Fatwa ID: 02631
Answered by: Ustaadha Bint Salih
Question
What is the Islamic view regarding the existence of dinosaurs and aliens?
Answer
There is a possibility that dinosaurs did exist. However, Islam neither negates this nor does it confirm it and ultimately there is no Shari’ benefit in discussing such issues.
Allah [SWT] says in the Holy Quran:
يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تسألوا عن أشياء إن تبد لكم تسؤكم
Those who believe, do not ask about things which, if disclosed, may displease you;
(Verse 5:101)
Under the commentary of this verse, Mufti ShafiSaheb (RahmatullahiAlaih) explains:
“Asking about things for which there is no need, shall still remain prohibited, even after the discontinuation of the process of Prophethood. The reason is simple. This is a waste of time, your own and that of others.
It has been narrated by Abu Hurairah RadiAllahu Anh that the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has said:
من حسن إسلام المرء تركه ما لا يعنيه
One of the qualities making someone a good Muslim is that one leaves what does not concern him
(Jami Tirmizi, Chapter of Abstinence, Hadith2717).
(Ma’riful Quran (English Translation) Vol:3 Pg:265-267 (MaktabahDarulUloom Karachi)
The creation of Allah [SWT] is magnificent, beyond our comprehension and imagination. Since time began scientists have made rare and strange discoveries. But the reality is, their research will be exhausted, yet they will never be able to conquer even a fraction of Allah’s creation in understanding. Nevertheless, the creation of Allah is a manifestation of his power and might through which he invites us to ponder upon his endless capability. With regards to any of his creations, be they aliens, dinosaurs etc, since the reality of these creations is not known, it is not possible to comment on them. For our belief, if there are truth and reality in these creations, we should simply take them as further manifestations of the power of Allah.
Only Allah knows best.
Ustaadha Bint Salih.
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
DarulIfta Birmingham.
