Seven heavens

In some religions like Judism, Christianity and Islam the universe is Categorised to Seven Heavens or Realms. Also in ancient astronomy, before the telescope was invented, people referred to the Sun, Moon, and the five planets visible with the naked eye as the seven heavenly objects. Colloquially, among English-speakers, it expresses bliss or happiness (e.g., "I am in seventh Heaven"). In German, the same expression exists: "Ich fühle mich wie im siebten Himmel", q.e. "I feel like I'm in seventh heaven.") Conceptually similar, however differing in number is the Romanian colloquial expression for bliss or happiness: "I am in the ninth sky [Heaven]".

Seven Heavens in Judism

These are seven heavens one above the other according to Jewish teachings:

1. Velon [Latin, velum, "curtain"], which is rolled up and down to enable the sun to go in and out; according to Isa. xl. 22, 'He stretched out the heavens as a curtain';
2. Raḳi'a, the place where the sun, moon, and stars are fixed (Gen. i. 17];
3. Shehaqim, in which are the millstones to grind shaḥak manna for the righteous (Ps. lxxviii. 23; comp. Midr. Teh. to Ps. xix. 7];
4. Zebul, the upper Jerusalem, with its Temple, in which Michael offers the sacrifice at the altar [Isa. lxiii. 15; I Kings, viii. 13];
5. Ma'on. in which dwell the classes of ministering angels who sing by night and are silent by day, for the honor of Israel who serve the Lord in daytime [Deut. xxvi. 15, Ps. xlii. 9];
6. Machon, in which are the treasuries of snow and hail, the chambers of dew, rain, and mist behind doors of fire [1 Kings, vii. 30; Deut. xxviii. 12];
7. Araboth, where justice and righteousness, the treasures of life and of blessing, the souls of the righteous and the dew of resurrection are to be found. There are the ofanim, the seraphim, and the hayyoth of holiness, the ministering angels and the throne of glory; and over them is enthroned the great King"

Seven Heavens in Islam

A Hadith from Ali mentioned the name of Seven Heavens as below:

1. Rafi' (رفیع) the least heaven (سماء الدنیا)
2. Qaydum (قیدوم)
3. Marum (ماروم)
4. Arfalun (أرفلون‏)
5. Hay'oun (هيعون‏)
6. Arous (عروس)
7. Ajma' (عجماء)

See also

• Empyrean
• Well of Souls

References

• Davidson, Gustav. Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels. New York: The Free Press, 1967 (reprinted 1994). ISBN 002907052X.
• Ginzberg, Louis. Henrietta Szold (trans.). The Legends of the Jews. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1909–38. ISBN 0801858909.