Existence of life on other planets

23-7-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

Scientists say there are other planets which may or may not have surviving forms of life.
1) I would like to ask if there is any mention of this in the Quran or Hadeeth (narration), or if it was mentioned by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that there are planets other than the earth where life can exist and survive.
2) Should we believe this?
Please advise.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

 

Before answering your questions, we should lay down a necessary principle about the relationship between the Quran and science. The Quran is a book of guidance that Allaah The Almighty revealed to serve a great purpose in the life of humanity. The purpose of the Quran is to guide people to their Creator and show them how to worship Him. In addition, the Quran clarified for people the principles, ethics, and rules that should govern their dealing with one another. Thus, the Quran is not a book of science, even though it may include many facts about medicine, astronomy and geology and so forth. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {There has come to you from Allaah a light and a clear Book [i.e. the Quran]. By which Allaah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darkness into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.} [Quran, 5:15-16]

As for planets, the Quran has many verses that talk about planets, stars, the Sun and the moon. For instance, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

·        {Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars.} [Quran, 37:6].

·        {Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars.} [Quran, 82:2]

·        {Then I swear by the setting of the stars.} [Quran 56:75]; and there are many other verses in this regard.

Concerning the existence of life on some other planets, we have not come across any statement of the scholars concerning this. However, as far as we know, there is no evidence in the Book of Allaah The Almighty or the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that confirms or negates the existence of life on other planets.

Indeed, there are many verses in the Quran that refer to created beings in the heavens and on Earth; for instance, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

·        {And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth and what He has dispersed throughout them of creatures. And He, for gathering them when He wills, is competent.} [Quran, 42:29]

·        {And to Allaah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant.} [Quran, 16:49]

Allaah Knows best.