Tafsir of Ar-Rahman 55:7

"And the heaven He raised" (i.e., He created it raised from the outset, not that it was once low and then raised). The apparent meaning is that what is intended by His "raising" is the formal, sensory elevation. It is also possible that it encompasses both the formal and the abstract, by way of the generalization of metaphor or by combining the literal and the metaphorical, according to those who permit this. The abstract, hierarchical raising refers to it being the source of His commands and decrees, the place where His orders descend, and the abode of His angels.

Abu al-Samal recited "the heaven" (al-sama'u) in the nominative case (marfu'), as an initial subject, and there is no difficulty in this, for the sentence is nominal, coordinated with another nominal sentence. The difficulty lies in the accusative case (mansub), as it would be governed by an implied verb under the condition of explanation (i.e., "He raised the heaven"), which would make the sentence verbal. If it is coordinated with the major sentence {the stars and the trees prostrate}, then a discrepancy arises between the coordinate and the coordinate-clause in terms of being nominal and verbal, which is contrary to what is preferred. If it is coordinated with the minor sentence {they prostrate}, it would necessitate that it be a predicate for "the stars and the trees," which is invalid, as there is no pronoun in it referring back to them. The same is said regarding the coordination with the major and minor parts of {the sun and the moon move by calculation}.

Abu Ali answered by choosing the second [view], saying: It is not required for a coordinate to share the same state as the thing to which it is coordinated, and he cited the saying: "bearing a sword and a spear." Others chose the first, noting that the discrepancy is acceptable if it contains a subtle point. Al-Tibi said: The apparent [intent] is that it is coordinated with the sentence {the sun and the moon move by calculation} to indicate that the original meaning was: "He caused the sun and moon to move, and He caused the stars and trees to prostrate." Thus, the shift was made to the meaning of perpetual subjugation and compliance in the first two sentences, and to the meaning of emphasis in the last. The discussion regarding the nominative and accusative cases—when the coordinating conjunction is followed by a sentence that can be interpreted in two ways—is detailed in the books of grammar.

{And set up the Balance} (i.e., He established justice and commanded it, by ensuring that everyone capable received their due, and fulfilling the right of every rights-holder, until the order of the world became organized and upright, just as he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "By justice, the heavens and the earth were established"—meaning they remained in the most perfect order and most precise structure.) Some have said: The intention is the survival of those who dwell in them from the two heavy groups (jinn and mankind), for were it not for justice, the inhabitants of the earth would have destroyed one another. As for the Higher Assembly (the angels), what necessitates judgment and justice does not occur among them, so their mention is for emphasis.

What I have chosen is that what is intended by "the heavens and the earth" is the entirety of creation. There is no doubt that without justice, the world would not be organized. The source of what the aforementioned commentator mentioned was his belief that "justice" in the hadith referred to justice in adjudication for resolving disputes and the like; it is not as he thought, but rather it refers to the justice of Allah, Almighty and Exalted, and His, Glory be to Him, bestowing upon every created thing its due.

The interpretation of "the Balance" as what has been mentioned is what is narrated from Mujahid, al-Tabari, and the majority. It is a metaphorical application for justice (an explicit metaphor). From Ibn Abbas, al-Hasan, Qatadah, and al-Dahhak, it is narrated that what is meant by it is the instrument known for determining the proportions of things, such as the standard scale and the measuring container, and the like. The meaning is: He created it placed/set upon the earth, as He attached to it the rulings of His servants, their affairs sent down from heaven, and what He obligated them to do regarding equality and moderation in their taking and giving. It is well-known that in this sense, it is also a metaphor—the usage of the specific for the general. It is also said: It is a literal reality; for the setter (Allah) did not set it except for that which determines proportions, in whatever form or species it may be. When people became accustomed to the well-known object, nothing else comes to their minds from the word "the Balance." It is also said: What is intended is the well-known, and the word is literal in that regard, and the set-up for the general is not conceded.

The latter two views are strengthened by the fact that what follows {And set up...} is more congruent with them, and between "setting" and "raising" in these views, there is a contrast. Abdullah recited it "and he lowered the balance" (khafada al-mizan). The first interpretation is more complete in its benefit, so weigh that with the balance of your mind.