Fatwa ID: 07675

 

 

 

Answered by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

 

 

Question:

 

I have a telescope which I regularly use to look at planets, nebulae (gas clouds) and stars. These telescopes actually come with filters which allow me to see the gas clouds more clearly by segregating a certain wavelength of light. My question is since these filters change the colour of the gas clouds in order for me to view more clearly, is this permissible because I might be changing the creation of Allah?

 

 

 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

 

Answer:

 

In Hanafi fiqh, the use of tools and technologies to observe and study the natural world, including celestial bodies like planets, nebulae, and stars, is generally considered permissible. The core principle in Islamic jurisprudence is that human efforts to understand and appreciate the creation of Allah are encouraged, provided they do not involve any form of disrespect or alteration to the creation itself in a manner that is prohibited.

 

The use of filters in telescopes to view celestial objects more clearly by segregating certain wavelengths of light does not constitute changing the creation of Allah in a prohibited manner. Rather, it is a method to enhance human perception and understanding of the natural phenomena created by Allah.

 

The Qur’an encourages the observation and contemplation of the natural world as a means to recognize the greatness of Allah. For example:

 

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (Al-Imran, 3:190)

 

The concept of “changing the creation of Allah” typically refers to acts that alter the fundamental nature or structure of what Allah has created, such as genetic modification of living beings or practices that distort natural forms in a way that is considered haram (forbidden). Using filters in telescopes to view different wavelengths of light is a temporary and non-invasive method that does not alter the actual celestial bodies themselves.

 

In Hanafi fiqh, actions are evaluated based on their intentions and effects. The use of technological aids to study and appreciate the creation is permissible as long as it aligns with the principles of respect and does not lead to prohibited activities.¹

 

Using filters on your telescope to view planets, nebulae, and stars more clearly is permissible in Islam. This practice does not constitute a forbidden alteration of Allah’s creation; rather, it is a means to better understand and appreciate the wonders of the universe created by Allah. The enhancement provided by the filters is a tool for observation and does not affect the inherent nature of the celestial objects themselves.

 

Therefore, you can continue using your telescope and its filters without concern for violating Islamic principles, as long as your intention is to seek knowledge and appreciate the creation of Allah.

 

I hope that this answers the question.

 

 

Only Allah knows best

 

Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

 

 

 

References:

 

1. “الأصل في الأشياء الإباحة حتى يدل الدليل على التحريم” (الدر المختار وحاشية ابن عابدين (رد المحتار), 1/64)