regions or the boundaries of planets and universes. In other words, it is informed that interplanetary and even inter-universal travel is possible, but it is not easy for humans and jinn.
84:19 You will indeed go from layer to layer.
The phrase " go from layer to layer " refers to both interplanetary and inter-universal travel (starting to live in the Hereafter Universe is also transitioning to another universe).
Mumin
40:57 - "The creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of the people do not know."
(The creation of universes and planets is a greater thing than the creation of humans).
Taha
20:4 - "A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens."
(And the creation of the universes is more magnificent than the creation of the earth/planets)
Hadid
57:21 - "Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty."
Ali Imran
3:133 - "And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous."
From Hadid Surah 57:21, we understand that paradise is at least as large as our universe. In other words, the abode of eternity is itself a universe. Already, it is a place that will probably house trillions, maybe more, beings (and currently housing some of them) and will provide for them to live in various blessings and happiness without getting bored forever. Thus, the place must be universe-sized.
In contrast, Ali Imran 3:133 uses the expression "as wide as the heavens and earth." It is known that the Quran mentions multiple paradises and even briefly touches upon some of their different features. However, it also collectively refers to these paradises as "Paradise." I believe this verse speaks of all the heavens collectively.
Muzzemmil
73:12 - "Indeed, with Us [for them] are shackles and burning fire."
Qalam
68:34 - "Indeed, for the righteous with their Lord are the Gardens of Pleasure."
We understand from these verses and similar ones that both hell and heaven have long been created.
In the afterlife universes, pleasure and pain, good and evil are completely separated. In contrast, in our universe, pleasure and pain are intertwined. Our universe, being a realm of testing, has a mixture of paradise and hell and is finite. However, the afterlife realm is immortal, and paradise and hell are distant from each other... In both our world and the hereafter, the forms of living beings are fixed. Since there is no aging or death in paradise, living forms there are also fixed in this sense and forever.
We also learn from the verses that time flows differently in the Hereafter Universe:
"Indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of what you count." (Hajj Surah 22:47).
Mulk Surah
67:5 - "And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze."
We have mentioned that our universe is adorned with stars and that these stars have a hell-like fire environment on their surfaces:
http://emre1974tr.blogspot.com.tr/2012/01/mucizelerin-devam.html
Here, it should be noted that even in this test world, the fire and radiation on the surfaces of the stars are described as tormenting and deterring for devils. This means that stars are not likened to stones or meteors as some claim, but rather, their fire, heat, and light on their surfaces are mentioned. It is also emphasized that this fire environment on the surfaces of the stars resembles hell. Related verses clarify the matter:
Jinn Surah
72:8 - "And we have sought [to reach] the heaven but found it filled with powerful guards and burning flames."
72:9 - "And we used to sit therein in positions for hearing, but whoever listens now will find a burning flame lying in wait for him."
Saffat Surah
37:6 - "Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars."
37:7 - "And as protection against every rebellious devil."
37:8 - "So they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side,"
37:9 - "Repelled; and for them is a constant punishment,"
37:10 - "Except one who snatches [some words] by theft, but they are pursued by a burning flame."
As seen, what is meant by the "pelted" is the light/flame.
Surah At-Takwir
Verses 11-13:
When the sky is stripped away,
When Hellfire is set ablaze,
When Paradise is brought near,
During the end times, the passageways between our Universe and the Hereafter Universe will open, making Paradise and Hell visible and drawing them near. At this stage, our universe will be experiencing its demise, akin to the Big Crunch.
"SKY GATES" FACILITATING INTER-UNIVERSE TRAVEL
Surah An-Naba (78:19):
And the sky will be opened, becoming gateways.
On the Day of Judgement, it will be time for those who haven't been living in Paradise to encounter Paradi or Hell. This again shows that Paradise and Hell are already created and pre-existing, not newly formed on the Day of Judgement. The "sky gates" facilitating inter-universe travel will be operational.
Surah Al-A'raf (7:40):
Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them—the gates of heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel passes through the eye of a needle. Thus do We recompense the criminals.
To enter Heaven, the gates of that universe (sky gates) must be opened.
Surah Al-Hijr (15:14-15):
And if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they continued therein to ascend,
They would say, "Our eyes have only been dazzled. Rather, we are a people affected by magic."
This likely means that even if disbelievers were granted passage through the sky gates to the other universes where Paradise and Hell exist, they would still not believe in the Hereafter.
Surah Ibrahim (14:48):
The Day the earth will be replaced by another earth, and the heavens [as well], and they will come out before Allah, the One, the Prevailing.
During the end times, the Earth and many universes will begin to be destroyed. The scenes described in the verses are the pains of the collapse of the Earth and universes, marking rapid changes. However, after their trials, the servants will continue to live in the immortal universes of the Hereafter, on another earth within these universes. Thus, they have been transferred. But the exceptional servants who do not wait for the end times to enter Paradise have already been living in this land of immortality for a long time.
Surah Hud (11:107-108):
As for those who are destined for happiness, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord wills, a gift without end.
Here, "heavens" refer to the afterlife universes and "earth" to the new earths within these universes where the people of Paradise and Hell live. Thus, it speaks of the already existing afterlife universes and their planets, not the re-created or evolved form of our world after the end times.
Another evidence of this is in the following verse:
Surah Az-Zumar (39:74):
And they will say, "Praise to Allah, who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us inherit the land so we may settle in Paradise wherever we will." And excellent is the reward of [righteous] workers.
In Paradise, people praise Allah, saying, "He made us inherit the earth," as they are on a new earth in Paradise (or they can stay on any desired planet in Paradise).
Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:22):
And in the sky is your provision and whatever you are promised.
This again indicates that both Paradise and Hell are prepared and located outside the Earth, in the sky.
EARLY INHABITANTS OF PARADISE
Let's also share a few verses showing that martyrs and prophets, who are ahead in the race, have already attained the life of Paradise:
"Do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.
Rejoicing in what Allah has given them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them—that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."
(Surah Al Imran 169-170)
Surah Maryam (19:56-57):
And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.
And We raised him to a high station.
Surah Al Imran (3:55):
[Mention] when Allah said, "O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ."
PROPHETS CALLED TO THE FINAL JUDGMENT FROM PARADISE
The prophets living in Paradise will be called to the court as witnesses on the Day of Judgment:
Surah Al-Mursalat (77:11):
When the messengers are brought to their time [appointed].
Surah An-Nahl (16:89):
And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect among every nation a witness over them from themselves. And We will bring you, [O Muhammad], as a witness over your nation. And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:68-69):
And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.
And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the record [of deeds] will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth, and they will not be wronged.
In verse 68, it is again stated that exceptional people will not be affected by the destruction process, and verse 69 explicitly mentions that the servants protected in Paradise, the messengers, will be called as witnesses.
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:7-9):
Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand,
He will be judged with an easy account
And return to his people in happiness.
The verse seems to indicate that a righteous servant returns to his family, already in Paradise, after his judgment. This easy account might refer to a symbolic, short, and easy trial on the Day of Judgment, as he already resides in Paradise. Like the prophets who briefly leave Paradise to attend the Judgment Day as witnesses... (These family/relatives could also include people newly acquainted in Paradise, or even consist solely of them).
Furthermore, the following verses might indicate the last prophet's visit to the Afterlife Universes while still living on Earth:
Surah An-Najm (53:13-18):
And he certainly saw him in another descent
At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary—
Near it is the Garden of Refuge—
When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it].
The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit].
He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.
Some dispute this, arguing that verse 13 refers to the first encounter with the revelation angel, but the text does not explicitly support this interpretation (it could just be a possibility).
Interestingly, some sectarians believe that Paradise and Hell do not currently exist and will be created after the Judgment Day, yet they also accept that Prophet Muhammad visited the Afterlife Universes, i.e., Paradise and Hell (Mi'raj belief). According to the Qur'an, as seen above, the abode of eternity is already created. If people considered only the Qur'an as the true source of religion, these contradictory beliefs would have been resolved long ago.
ARAF PEOPLE ALSO ALREADY LIVING IN PARADISE
The "Araf people" mentioned in the Qur'an are, I believe, those who are already living in Paradise and come to the border to welcome those who will enter this eternal abode later on.
Surah Al-A'raf
Verse 46: Between them shall be a veil, and on the heights will be men who would know everyone by their marks. They will call out to the dwellers of Paradise, "Peace be upon you!" They would not have entered it, but they long to.
Verse 47: When their eyes will be turned towards the companions of the Fire, they will say, "Our Lord! Do not place us with the wrongdoers."
Verse 48: And the men on the heights will call to certain men whom they will know by their marks, saying, "What benefit did your amassing (of wealth) and your arrogance bring you?"
Verse 49: Are these not the people of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy? (To the dwellers of Paradise:) "Enter Paradise, no fear shall be upon you, nor shall you grieve."
(Remember, in Surah Al-Imran 3:170, those who live in Paradise similarly speak about those who will join them later, saying "They shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.")
In Surah Al-Waqi'ah, it is mentioned that there will be three classes in the hereafter:
Surah Al-Waqi'ah
Verse 7: And you shall become three kinds.
Verse 8: Then (there will be) the companions of the right – how blessed will be the companions of the right!
Verse 9: And the companions of the left – how miserable will be the companions of the left!
Verse 10: And the foremost in the race, the foremost in the race.
Verse 8 mentions those who will enter the land of blessings after the Day of Judgment, verse 9 refers to those who will enter Hell, and verse 10 speaks of the pioneering group who are already living in Paradise. Thus, the three classes mentioned in verse 7 are completed.
I had given other related verses/evidence in my articles linked above. Furthermore, as I mentioned in my study, there may even be servants created directly in Paradise without ever living on earth:
Link to study
Surah Ash-Shura
Verse 29: And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the living creatures He has dispersed through them. And He is able to gather them when He wills.
Notice how it mentions the spreading of living creatures in both the heavens and the earth. This clearly indicates that life exists in other universes as well. It also emphasizes that there are planets within each universe.
Surah Maryam
Verse 93: There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.
Surah Al-Ma'idah
Verse 17: They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, "Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?" And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.
We have repeatedly seen evidence that those who are highly virtuous are currently living in the land of blessings. Therefore, Prophet Jesus is also alive, just like other messengers. Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:17 also alludes to this situation in a different manner. It is stated here that Allah, who is keeping Prophet Jesus and his mother Mary alive in the heavens, can end this if He wills. This shows that Jesus and Mary are currently alive, hence this expression is used.
Surah Ar-Ra'd
Verse 15: And to Allah prostrates whoever is within the heavens and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows as well in the mornings and the afternoons.
Surah An-Nahl
Verse 49: And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant.
Since living beings and angels are mentioned separately, we have yet another proof that there are other living beings besides angels in those universes.
Lastly, the word "alem" (world, universe) appears many times in the Quran in the context of "worlds, universes." For instance:
Surah Ghafir
Verse 64: It is Allah who made for you the earth a place of settlement and the sky a canopy and formed you and perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord; then blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Verse 65: He is the Ever-Living; there is no deity except Him, so call upon Him, being sincere to Him in religion. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Verse 66: Say, "Indeed, I have been forbidden to worship those you call upon besides Allah once the clear proofs have come to me from my Lord, and I have been commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds."
Some translate the term "alemler" (worlds) as "universes." Indeed, the word "alem" has a broad meaning that includes our known universe.
Peace and love.
(My Turkish article translated with machine)
"He created the heavens and the earth in truth. He shaped you and made your forms good. And to Him is the final return."
At-Talaq 12:
"Allah is He who created seven heavens and of the earth, their like. The command descends among them so that you may know that Allah is powerful over everything and that Allah encompasses everything in knowledge."
In my previous writings, I demonstrated that the Quran mentions multiple (though a limited number of) heavens/universes created by our Lord. Among these, the Afterlife Universe, which includes the realm of eternity/immortality, is referred to as "Lord's Floor":
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9609800.msg409410#msg409410
https://free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=9609800.msg409411#msg409411
I also explained that certain highly virtuous individuals, such as martyrs or messengers, have begun their blessed lives in this universe with different physical laws without waiting for the Day of Judgment:
http://emre1974tr.blogspot.com/2011/07/nobody-has-got-ghost-according-to-quran.html
In this study, I will present other information given in the verses about the created universes and share new evidence showing the existence of these multiple, though limited in number, universes.
First, I must point out that the Afterlife Universe/realm referred to as "Lord's Floor" might itself be a structure containing multiple universes. That is, heavens and hells could be separate universes within themselves or grouped within a few universes. If so, The Lord's Floor would be the place/level that encompasses these sub-universes.
"Indeed, a day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning."
(Al-Hajj 47)
"The angels and the Spirit will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years."
(Al-Ma'arij 4)
While the verses describe our universe and the afterlife universe(s) (Lord's Floor) in detail, they use general expressions for other universes.
It should be noted that in Arabic, the number 7 also indicates plurality. Therefore, when the verses mention "seven heavens," it could refer to a numerical seven or to many/multiple heavens/universes.
At-Talaq 12:
"Allah is He who created seven heavens and of the earth, their like. The command descends among them so that you may know that Allah is powerful over everything and that Allah encompasses everything in knowledge."
Considering the word "seven" as an expression of plurality in this verse, we understand that "many universes and likewise many earths/planets have been created" ("created seven heavens and of the earth, their like"). In this context, it also emphasizes that the earth is one of the planets in the heavens.
However, even if the verses refer to many universes rather than exactly seven, they do not describe "infinite parallel universes" as some modern scientists hypothesize. They are finite in number, and likewise, the celestial bodies within them are also finite. In reality, nothing can be infinite in number. In the realm of eternity, our age will never reach infinity, but our lifespan will continue endlessly (increasing by one year each year). That is, the process can continue infinitely, but no number within time and space can reach infinity.
(Some interpret these and related verses as describing the seven layers of the earth, the seven layers of the atmosphere surrounding our globe, the seven layers of atoms, or galaxies. In my opinion, these interpretations could be secondary or tertiary meanings of the verse).
The term "heaven" in the verses is clearly used both to describe the sky surrounding a planet or celestial body and the universe. However, it mostly refers to the universe. So, when the Quran speaks of "heavens," it predominantly means "universes," though it also includes the meaning of planets and their skies.
Additionally, the term "heaven" sometimes describes things outside our universe, as they are "directionally" aligned with the heavens from our perspective.
Al-Mu'minun 17:
"We have certainly created above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of [Our] creation."
Some commentators see the phrase "seven paths above you" as referring to the pathways in our bodies (e.g., blood vessels, nerves, acupuncture energy paths, etc.), while others claim it describes the seven chakras in our bodies. However, the verse actually speaks of the seven heavens or "many" universes/heavens. Other interpretations could be secondary or tertiary meanings.
An-Naba 12-13:
"We constructed above you seven strong [heavens] and made [therein] a burning lamp."
UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE VERSES, TWO DIFFERENT MODELS COME TO MIND: "SEPARATE UNIVERSES" AND "INTERTWINED UNIVERSES"
Initially, we see that these heavens/universes were created together and in unity, and then separated:
Nuh 15: "Do you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens in harmony? Do the disbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, and We have separated them?" (Al-Anbiya 30).
The creation from nothing and the expansion of the heavens described in the Quran encompass not just our universe but also other universes.
Al-Baqarah 117: "He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is."
Al-An'am 101: "He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a child when He has no wife? He created everything and He is All-Knowing."
Adh-Dhariyat 47: "We built the heaven with might, and We are certainly expanding it."
Ar-Rahman 7: "He raised the heaven and established the balance."
Ar-Ra'd 2: "It is Allah who raised the heavens without any pillars that you see, then He established Himself above the Throne and subjected the sun and the moon, each running for a specified term. He arranges each matter; He details the signs that you may, of the meeting with your Lord, be certain."
The expression of raising the heavens/universes also implies their expansion.
Moreover, this separation could be occurring between universes as well. If so, not only galaxies and stars but also universes emerged with the Big Bang and are moving away from each other, and in the future, with the Big Crunch, not just our universe but all universes (excluding the afterlife universe(s)) will collapse into a singularity. However, each universe might experience its own inward collapse at the same time, merging at a single point afterward.
Certainly, all these universes, including the Afterlife Universe(s), are material. All creations are such, and notions like a "realm beyond matter, a realm of spirits" are non-Islamic ideas instilled by spiritual teachings.
And all these created realms are real:
Al-Ankabut 44: "Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth. Surely, in that is a sign for the believers."
Another perspective on the seven layers of heaven is the idea that the universes are interwoven into a single integrated structure. Our universe being the innermost layer, surrounded by a second larger layer, and so on, each encompassing the previous ones. If all universes are intertwined to form a mega, hyper universe, we can still consider the existence of another separate structure as its pair. In this model, universes are expanding, and their end would be a singularity like a black hole.
UNIVERSES WERE INITIALLY IN A LIQUID FORM
It is understood that the universes created from nothing initially existed in a form like water or liquid before transforming into other forms:
Hud 7: "He is the one who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His Throne was upon the water, that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed. But if you were to say to them, 'You will surely be resurrected after death,' those who disbelieve would say, 'This is nothing but obvious magic.'"
Al-Anbiya 30: "Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass, then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?"
Recent scientific findings also indicate that the early state of our universe was in a liquid form.
Fussilat 11-12: "Then He turned to the heaven when it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, 'Come willingly or unwillingly.' They said, 'We come willingly.' So He completed them as seven heavens in two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and for protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing."
Each universe has different functions and characteristics. Moreover, as the heavens/universes are created and arranged, the nearest heaven to the earth, our universe, is adorned with stars, as mentioned here and in other verses:
As-Saffat 6: "Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars."
Al-Mulk 5: "And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze."
The presence of stars seems to be unique to our universe. Other universes (at least some of them) must have a completely different structure. We can infer that in the Afterlife Universe, especially in paradise, the sun, i.e., stars, are not used for light and heat based on the following verse:
Al-Insan 13: "Reclining within it on adorned couches. They will not see therein any [burning] sun or [freezing] cold."
(Of course, this might also mean only that scorching heat will not be experienced. Conversely, there is an emphasis in some verses on the fiery environment of stars resembling hell.)
In the Afterlife Universe, named "Rabbin Katı," the physical laws are somewhat different from those in our universe, as described in the verses (I have addressed this in my writings linked above).
THE CREATION IN PAIRS INDICATES THAT THE UNIVERSE IS NOT UNIQUE
It is known that the Quran mentions that everything is created in pairs, meaning there are multiple:
Yasin 36: "Exalted is He who created all pairs - from what the earth grows and from themselves and from that which they do not know."
Adh-Dhariyat 49: "And of all things We created two mates; perhaps you will remember."
In this context, since the universe is also a creation, it should not be unique. All created beings have pairs. After the Day of Judgment, only the "Rabbin Katı" will remain, but it will still exist within multiple universes (the verses emphasize that the "heavens" and "earths" of the afterlife will exist forever).
In short, these verses indirectly but clearly indicate that multiple universes have been created.
The only being without a pair is the exalted Allah. All His creations have pairs, meaning they exist in multiple numbers.
UNIVERSES WILL END WITH THE "BIG CRUNCH"
Our universe and other universes (except for the Afterlife Universe(s), which will exist forever) will end simultaneously. As previously mentioned, according to our Holy Book, this will happen by collapsing inward, in the "Big Crunch":
Al-Anbiya 104: "The Day when We will fold the heaven like the folding of a [written] sheet of records. As We began the first creation, We will repeat it. [That is] a promise binding upon Us. Indeed, We will do it."
Az-Zumar 67: "They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be within His grip on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him."
Al-Qasas 88: "And do not invoke with Allah another deity. There is no deity except Him. Everything will be destroyed except His Face. His is the judgment, and to Him you will be returned."
Al-Anbiya 104 speaks of the collapse/compaction of our universe, while Az-Zumar 67 states that other heavens/universes will share the same fate.
In contrast, Al-Qasas 88 emphasizes that everything in our universe (including the universe itself) will surely perish.
Al-Hajj 65: "Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is on the earth and the ships which run through the sea by His command? And He restrains the sky from falling upon the earth, unless by His permission. Indeed Allah, to the people, is Kind and Merciful."
Fatir 41: "Indeed, Allah holds the heavens and the earth, lest they cease. And if they should cease, no one could hold them [in place] after Him. Indeed, He is Forbearing and Forgiving."
While Al-Hajj 65 indicates that our universe is protected from the Big Crunch by Allah, Fatir 41 states that all universes are similarly protected from collapsing inward, but that Allah can cause this collapse at will.
Az-Zumar 68: "And the Trumpet will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on."
Those exempt from this in verse 68, who will not die or experience this terror, include the servants already living in paradise.
Their universe will exist forever, as mentioned.
An-Naml 87: "And the Day the Trumpet will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be terrified except whom Allah wills. And all will come to Him humbled."
THE "ARGUMENT FROM DESIRE" ALSO INDICATES THAT THE AFTERLIFE UNIVERSE ALREADY EXISTS
Additionally, I believe the famous "Argument from Desire," which demonstrates the existence of God and the reality of eternal life, also serves as evidence that the Hereafter Universe and its life already exist. This is because people desire the immediate and continuous continuation of their lives. It seems as if this desire is encoded in their genes, in their programming. No one wants to wait thousands or millions of years to be resurrected. In this context, according to the Argument from Desire, it is more rational to accept that there are servants who immediately attain heavenly life after their death.
For an explanation and details on the Argument from Desire, Caner Taslaman's relevant book can be read for free here:
http://www.canertaslaman.com/2012/08/arzu-delili-arzulardan-allaha-ulasmak/
As I mentioned, the Argument from Desire indicates that the life of the Hereafter already exists. Let's break this down:
We observe that the natural and healthy desires of humans generally have their counterparts (for example, the existence of water to fulfill the desire to drink water, etc.).
Almost no one wants to remain in a state of non-existence or wait for thousands or millions of years; even if there is a pause, they want to continue their lives as soon as possible, especially to immediately attain heavenly life.
In this context, at least some deserving servants have already been created in heaven without waiting, thus starting their eternal lives (and consequently, there is a place/places where this is happening).
Moreover, according to the Argument from Desire, the blessings that people desire are mostly already created, that is, they are prepared in advance. From this perspective, it is again more logical to think that heaven exists not in the future but now according to the Argument from Desire.
Additionally, this perspective/questioning provides another proof that similar blessings to those in this world exist in heaven.
Anbiya
21:19 - "To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those near Him are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire."
Rahman
55:29 - "Whoever is in the heavens and earth asks Him; every day He is bringing about a matter."
Nahl
16:49 - "And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant."
Isra
17:55 - "And your Lord is most knowing of whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]."
As we repeatedly see in these and similar verses, there are living beings in other universes. (Of course, these verses may also be referring to living beings in other parts of our universe besides our Earth).
Some of these are angels, while others are special people/servants like martyrs and prophets who have already started living in heaven. (Besides these, there seem to be other beings as well).
Isra
17:44 - "The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving."
Shura
42:5 - "The heavens almost break from above them, and the angels exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth. Unquestionably, it is Allah who is the Forgiving, the Merciful."
Maryam
19:90 - "The heavens almost rupture therefrom and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation."
Rahman
55:33 - "O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority."
The expressions in the verses mentioning the heavens almost breaking from above them, the regions of the heavens and the earth, and the creation of seven heavens and their likes in Surah At-Talaq (65:12), emphasize the spherical shape of universes and planets, i.e., that they have a similar shape. It is also explained that one needs special power or technology, knowledge, or capability to pass through these regions or the boundaries of planets and universes. In other words, it is informed that interplanetary and even inter-universal travel is possible, but it is not easy for humans and jinn.
84:19 You will indeed go from layer to layer.
The phrase " go from layer to layer " refers to both interplanetary and inter-universal travel (starting to live in the Hereafter Universe is also transitioning to another universe).
Mumin
40:57 - "The creation of the heavens and earth is greater than the creation of mankind, but most of the people do not know."
(The creation of universes and planets is a greater thing than the creation of humans).
Taha
20:4 - "A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens."
(And the creation of the universes is more magnificent than the creation of the earth/planets)
Hadid
57:21 - "Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty."
Ali Imran
3:133 - "And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous."
From Hadid Surah 57:21, we understand that paradise is at least as large as our universe. In other words, the abode of eternity is itself a universe. Already, it is a place that will probably house trillions, maybe more, beings (and currently housing some of them) and will provide for them to live in various blessings and happiness without getting bored forever. Thus, the place must be universe-sized.
In contrast, Ali Imran 3:133 uses the expression "as wide as the heavens and earth." It is known that the Quran mentions multiple paradises and even briefly touches upon some of their different features. However, it also collectively refers to these paradises as "Paradise." I believe this verse speaks of all the heavens collectively.
Muzzemmil
73:12 - "Indeed, with Us [for them] are shackles and burning fire."
Qalam
68:34 - "Indeed, for the righteous with their Lord are the Gardens of Pleasure."
We understand from these verses and similar ones that both hell and heaven have long been created.
In the afterlife universes, pleasure and pain, good and evil are completely separated. In contrast, in our universe, pleasure and pain are intertwined. Our universe, being a realm of testing, has a mixture of paradise and hell and is finite. However, the afterlife realm is immortal, and paradise and hell are distant from each other... In both our world and the hereafter, the forms of living beings are fixed. Since there is no aging or death in paradise, living forms there are also fixed in this sense and forever.
We also learn from the verses that time flows differently in the Hereafter Universe:
"Indeed, a day with your Lord is like a thousand years of what you count." (Hajj Surah 22:47).
Mulk Surah
67:5 - "And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze."
We have mentioned that our universe is adorned with stars and that these stars have a hell-like fire environment on their surfaces:
http://emre1974tr.blogspot.com.tr/2012/01/mucizelerin-devam.html
Here, it should be noted that even in this test world, the fire and radiation on the surfaces of the stars are described as tormenting and deterring for devils. This means that stars are not likened to stones or meteors as some claim, but rather, their fire, heat, and light on their surfaces are mentioned. It is also emphasized that this fire environment on the surfaces of the stars resembles hell. Related verses clarify the matter:
Jinn Surah
72:8 - "And we have sought [to reach] the heaven but found it filled with powerful guards and burning flames."
72:9 - "And we used to sit therein in positions for hearing, but whoever listens now will find a burning flame lying in wait for him."
Saffat Surah
37:6 - "Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars."
37:7 - "And as protection against every rebellious devil."
37:8 - "So they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side,"
37:9 - "Repelled; and for them is a constant punishment,"
37:10 - "Except one who snatches [some words] by theft, but they are pursued by a burning flame."
As seen, what is meant by the "pelted" is the light/flame.
Surah At-Takwir
Verses 11-13:
When the sky is stripped away,
When Hellfire is set ablaze,
When Paradise is brought near,
During the end times, the passageways between our Universe and the Hereafter Universe will open, making Paradise and Hell visible and drawing them near. At this stage, our universe will be experiencing its demise, akin to the Big Crunch.
"SKY GATES" FACILITATING INTER-UNIVERSE TRAVEL
Surah An-Naba (78:19):
And the sky will be opened, becoming gateways.
On the Day of Judgement, it will be time for those who haven't been living in Paradise to encounter Paradi or Hell. This again shows that Paradise and Hell are already created and pre-existing, not newly formed on the Day of Judgement. The "sky gates" facilitating inter-universe travel will be operational.
Surah Al-A'raf (7:40):
Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them—the gates of heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel passes through the eye of a needle. Thus do We recompense the criminals.
To enter Heaven, the gates of that universe (sky gates) must be opened.
Surah Al-Hijr (15:14-15):
And if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they continued therein to ascend,
They would say, "Our eyes have only been dazzled. Rather, we are a people affected by magic."
This likely means that even if disbelievers were granted passage through the sky gates to the other universes where Paradise and Hell exist, they would still not believe in the Hereafter.
Surah Ibrahim (14:48):
The Day the earth will be replaced by another earth, and the heavens [as well], and they will come out before Allah, the One, the Prevailing.
During the end times, the Earth and many universes will begin to be destroyed. The scenes described in the verses are the pains of the collapse of the Earth and universes, marking rapid changes. However, after their trials, the servants will continue to live in the immortal universes of the Hereafter, on another earth within these universes. Thus, they have been transferred. But the exceptional servants who do not wait for the end times to enter Paradise have already been living in this land of immortality for a long time.
Surah Hud (11:107-108):
As for those who are destined for happiness, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord wills, a gift without end.
Here, "heavens" refer to the afterlife universes and "earth" to the new earths within these universes where the people of Paradise and Hell live. Thus, it speaks of the already existing afterlife universes and their planets, not the re-created or evolved form of our world after the end times.
Another evidence of this is in the following verse:
Surah Az-Zumar (39:74):
And they will say, "Praise to Allah, who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us inherit the land so we may settle in Paradise wherever we will." And excellent is the reward of [righteous] workers.
In Paradise, people praise Allah, saying, "He made us inherit the earth," as they are on a new earth in Paradise (or they can stay on any desired planet in Paradise).
Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:22):
And in the sky is your provision and whatever you are promised.
This again indicates that both Paradise and Hell are prepared and located outside the Earth, in the sky.
EARLY INHABITANTS OF PARADISE
Let's also share a few verses showing that martyrs and prophets, who are ahead in the race, have already attained the life of Paradise:
"Do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.
Rejoicing in what Allah has given them of His bounty, and they receive good tidings about those [to be martyred] after them who have not yet joined them—that there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."
(Surah Al Imran 169-170)
Surah Maryam (19:56-57):
And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.
And We raised him to a high station.
Surah Al Imran (3:55):
[Mention] when Allah said, "O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ."
PROPHETS CALLED TO THE FINAL JUDGMENT FROM PARADISE
The prophets living in Paradise will be called to the court as witnesses on the Day of Judgment:
Surah Al-Mursalat (77:11):
When the messengers are brought to their time [appointed].
Surah An-Nahl (16:89):
And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect among every nation a witness over them from themselves. And We will bring you, [O Muhammad], as a witness over your nation. And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.
Surah Az-Zumar (39:68-69):
And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.
And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the record [of deeds] will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth, and they will not be wronged.
In verse 68, it is again stated that exceptional people will not be affected by the destruction process, and verse 69 explicitly mentions that the servants protected in Paradise, the messengers, will be called as witnesses.
Surah Al-Inshiqaq (84:7-9):
Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand,
He will be judged with an easy account
And return to his people in happiness.
The verse seems to indicate that a righteous servant returns to his family, already in Paradise, after his judgment. This easy account might refer to a symbolic, short, and easy trial on the Day of Judgment, as he already resides in Paradise. Like the prophets who briefly leave Paradise to attend the Judgment Day as witnesses... (These family/relatives could also include people newly acquainted in Paradise, or even consist solely of them).
Furthermore, the following verses might indicate the last prophet's visit to the Afterlife Universes while still living on Earth:
Surah An-Najm (53:13-18):
And he certainly saw him in another descent
At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary—
Near it is the Garden of Refuge—
When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it].
The sight [of the Prophet] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit].
He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.
Some dispute this, arguing that verse 13 refers to the first encounter with the revelation angel, but the text does not explicitly support this interpretation (it could just be a possibility).
Interestingly, some sectarians believe that Paradise and Hell do not currently exist and will be created after the Judgment Day, yet they also accept that Prophet Muhammad visited the Afterlife Universes, i.e., Paradise and Hell (Mi'raj belief). According to the Qur'an, as seen above, the abode of eternity is already created. If people considered only the Qur'an as the true source of religion, these contradictory beliefs would have been resolved long ago.
ARAF PEOPLE ALSO ALREADY LIVING IN PARADISE
The "Araf people" mentioned in the Qur'an are, I believe, those who are already living in Paradise and come to the border to welcome those who will enter this eternal abode later on.
Surah Al-A'raf
Verse 46: Between them shall be a veil, and on the heights will be men who would know everyone by their marks. They will call out to the dwellers of Paradise, "Peace be upon you!" They would not have entered it, but they long to.
Verse 47: When their eyes will be turned towards the companions of the Fire, they will say, "Our Lord! Do not place us with the wrongdoers."
Verse 48: And the men on the heights will call to certain men whom they will know by their marks, saying, "What benefit did your amassing (of wealth) and your arrogance bring you?"
Verse 49: Are these not the people of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy? (To the dwellers of Paradise:) "Enter Paradise, no fear shall be upon you, nor shall you grieve."
(Remember, in Surah Al-Imran 3:170, those who live in Paradise similarly speak about those who will join them later, saying "They shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.")
In Surah Al-Waqi'ah, it is mentioned that there will be three classes in the hereafter:
Surah Al-Waqi'ah
Verse 7: And you shall become three kinds.
Verse 8: Then (there will be) the companions of the right – how blessed will be the companions of the right!
Verse 9: And the companions of the left – how miserable will be the companions of the left!
Verse 10: And the foremost in the race, the foremost in the race.
Verse 8 mentions those who will enter the land of blessings after the Day of Judgment, verse 9 refers to those who will enter Hell, and verse 10 speaks of the pioneering group who are already living in Paradise. Thus, the three classes mentioned in verse 7 are completed.
I had given other related verses/evidence in my articles linked above. Furthermore, as I mentioned in my study, there may even be servants created directly in Paradise without ever living on earth:
Link to study
Surah Ash-Shura
Verse 29: And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the living creatures He has dispersed through them. And He is able to gather them when He wills.
Notice how it mentions the spreading of living creatures in both the heavens and the earth. This clearly indicates that life exists in other universes as well. It also emphasizes that there are planets within each universe.
Surah Maryam
Verse 93: There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.
Surah Al-Ma'idah
Verse 17: They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, "Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?" And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent.
We have repeatedly seen evidence that those who are highly virtuous are currently living in the land of blessings. Therefore, Prophet Jesus is also alive, just like other messengers. Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:17 also alludes to this situation in a different manner. It is stated here that Allah, who is keeping Prophet Jesus and his mother Mary alive in the heavens, can end this if He wills. This shows that Jesus and Mary are currently alive, hence this expression is used.
Surah Ar-Ra'd
Verse 15: And to Allah prostrates whoever is within the heavens and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows as well in the mornings and the afternoons.
Surah An-Nahl
Verse 49: And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant.
Since living beings and angels are mentioned separately, we have yet another proof that there are other living beings besides angels in those universes.
Lastly, the word "alem" (world, universe) appears many times in the Quran in the context of "worlds, universes." For instance:
Surah Ghafir
Verse 64: It is Allah who made for you the earth a place of settlement and the sky a canopy and formed you and perfected your forms and provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord; then blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Verse 65: He is the Ever-Living; there is no deity except Him, so call upon Him, being sincere to Him in religion. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Verse 66: Say, "Indeed, I have been forbidden to worship those you call upon besides Allah once the clear proofs have come to me from my Lord, and I have been commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds."
Some translate the term "alemler" (worlds) as "universes." Indeed, the word "alem" has a broad meaning that includes our known universe.
Peace and love.
(My Turkish article translated with machine)