Walaqad khalaqna fawqakum sabAAa tara-iqa wama kunna AAani alkhalqi ghafileen (surah Muminun: 17)

Tafseer Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abu-al-A'la Maududi

(23:17) And We have made seven paths above you *15 We were not novice in the art of creation. *16

Wa laqad khalaqnaa fawqakum sab`a taraaa`iqa wa maa kunnaa `anil khalqi ghaafileen

*15) The original Arabic word tara `iq has more than one meaning. It may refer to the paths of the seven planets, with which the man of the time of the revelation of the Qur'an was familiar, or to the seven heavens. it should be noted that this word has not been used as a modern scientific term, but as a common word according to the Arabic usage of the period in order to invite the people's attention to the wonders of the heavens, whose creation is certainly a greater thing than the creation of men. (XL: 57).
*16) This may also be translated as: "We were not nor are heedless of Our creation." According to the first translation, it will mean that the whole of the creation has been brought about in a perfect manner with a definite design and purpose, for Allah-their Creator-is perfect in every respect. The creation itself a proof that it is not the work of a novice or an inexpert. All the physical laws of the entire system of the universe are so closely interconnected as to prove that it is the creation of the All-Wise Allah. If we take the second translation, it will mean that AIIah has not been heedless in making provisions for every thing according to its nature from the most insignificant to the greatest of all.