(7) Out of the verses which have been presented...

(7) Out of the verses which have been presented, only the first verse (8) and the verses which contain the word “Al-Alameen” [the worlds or universes] in it indicate the probability of life on other planets.(9) In the commentary of the first verse, Allamah Tabataba’ie (May Allah have mercy on his soul) says: The apparent meaning of this verse is that there are living creatures (Dawab) in the heavens similar to those on earth.

(10) In Tafsir Nemuneh, it says: This verse indicates the existence of several kinds of living beings in the heavens although scientist have not yet been able to prove this with certainty and they vaguely say life on other planets does exist, yet in the Quran this reality has been expressed explicitly; that there are also an abundant amount of living creatures in the vastness of the skies.

(11) In a tradition from of Hazrat Ali (Peace be upon him), it is said that: هذه النجوم فی السماء مدائن مثل المدائن التی فی الارض مربوطة کل مدینة الی عمود من نور These stars which are in the sky are like cities similar to the cities on earth, every city with another city (every star with another star) is connected by pillars of light .(12) As far as the indication of the Quranic verse in relation to life on other planets, a few points need to be mentioned: 1.

The word “Samaa” and “Samawat” has been mentioned in the Quran having a few different meanings: Above (directional), planets in the sky, atmosphere of the earth, etc.(13) The implication of life on other planets in this verse is correct when the term “Samawat” denotes ‘planets in the sky’, yet it is possible that in the verse mentioned above the word “Samawat” represents the levels of atmosphere surrounding the earth and “Dabbah” may be referring to the microscopic life forms (such as viruses and the likes), and large creatures (such as birds) which surround the atmosphere.

2.Taking into consideration the fact that the existence of life on other planets has not yet been proven, and is regarded as a significant probability; consequently, no concrete association can be made to the Quran regarding the existence of life on other planets. In conclusion, as the basis of probable exegesis, these verses may be a kind of scientific mystery foretelling about the future which has not yet been confirmed by scientist. NOTES: _____________________ 1. Qur’an 42:29. 2.

Qur’an 55:29. 3. Qur’an 16:49. 4. Qur’an 17:44. 5. Qur’an 70:40; See: Surah Safaat, Verse 5; Sura A’araf, Verse 137. 6.

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