Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:17

"And We have created above you..."

"The seven paths" (al-ṭarā'iq): They are the heavens, because they are layered one above the other, like the layers of a sandal (muṭāraqat al-naʿl). Everything that has something similar above it is a ṭarīqah (path/layer).

Alternatively, they are called this because they are the paths of the angels and their places of movement. It is also said they are the celestial spheres (al-aflāk), because they are the paths of the planets in their orbits.

By "the creation," He meant the heavens; it is as if He said: "We created them above them."

"And We were not of [Our] creation unaware": We were not unaware of them, nor of preserving them and holding them up so they do not fall upon them by Our power.

Alternatively, He meant the people: He only created the heavens above them to open upon them provisions and blessings from them, and to benefit them with various types of benefits, and He was never unaware of them or what is best for them.

"And We sent down rain from the sky in a measured amount and settled it in the earth. And indeed, We are able to take it away."