Let's delve into the unique descriptions of the Seven Heavens in both Judaism and Islam and explore their similarities.
The Seven Heavens in Judaism
In Judaism, the Seven Heavens are described in a variety of mystical texts, such as the Talmud and the Second Book of Enoch. Each heaven is governed by a specific archangel and is associated with various celestial and spiritual phenomena.
Vilon (וִילוֹן) / Araphel (עֲרָפֶל) — Curtain / Thick Cloud
The first heaven, governed by Archangel Gabriel, is the closest realm to the Earth. It is also considered the abode of Adam and Eve. This heaven is like a curtain, veiling the higher realms and closing at night to bring darkness to the world.Raqia (רָקִיעַ) — Expanse
Controlled by Archangel Raphael, this heaven is associated with the firmament and the stars. It is the realm where Moses encountered the great angel Nuriel, and it also houses the fallen angels who are imprisoned within this heaven.Shehaqim (שְׁחָקִים) — Skies/Clouds
Shehaqim is under the leadership of Archangel Hanniel and is considered the realm of the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. This heaven is also where manna, the holy food of angels, is produced. According to Enoch, Shehaqim contains both Paradise and hell.Maon (מָעוֹן) — Dwelling/Habitation
Ruled by Archangel Michael, this heaven is home to the heavenly Jerusalem, the Temple, and the celestial Altar. It is a place where prayers ascend and offerings are made to the Divine.Makon (מָכוֹן) — Fixed Place
The fifth heaven is under the administration of Samael, the archangel often associated with severity and judgment. It is home to the Ishim (a choir of angels) and the song-uttering angels who praise God continuously.Zebul (זְבוּל) — Lofty Abode
Governed by Archangel Zadkiel, Zebul is described as the dwelling place of the sun and other celestial bodies. It is the realm of higher beings who channel Divine light to the lower heavens.Araboth (עֲרָבוֹת) — Deserts/Plains
The holiest of the seven heavens, Araboth is the abode of God’s throne, attended by the seven archangels, as well as the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Hayyoth. Below the Throne of Glory lie the souls of the unborn and the source of all divine energy.
The Seven Heavens in Islam
In Islamic tradition, the Seven Heavens are similarly layered realms of increasing holiness, each hosting significant prophets and angels. These heavens were visited by Prophet Muhammad during the Mi'raj, his night journey to the Divine.
Raqi'a (رقيعاء) — Firmament
The first heaven, made of water, is where Adam and Eve reside alongside the angels that guard the stars. Prophet Muhammad encountered the angel Habib during his journey through this heaven.Araqlun (أزفلون) — White Pearls
The second heaven is composed of white pearls and is home to the prophets Yahya (John the Baptist) and Isa (Jesus). It is a place of purity and light.Qaydum (قيدوم) — Iron or Pearls
The third heaven, described as being made of iron or dazzling stones, is the abode of Joseph and the Angel of Death, Azrael. This heaven signifies resilience and strength.Maʿuna (ماعونا) — Brass or White Gold
Made of brass or white gold, the fourth heaven is where the prophet Idris (often identified with Enoch) and the "Angel of Tears" reside. It is a place of sorrow and compassion.Di'a (ريقا) — Silver
The fifth heaven is made of silver and is ruled by Aaron. It is sometimes associated with the guardian of hellfire, symbolizing divine retribution and justice.Daqua (دقناء) — Gold or Rubies
This golden heaven is where Moses resides. It is filled with divine light, symbolizing wisdom and leadership.ʿAriba (عريبا) — Divine Light or Emerald
The seventh heaven, composed of incomprehensible divine light or emerald, is home to Abraham. It contains the Sidrat al-Muntaha, a majestic Lote tree marking the boundary of human knowledge and the extremity of God’s creation. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have reached 'Ariba during his "Isra and Mi'raj" (Night Journey).
Similarities Between the Seven Heavens in Judaism and Islam
First Heaven:
In both traditions, the first heaven is the closest to Earth and is associated with Adam and Eve. In Judaism, this realm is called Vilon, while in Islam, it is known as Raqi'a.Second Heaven:
The second heaven in both traditions houses significant figures of purity. In Judaism, it is Raqia, home to angels and celestial phenomena. In Islam, Araqlun is similarly a realm of pure beings, inhabited by Yahya (John) and Isa (Jesus).Third Heaven:
Both traditions describe the third heaven as a place of beauty and strength. Shehaqim in Judaism contains the Garden of Eden, while Qaydum in Islam is made of dazzling stones or iron, representing strength and vitality.Fourth Heaven:
The fourth heaven in both traditions houses a prophet associated with compassion. Maon in Judaism is ruled by Archangel Michael, while Maʿuna in Islam is the residence of Idris, the compassionate prophet.Fifth Heaven:
Makon in Judaism and Di'a in Islam are both associated with judgment and divine justice. In Judaism, it is ruled by Samael, the angel of severity, while in Islam, Aaron presides over the fifth heaven.Sixth Heaven:
Zebul and Daqua are realms of divine wisdom, with the Jewish sixth heaven being home to Zadkiel and the celestial bodies, while in Islam, Moses resides in the sixth heaven, a figure of leadership and knowledge.Seventh Heaven:
The highest and holiest realm in both traditions is where God’s presence is most imminent. Araboth in Judaism houses the Throne of God and the highest angels, while ʿAriba in Islam is home to Abraham and the Sidrat al-Muntaha, the boundary of divine knowledge.
Conclusion
While the Seven Heavens in Judaism and Islam differ in certain details, their underlying structure and purpose share remarkable similarities. Both traditions depict these heavens as layers of divine proximity, where prophets, angels, and celestial phenomena reside. The highest heavens are sacred realms, where God’s presence is most direct, and the journey through these heavens reflects a spiritual ascent toward understanding the Divine.
Comments
Post a Comment