Do MUSLIMS believe in AlLIENS? UFOs?

Look up at the night sky and you might wonder if we’re truly alone in the universe. The question isn't just a matter for scientists or science fiction fans—philosophers and theologians have grappled with it too. When it comes to Islam, one of the world's most influential religions, you might be surprised at how open its doctrine is to the possibility of extraterrestrials. In fact, Islamic teachings not only leave room for the existence of other intelligent beings, but they also include a fascinating cast of non-human characters—chief among them, the enigmatic jinn.

Islam and the Plurality of Worlds

The Quran, Islam’s holy book, speaks of God as the “Lord of the Worlds”—notice the plural. Unlike some faith traditions that focus solely on life here on Earth, Islamic scripture hints at the vastness of creation. This concept of multiple worlds, or "alamin,” suggests that humans may not be the sole intelligent beings crafted by the Creator. According to Dr. Yorg Matias Detman, Islamic scholar and author, the Quran references seven heavens and seven earths, each potentially teeming with different forms of life.

For Muslims, therefore, the idea that we might share the universe with other intelligent beings is not at all far-fetched or heretical. In fact, curiosity and respectful speculation about what—or who—else might be out there is encouraged, given the Quran’s allowance for worlds and creatures beyond our own.

Meet the Jinn: Islam’s Mysterious Non-Human Beings

The most prominent non-human intelligence acknowledged by Islam is the jinn (sometimes anglicized as "genies"). Mentioned repeatedly in the Quran—even meriting a chapter named after them—the jinn are said to be created from "smokeless fire," contrasting with humans (made from clay) and angels (made from light). The jinn are not just another folk legend or metaphor: belief in their existence is a core tenet of Islamic doctrine.

These beings exist alongside us, sometimes interacting with humans, but their nature is deliberately mysterious. They are described as powerful and intelligent, capable of appearing and vanishing at will—sometimes seen as fleeting lights or shadows. The Muslim imagination has long speculated about the jinn’s abilities, and some modern Islamic scholars have even likened the jinn’s otherworldly powers to technologies far beyond our current understanding. Could the legendary feats of the jinn in ancient texts be interpreted as glimpses of advanced science by extraterrestrial beings? The debate is wide open.

Jinn are not analogous to angels or demons in the strictest sense. Angels in Islamic belief are beings of pure obedience, messengers of God, and are made of light. Unlike the jinn, they lack free will in the human sense and have a more limited scope of interaction with our world. The jinn, on the other hand, possess free will—some are benevolent, while others are mischievous or even malevolent, much like humans themselves. In that way, they could be compared to fairies or spirits from European folklore, but with a much firmer theological foundation within Islam.

A Tradition of Openness and Speculation

What about Islamic speculation on worlds beyond Earth? While classical Islamic cosmology didn't picture planets as we know them today—Earth-like worlds orbiting distant stars—the concept of multiple heavens and worlds left plenty of room for adaptation as science evolved. The Islamic worldview was historically shaped by a geocentric model, but this never precluded God's ability to populate the cosmos with an array of marvelous creatures, each a testimony to divine creativity.

Far from shunning the unknown, Islamic thinkers have often embraced ambiguity. In fact, Islamic culture’s tendency toward text and calligraphy rather than imagery has allowed for centuries of reinterpretation and imaginative speculation. As Dr. Detman highlights, this has been a real asset, offering Muslims the mental space to ponder and adapt to new scientific paradigms. The stories and myths of ancient Persia, India, China, and beyond have merged with Islamic belief, enriching its understanding of what could exist beyond our scope.

Ancient Legends and End-Times Prophecy

Muslim civilization, spanning continents and cultures, is full of legends about strange creatures discovered at the edges of the known world. One curious example involves the figures of Gog and Magog (Juj and Majuj in Arabic)—mythical beings said to be walled off at the world’s end by a legendary king (often identified with Alexander the Great), destined to return in the apocalyptic future. These tales highlight Islam’s comfort with non-human, even monstrous, life forms—creatures that are part of divine design and have roles to play in humanity’s ultimate story.

A Tradition That Welcomes the Unexpected

If tomorrow we were to pick up a signal from a distant planet or find irrefutable proof of non-human intelligence, Islam wouldn’t need a doctrinal overhaul. At its core, Islamic theology already acknowledges spiritual and possibly corporeal beings beyond humankind. Muslims are encouraged to see the diversity and strangeness of creation as signs of God’s power and creativity.

As Dr. Detman notes, speculation about the unknown—be it the jinn, angels, or other cosmic denizens—has always had a home in Islamic thought. This tradition of curiosity and humility before the grandeur of creation means that Islam is perhaps uniquely equipped among world religions to accommodate the shock and wonder of first contact.

Takeaway: Embracing Wonder in Faith

Ultimately, Islamic scripture and tradition present a view of the cosmos as filled with possibility: many worlds, many creatures, and a Creator whose imagination vastly surpasses our own. Rather than viewing the unknown with fear, Islam encourages believers to approach it with awe, humility, and openness. So next time you gaze at the stars and ponder the possibility of otherworldly neighbors, remember—you’re not just speculating; you’re participating in a conversation that has fascinated faithful minds for centuries.

Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just someone who loves a good mystery, the Islamic perspective offers a reminder: we are never alone in our wonder. And when we meet the strange and unknown, perhaps we can greet it not with fear, but with curiosity, respect, and a sense of cosmic kinship.

📕 Guest: Dr. Jörg Matthias Determann

Dr. Jörg is a historian and author specializing in the history of science, the Middle East, and global knowledge exchange. He is an Associate Professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, where his research explores topics such as Islamic cosmology, space science, and the intersection of religion and science. Determann is also an Associate Editor of the Review of Middle East Studies and Book Review Editor for the Journal of Arabian Studies. He has published several books, including Islam, Science Fiction and Extraterrestrial Life and Space Science and the Arab World.

🌍 Website: https://vcu.academia.edu/Determann

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