Edge of the universe?

[Nur Student]

Is there any narration or Islamic view about whether the universe has an edge or not? Is the universe finite or infinite in terms of space?

Note: I ask not for the purpose to get any philosophical opinions and responses, but to find out if there is any authentic narration/hadith about it.

[Signor]

Is there any narration or Islamic view about whether the universe has an edge or not? Is the universe finite or infinite in terms of space?

Only Allah knows the accurate figure,how vast this universe is.However,Word Samaa which often translated into heavens has been used in Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt as:

Sahih International
And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.

Muhsin Khan
With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof.

Pickthall
We have built the heaven with might, and We it is Who make the vast extent (thereof).

Yusuf Ali
With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of pace.

Shakir
And the heaven, We raised it high with power, and most surely We are the makers of things ample.

Dr. Ghali
And the heaven (is also a sign). We have built it with (Our) Hands (i.e., Capability) and surely We are indeed extending (it) wide.

Following article covers what I meant to say:

HEAVEN(S) AND PARADISE - THE DIFFERENCE

The word 'Heavens' has two main usages within the English language. Some English commentators of the Quran make use of this term interchangeably which can become the source of some confusion for readers.

The word 'Heaven(s)'

(1) Is applied as a reference to the cosmic space, all intergalactic material, planets, billions of stars, galaxies, wormholes, black holes, the sky and the seemingly endless expanse of the universe and everything within it.

(2) Usually known as 'heaven', it is applied as a reference for an existence in the afterlife, the holiest place attainable by people of various standards of goodness, piety, faith, righteousness and belief; a state of complete felicity.

The Quran makes a distinction between the two concepts by attributing two different terms to the two very different concepts.

(1) 'SAMAA' - HEAVENS AS THE WIDER UNIVERSE
The Arabic 'Samaa' is formed from its root SIIN-MIIM-WAW which carries meaning of height, loftiness, to be raised, uplifted, elevated or the higher / uppermost part of anything.

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [1]



Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [2]

The word Samawaat(i) (a plural of 'Samaa') refers to the sky and any part of the wider expanse of the universe. Nearly every Surah of the Quran makes a reference to it as can be noted in the following examples: 10.101; 11:108; 12:101; 14:19; 15:85; 16:49; 17:102; 18:51 etc.

The word 'Samawaat(i)' is usually accompanied with 'ard' (Earth), signifying the Earth as a coexistent part of the wider cosmic space of the whole Universe.

Illustration - Joseph Islam

Similar references also exist in the previous scriptures:

Colossians 1:16-17
"For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth (Greek: 'Ouranos' kai epi 'ge'), visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together"

(2) JANNAH - GARDENS OF BLISS
The Gardens of perpetual bliss, the most holiest of abodes for the righteous is referred to the Quran as 'Jannah'. Some English commentators do describe this differently attempting to best capture the Arabic term into English. Henceforth, Gardens of Bliss, Gardens of Eden, Gardens of Eternity, Heavenly Abode and Paradise are but some of the many different renderings referring to this state of felicity.

The root word 'JN' at the core of the word 'JANNAH' signifies something which is covered, veiled and hidden from one's senses. Whereas one can visually perceive the 'Samaa', this is not the case with 'Jannah' as it currently remains concealed from one's senses.



Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [3]

• Similarly, the creation of the ‘JINN’ is thus referred to as they are too CONCEALED from one's senses

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [4]

• Hence, the word 'Jannah' (Gardens of Eden) is a term similarly derived due to its concealment from one's senses.

Source: Edward Lanes Lexicon [5]

FINAL THOUGHTS
Two different concepts which can often be rendered as 'Heaven's' within the English language are distinguished in the Arabic by the terms 'Sama(waat)' and 'Jannah'. They denote the wider Universe and the state of felicity respectively.

Source

There are other verses of Quraan which provide us more information about this subject,like in Surah Nūĥ

Sahih International
Do you not consider how Allah has created seven heavens in layers

Muhsin Khan
See you not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,

Pickthall
See ye not how Allah hath created seven heavens in harmony,

Yusuf Ali
"'See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,

Shakir
Do you not see how Allah has created the seven heavens, one above another,

Dr. Ghali
Have you not seen how Allah created seven heavens as strata, (i.e., in layers).

Also in Surah Fussilat


Sahih International
And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

Muhsin Khan
Then He completed and finished from their creation (as) seven heavens in two Days and He made in each heaven its affair. And We adorned the nearest (lowest) heaven with lamps (stars) to be an adornment as well as to guard (from the devils by using them as missiles against the devils). Such is the Decree of Him the All-Mighty, the All-Knower.

Pickthall
Then He ordained them seven heavens in two Days and inspired in each heaven its mandate; and We decked the nether heaven with lamps, and rendered it inviolable. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Knower.

Yusuf Ali
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) the Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge.

Shakir
So He ordained them seven heavens in two periods, and revealed in every heaven its affair; and We adorned the lower heaven with brilliant stars and (made it) to guard; that is the decree of the Mighty, the Knowing.

Dr. Ghali
So He decreed them as seven heavens in two days, and He revealed in every heaven its Command. And We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps, and (set Angels) preserving them. That is the determining of The Ever-Mighty, The Ever-Knowing.