Sheikh `AtiyyahSaqr, former head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, states the following: The search for life on other planets has been active and dynamic over the past 40 years. Eight years ago, waves were used for that very purpose. Six years ago, scientists tried to receive the signals sent from other places within the universe. They concluded that success depends upon scientists sending signals that are received by life outside our own world. But it is not possible to send a second signal to the same star unless 100,000 years have elapsed. This is only applicable to the stars in our galaxy – the Milky Way. So, how long will it take to contact stars of remoter galaxies? Hence, there is no assurance that other forms of life exist on other planets. As for the Islamic view concerning this issue, it is left to science. To the same effect, Islam encourages humankind to explore the universe as this leads to deeper faith in Allah Almighty, Who created everything from nothing.
The Glorious Qur’an sets up a constitution and encourages people to follow it, but it does not contain the details of sciences. Allah Almighty is the Truth and the Creator of the World in this unique system and His Words will never contradict His universal laws.
Our earlier scholars of the Qur’an permitted the belief in the existence of life on other planets or anywhere other than the earth according to their judgment. Imam An-Nasafi says, “It is not odd that Allah creates animals or beasts in the heavens.” He evidences this on: “And of His portents is the creation of the heaven and the earth, and of whatever beasts He hath dispersed therein. And He is Able to gather them when He will.” (Ash-Shura: 29)
Finally, this is the sound scientific stand towards everything that is inconclusive. Moreover, this issue is not related to faith and if one does not believe in it, it does not mean that he is not a Muslim or disobedient. We do not know all the secrets of the earth, so in retrospect we should not be overtly concerned with the secrets of other planets.