a.What does “seven earths” as implied in verse 12 surah at-Talaq actually mean?

b.Why does the Quran use only a singular noun(al-ardhu) when describing the
earth(or seven earths) in this case whereas when describing seven heavens a
plural noun (as-samawat) is used?

c.Is the word as-samawat introduced by the revelation of the Quran i.e. it was
not known to be used before(maybe the Arabs only used the word as-sama’ before
the Quran was revealed)?

For a -

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=%22seven+earths%E2%80%9D+as+implied+in+verse+12+surah+at-Talaq
Skip the first link, and read from several others.

For b and c, you will need to perform searches:
1. Go to http://www.google.com

2. Type in use of "al-ardhu" and "as-samawat" (or whatever search terms you need). Press Enter.

3. Read different search results until you find what you need.

4. Re-search with different search terms if you don't find all you need.

It's quite easy to respond to your first question. The earth (singular) IS but the 7 heavens (plural) ARE.

Sra

a. The phrase "seven earths" in verse 12 of Surah At-Talaq is a metaphorical expression used in the Quran. It is not referring to multiple physical earths or planets. Instead, it is a way to emphasize the vastness and diversity of the creation of Allah. The number seven is often used in the Quran to denote completeness or abundance. In this context, it signifies the different layers or levels of the earthly existence.

To understand the metaphorical meaning more deeply, it would be helpful to study the tafsir (interpretation) of this verse by scholars who have extensively studied the Quran and its exegesis. Tafsir provides detailed explanations and interpretations of Quranic verses, taking into account linguistic, historical, and cultural contexts.

b. The use of a singular noun for "earth" (al-ardh) and a plural noun for "heavens" (as-samawat) in this context has linguistic and rhetorical purposes. The singular noun for earth emphasizes its unity and cohesion, highlighting the interconnectedness of the different layers or levels mentioned earlier. It is a way to emphasize the logical and unified structure of the earth's existence.

On the other hand, the plural noun for heavens signifies the multiplicity and vastness of the celestial realm. The word "samawat" encompasses the multiple layers and realms beyond the earthly realm.

The Quran uses various linguistic styles and rhetorical devices to convey its messages effectively, and the use of singular and plural nouns is one such example. It is a literary technique to enhance the beauty and eloquence of the Quranic text.

c. The term "as-samawat" (the heavens) was not introduced by the revelation of the Quran. This word was known and used before the Quranic revelation by the Arabs. The Arabs had an understanding of the sky and recognized that it extended beyond what was visible to the naked eye.

In pre-Islamic times, the term "as-sama'" was used to refer to the sky or heavens. The Quran builds upon the existing Arabic vocabulary and uses familiar terms to convey its messages effectively to the audience of that time.

It is important to note that the Quran did not introduce completely new words into the Arabic language but utilized the existing vocabulary to convey divine guidance and teachings. The Quranic revelation brought clarity, guidance, and a deeper understanding to aspects of the cosmos and worldly matters that were already known, but perhaps not comprehensively understood or recognized by the people of that era.