Plurals & Synonyms

However, it’s also important to note that in the preceding verse, the plural “worlds” does not necessarily apply to celestial bodies alone.

The advent of quantum mechanics and string theory has given rise to the insight that our physical universe is made up of more dimensions than our four observable dimensions.

Initially, scientists believed that space and matter consisted of four dimensions: width, height, length, and time.

But with the discovery of Dark Matter and the fact that our universe is expanding, according to the most accepted theory so far among cosmologists (which the Qur’an alludes to in Surat Adh-Dhariyat 51:47), scientists have found that other dimensions beyond our comprehension exist. Or, as Einstein discovered, space is not “nothing”. Furthermore, string theory suggests the existence of multiple—or parallel—universes.

Muslims have been acquainted with multiple dimensions and parallel worlds long before such terms were even coined. Jinn is an Arabic term used in the Qur’an to describe beings that live beyond our perception.

As Muhammad Asad points out, the term is popularly attributed to “genies” or “demons”, when its actual meaning has a far wider implication than that.

The term Jinn is derived from the Arabic verb janna, which is best described as something that is “veiled from sight” and “can thus be applicable to all kinds of invisible beings or forces.”

The fact that Jinn are concealed from our senses, implicate that they live in dimensions beyond our perception. In fact, developments in quantum mechanics suggest that our universe could be made up with as many as eleven or 24 separate dimensions.

The Qur’an often refers to “the realm which is beyond the reach of human perception” and so it’s entirely possible that, as we live in our own observable four-dimensional space, the remaining dimensions beyond our perception host their own denizens as well.

Furthermore, it’s entirely possible that our universe is merely one of many “multiverses”.

Michio Kaku is one of the leading physicists in the world today. He succinctly explains how the multiverse theory works as such: he likens it to our universe being an expanding bubble, with other bubbles being an offshoot of it.

These other universes could be at varying stages of development, some beginning, some ending, and some developing side-by-side with ours. The prospect of many universes existing separate from each poses no problem in Islamic thought.

As Muslims, we see it not as a refutation of God’s power, but as an even greater magnification of His limitless abilities, that He has the power to create and manage the minute and massive details in all universes, while never being wearied by doing so.

The process of creation is ongoing, and it’s entirely possible that other universes parallel to ours are being created as we speak. There are several verses in the Qur’an that mention this ongoing process of creation:

“Say: “It is Allah Who originates creation and repeats it: then how are ye deluded away (from the truth)?”” (Surat Yunus 10:34).

“Or, Who originates creation, then repeats is, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth?” (Surat An-Naml 27:64).

“See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah.” (Surat Al-‘Ankabut 29:19).

Perhaps the term “creation” refers to both the creation and reproduction of mankind and also the creation and reproduction of multiple universes at large. The Qur’an also mentions, in many places, “seven heavens”:

“He it is who has created for you all that is on earth, and has applied His design to the heavens and fashioned them into seven heavens; and He alone has full knowledge of everything.” (Surat Al-Baqarah 2:29).