Space travel, human limits, and the Qur’an: What Islam says about life beyond earth
The human desire to explore the vastness of space has led to remarkable advancements, yet it also exposes the undeniable limits of human survival beyond Earth. The recent return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore highlights these challenges. Originally sent for an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June 2024, technical issues forced them to remain on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months before safely returning to Earth. Now, they must undergo physical rehabilitation—underscoring the fact that space is a hostile environment for human life.
While humanity dreams of colonising other planets, the Qur’an offers profound insights into Earth’s unique design and the possibility of life beyond our world.
The human body in space: A struggle against nature
The moment astronauts leave Earth’s protective environment, their bodies begin to deteriorate due to microgravity, radiation, and isolation. The challenges they face reveal that space is not a natural home for humans.
1. Muscle and bone degeneration
In microgravity, muscles weaken—especially in the legs, back, and core—leading to muscle atrophy.
Astronauts lose up to 20 per cent of their muscle mass within just two weeks.
Without gravity’s pressure, bones lose density at a rate of 1-2 per cent per month, increasing the risk of fractures.
2. Cardiovascular and vision problems
The heart shrinks due to reduced workload, while bodily fluids shift upwards, causing swollen faces and thinner legs.
Increased skull pressure leads to vision impairment, affecting the optic nerve and eye shape.
3. Radiation exposure and immune system weakening
Without Earth’s atmospheric shield, astronauts face dangerous cosmic radiation, increasing risks of cancer and DNA mutations.
The immune system weakens, making astronauts more prone to infections.
4. Psychological and cognitive struggles
Space travel disrupts sleep, increases stress, and induces isolation-related psychological effects.
Astronauts experience circadian rhythm imbalances due to witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets daily.
Despite rigorous training and countermeasures, long-term space travel remains a major challenge for human survival.
The Qur’an on earth’s uniqueness
The Qur’an highlights Earth as a divinely designed habitat, uniquely suited for human life:
“And We have made for you therein means of living, and (for) those for whom you are not the providers.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:20)
This verse underscores that while humans may explore the universe, Earth remains the only known planet tailored for our survival.
Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?
Although the Qur’an does not explicitly confirm extraterrestrial life, it hints at the possibility:
“And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and whatever creatures He has dispersed throughout them. And He has the power to gather them whenever He wills.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:29)
The phrase “creatures He has dispersed” suggests that life may not be exclusive to Earth. If such beings exist, they, too, are part of Allah’s creation and subject to His command.
All Creation Worships Allah
Even if extraterrestrial beings exist, the Qur’an emphasises that everything in the universe submits to Allah:
“The seven heavens and the earth and all that is in them glorify Him. There is not a thing but celebrates His praise, but you do not understand their glorification.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:44)
This suggests that all forms of life—whether known or unknown—are part of Allah’s divine order.
Jinn and Angels: The Unseen Realms of Creation
Islam already acknowledges the existence of intelligent non-human beings: angels and jinn.
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56)
The jinn, made from smokeless fire, exist in a parallel world, reinforcing the idea that Allah’s creation extends beyond human perception.
Conclusion: The Qur’an and Humanity’s Place in the Universe
Modern space exploration has unveiled the harsh realities of life beyond Earth, reaffirming that our planet is uniquely designed for human survival. While the Qur’an does not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial life, it reminds us that all creation—whether on Earth or beyond—exists by Allah’s will.
As humanity continues to explore the stars, the ultimate knowledge of the universe remains with Allah alone.
The writer is a journalist
BY ISSA MONNIE