Concept of Universe in Islam accords seven stages to each element- heaven, earth and hell. The created universe contains the throne of God, heaven, paradise, earth and hell. There are seven heavens, seven earths and seven hells. Compared to the throne the highest heaven is like a ring tossed into a desert. It is believed that in his night journey, the Prophet Muhammad passed through the heavens meeting Adam in the first, in the second Jesus Christ and Yahya (John the Baptist), in the third Joseph, in the fourth Idris, in the fifth Aaron, in the sixth Moses, and in the seventh Abraham. All souls are paraded before Adam in the first heaven. The Holy Quran has several names for paradise- Firdaws, the garden, the garden of Adn. It is argued that the paradise of the blessed is not that from which Adam was expelled for no one is ever driven out of it.
This earth is the highest of the seven earths. The lowest is supported by a bull and that by a fish beneath which is hell. The habitable world is divided into seven parallel climes or zones, all north of the equator.
Hell is usually pictured as a pit with seven storeys. In the lowest are the roots of the tree Zaqqurn which reaches to the top of hell with its fruits of demon`s heads. Torments include intense cold and intense heat. When the skins of the wicked have been burnt off, new ones grow that the torment may be renewed. Hell is also pictured as a monstrous animal. When God gives the order to fetch hell, it trembles and needs to be reassured by angels that He will not punish it. It has four feet and each foot is fettered by 70,000 rings on each of which sit 70,000 demons.
Mecca is said to be the navel of the earth. It was created first and the world spread out around it. It is the highest point, the spot from which the world draws its nutrients and it is the junction with the upper and lower worlds. So it is called `the mother of towns`. The site of the Kaba corresponds to that of the pole star. Ishmael and hundreds of prophets are buried round it. It is the centre of the universe. Its foundation is in the lowest earth and forms an axis which passes through the whole seven.
Each stage in the universe has its sanctuary, and the throne of God is the highest.
