Do Muslim sources address the topic of aliens?
The topic of aliens or extraterrestrial beings is not explicitly addressed in the Qur'an. However, there are verses that suggest the existence of other forms of life beyond humans. For instance, in Surah Al-Jinn, it states: And indeed (O Muhammad) individuals of humankind used to invoke the protection of individuals of the jinn, so that they increased them in revolt against Allah.
72:6 This verse indicates that there are beings, specifically the jinn, who exist alongside humans.
Additionally, the Qur'an mentions the creation of the heavens and the earth, which can be interpreted to imply the existence of other worlds and potentially other forms of life. In Surah Ibrahim, it states: Can there be doubt concerning Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth?
14:10 This verse emphasizes Allah's role as the Creator of all existence, which could include entities beyond human comprehension.
While classical Islamic sources like tafsir do not delve deeply into the subject of extraterrestrial life, the existence of jinn and the vastness of Allah's creation can be seen as a basis for considering the possibility of other life forms in the universe.
Sources
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72:6 · Al-Jinn
72:6 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَأَنَّهُۥ كَانَ رِجَالٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْإِنسِ يَعُوذُونَ بِرِجَالٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ فَزَادُوهُمْ رَهَقًۭا
And indeed (O Muhammad) individuals of humankind used to invoke the protection of individuals of the jinn, so that they increased them in revolt against Allah);
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14:10 · Ibrahim
14:10 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
۞ قَالَتْ رُسُلُهُمْ أَفِى ٱللَّهِ شَكٌّۭ فَاطِرِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ يَدْعُوكُمْ لِيَغْفِرَ لَكُم مِّن ذُنُوبِكُمْ وَيُؤَخِّرَكُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّۭى ۚ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا بَشَرٌۭ مِّثْلُنَا تُرِيدُونَ أَن تَصُدُّونَا عَمَّا كَانَ يَعْبُدُ ءَابَآؤُنَا فَأْتُونَا بِسُلْطَٰنٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ
Their messengers said: Can there be doubt concerning Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? He calleth you that He may forgive you your sins and reprieve you unto an appointed term. They said: Ye are but mortals like us, who would fain turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring some clear warrant.
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