Is the Earth located within or beneath the lowest heaven (Sama' ad-Dunya), considering that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was ascended to the heavens, and ascension only occurs from a lower to a higher position?
The lowest heaven surrounds the earth and is high above it, so wherever a person goes, the sky is above him. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that the presence of air and the sky above the earth is known by reason, and that elevation does not necessitate encompassment, although it does not contradict it. Ibn al-Qayyim also clarified that the claim that the heaven does not surround the earth contradicts consensus, reason, and perception. Ibn Hazm stated that the earth is a place beneath the heavens, and wherever a son of Adam is, his head is towards the sky and his feet are towards the earth.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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