Interpreting Extraterrestrial Life: An Islamic Perspective

The interpretation of the discovery of alien life by Muslim scholars would likely be diverse and nuanced, as interpretations in Islam can vary. However, some general perspectives can be gleaned from Islamic texts and scholarly interpretations:

Existence of Life in Other Worlds: Some interpretations of the Quran suggest the possibility of life existing in other worlds. The phrase “Rabbul `aalameen” (meaning “the Lord of the worlds”) is often cited as a potential reference to the existence of beings in many worlds.
Life and Water: The Quran mentions that life was made from water (Quran 21:30), which could potentially extend to life forms on other planets. 
أَوَلَمۡ یَرَ ٱلَّذِینَ كَفَرُوۤا۟ أَنَّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ ٰ⁠تِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ كَانَتَا رَتۡقࣰا فَفَتَقۡنَـٰهُمَاۖ وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلۡمَاۤءِ كُلَّ شَیۡءٍ حَیٍّۚ أَفَلَا یُؤۡمِنُونَ

Did not the disbelievers observe that the heavens and the earth were together, so We parted them, and we made every living thing from water? So will they not accept faith?

The quoted text is a verse from the Quran (21:30). Here are the key points:

  1. Unity and Separation of Heavens and Earth: The verse begins by stating that the heavens and the earth were once a united entity, and then they were separated. This could be interpreted as a reference to the Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe began as a hot, dense point nearly 13.8 billion years ago.

  2. Origins of Life: The verse also mentions that every living thing was made from water. This aligns with scientific understanding that life on Earth started in water and that water is a crucial component for life.

  3. Invitation to Faith: The verse ends with a rhetorical question, asking if these signs of creation will lead the disbelievers to faith. This reflects a common theme in the Quran, where reflections upon natural phenomena are used as a means to inspire faith in God.

It’s important to note that interpretations can vary, and different scholars may highlight different aspects of these verses. 

No Clear-Cut Knowledge: Islam does not offer specific knowledge about the existence of alien life. The prospect of alien existence is not considered part of religion. Therefore, the discovery of alien life would not necessarily contradict Islamic teachings.
Focus on Earthly Life: Some scholars argue that while the existence of extraterrestrial life is possible, it is not essential knowledge for Muslims. The focus should be on earthly life and fulfilling religious duties.
Judgement of Alien Lifeforms: Some interpretations suggest that if such lifeforms exist and have a level of development that makes them morally accountable beings, they would also be judged according to their actions during their lives.

It’s important to note that these are just some interpretations and perspectives, and they may not represent all views within the Muslim community. The actual response to such a discovery would likely involve much discussion and debate among scholars.