Analysis of the challenge between the qur'an and the ptolemaic astronomy regarding the seven heavens

The study of nature and extent of the heavens is one of the issues that has been considered in both religious teachings and empirical research. The Holy Qur'an talks about the phenomenon of Seven Heavens (Al-Samawat Al-Sab') in several verses and introduces it as a sign of divine power and knowledge. The essence and example of Seven Heavens have been among the issues discussed by Islamic scholars. A group of commentators compare Seven Heavens with the Ptolemaic constellations and consider it influenced by it or retelling the same theory. The central issue of this research is evaluating the hypothesis of the impressionability of the Qur'an by contemporary culture and particularly, the theory of the Ptolemaic system. Through the use of a comparative study method and an interdisciplinary approach in the verses related to the Seven Heavens in Quran and the Ptolemaic consolations, it was obtained that there are significant differences between these two approaches, in terms of nature, content, number, and whether they have been created or were uncreated and eternal, as well as whether they are mobile or immobile. Contrary to the Ptolemaic theory, the Holy Quran considers the nearest sky of the seven skies to have stars that are moving freely. This sky, like other skies, is a divine creation and has a definite end. Meanwhile, Ptolemy talks about the existence of nine skies (consolations), where the stars are attached to the eighth sky and move according to it, and are uncreated and eternal. The context and evidence in the verses of the Qur'an confirm that all that has been discovered so far about the heavens/skies, is a part of the first heaven, and mankind is still unaware of the nature of the other heavens/skies.