وَأَذِنَتْ : This word is derived from the word “Othun” which means the ear. This means that the sky has paid a close attention and listened carefully to its Master and obeyed Him. It is as if the sky had ears by which it listened.

Listening has two types:

First: Listening with a choice to obey or disobey.

Second: Listening with no choice. Heaven has no choice; therefore, once it listened, it obeyed the command of its Lord Who is able to enforce his wills. Allah (swt) says:

{ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلْأَرْضِ ائْتِيَا طَوْعًا أَوْ كَرْهًا قَالَتَا أَتَيْنَا طَائِعِينَ }

(and said to it and to the earth, “Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly.”) (Fussilat: 11)

Why: Because it is subjugated to the command of the Creator. When Allah (swt) says:

 {وَأَذِنَتْ لِرَبِّهَا وَحُقَّت }

(And has responded to its Lord and was obligated [to do so](2))

It was adequate to hear and obey. It is worthy of this docility, because it was created in the form of obedience and compliance. Hence, when Allah (swt) commands it to split, then it will immediately execute the command.