Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:17

"And We have created above you"—this is an explanation of their creation, and it is said: it is an argument for the resurrection. That is, We have created, in the direction of height—without considering its being "above" them, for that relation only arises after their creation—seven "tara'iq" (paths/strata), which are the seven heavens.

"Tara'iq" is the plural of "tariq," in the sense of "matruqah" (layered), derived from the layering of sandals or feathers when their layers are placed one upon another; this was stated by al-Khalil, al-Farra’, and al-Zajjaj. Thus, this is like His saying, the Exalted, "in layers" (tibaqan). Each of the seven has a relation and connection to the layering, so there is no precedence of one over the other.

It is also said: it is the plural of "tariqah" in its well-known meaning, and the heavens were named such because they are the paths for the angels, peace be upon them, in their descent and ascent for the interests of the servants, or because they are the paths for the planets in their orbits.

Ibn ‘Atiyyah said: It is permissible for "tara'iq" to mean "spread-out things," from the verb taraqta (you hammered/flattened) iron, for example, if you flatten it; this does not contradict the statement regarding their spherical nature.

It is also said: they were called "tara'iq" because each heaven has a method and constitution different from the constitution of the other. You know that the apparent meaning is that the constitution is one; yes, Allah, the Exalted, has deposited in each heaven what He has not deposited in the other, so it is permissible that their naming as "tara'iq" is due to that.

"And We have not been, of the creation, heedless"—meaning, of all created things, of which the seven heavens are a part—"heedless," i.e., neglecting their affairs; rather, We provide for everything that wisdom dictates. It is permissible that the "creation" here refers to humanity, and the meaning is that the heavens are for their benefits, and We are not heedless of their interests. The "al" (definite article) in both interpretations denotes encompassing (istighraq).

It is also permitted that it is for reference (al-ahd), such that the intended "creation" is the previously mentioned created thing, which is the seven heavens—i.e., "And We have not been of them heedless," but rather We preserve them from decline and disturbance, and We manage their affairs. The use of the noun ("the creation") in the place of the pronoun ("them") is to emphasize their importance. The singular form of "creation" (al-khalq) is used in all interpretations because it is originally an infinitive, or because all that is multiple is, in the sight of Allah, the Exalted, like a single thing.