In a world racing toward the stars, Sahil Adeem offers a sobering insight: if Muslims do not have their own space programs, they are not truly fulfilling the essence of Islam. This powerful statement calls for more than scientific advancement—it demands a spiritual and intellectual awakening rooted in the Islamic worldview.

Space as a Spiritual and Scientific Imperative

Space Programs as a Symbol of Islamic Engagement

For Sahil Adeem, space exploration is more than a technological frontier—it’s a divine mandate. He sees space programs as symbolic of humanity’s God-given role as vicegerents on Earth. As caretakers of Allah’s creation, Muslims are called to explore the universe, understand its laws, and reflect upon its wonders as signs of divine wisdom.

Key Concept – Islam’s Role in Scientific Discovery: Islam doesn't only permit scientific inquiry; it commands it. By embracing space programs, Muslims honor their responsibility to seek knowledge and push the boundaries of human understanding.

A Forgotten Legacy of Innovation

Muslims once led the world in astronomy, mathematics, and optics. Adeem reminds us of visionaries like Ibn al-Haytham, Al-Khwarizmi, and Al-Battani—pioneers whose work laid the groundwork for modern science. Their breakthroughs were not just intellectual pursuits; they were spiritual acts rooted in the Quran’s call to explore the signs of Allah in the heavens and Earth.

Surah Al-Imran (3:190): “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.”

Key Concept – Reviving the Golden Age: Adeem believes it's time for Muslims to reclaim their place in the scientific world, not just to compete—but to lead.

Falling Behind in a Space Race We Should Be Leading

Today, leading global powers—like the United States, China, and Russia—are shaping the future through space programs, satellite systems, and interplanetary missions. Meanwhile, no Muslim-majority country holds a dominant position in space science.

Key Concept – Global Leadership in Space: Adeem critiques the Muslim world’s lack of investment in space as a broader reflection of its detachment from progress, innovation, and scientific leadership.

Practical Steps to Reignite the Spirit of Inquiry

1. Advocate for Space Programs in Muslim Nations

Action: Push governments and institutions to invest in space science and technology.

How To:

• Raise Awareness: Support campaigns that promote STEM education and scientific research.
  
  

• Forge Global Partnerships: Collaborate with established agencies like NASA or ESA for knowledge exchange.
  
  

• Policy Influence: Advocate for national policies that prioritize funding for space programs and technological innovation.
  
  

2. Foster STEM Education Among Muslim Youth

Action: Prepare the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and tech innovators.

How To:

• Encourage STEM Careers: Highlight the stories of successful Muslim scientists and inspire youth through mentorship.
  
  

• Build Learning Platforms: Offer hands-on workshops, robotics clubs, and science fairs focused on space exploration.
  
  

• Create Mentorship Networks: Connect students with experts in aerospace, astronomy, and engineering.
  
  

3. Invest in Local Research and Innovation

Action: Develop infrastructure that supports research and entrepreneurship in space-related fields.

How To:

• Establish Research Centers: Create university departments focused on astrophysics and aerospace engineering.
  
  

• Fund Space Startups: Invest in businesses building satellite tech, drones, or space navigation systems.
  
  

• Public-Private Partnerships: Governments can collaborate with private innovators—like how NASA works with SpaceX—to accelerate progress.
  
  

4. Engage in Islamic Scientific Discourse

Action: Merge spiritual wisdom with scientific inquiry to inspire holistic understanding.

How To:

• Host Conferences and Seminars: Explore how Quranic principles align with scientific discovery.
  
  

• Publish Research: Support scholars who bridge Islamic ethics with modern science.
  
  

• Develop Educational Media: Create YouTube channels, documentaries, and books that integrate Islamic perspectives with space science.
  
  

5. Support Global Muslim Collaboration in Space Science

Action: Unite Muslim nations in shared scientific pursuits to amplify impact.

How To:

• Launch Joint Missions: Coordinate international space projects between Muslim-majority countries.
  
  

• Sponsor Global Events: Host space science expos and tech competitions in the Muslim world.
  
  

• Create a Pan-Islamic Space Agency: Imagine an OIC-backed agency that leads research, exploration, and innovation across borders.
  
  

Final Reflection

Sahil Adeem’s vision is not just about rockets and satellites—it’s about reclaiming an Islamic identity rooted in discovery, leadership, and service to humanity. Islam calls us to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. Space is simply the next horizon in that timeless journey.

"Look again: do you see any flaws?" – Surah Al-Mulk (67:3)

Let us teach our youth to look again—to the stars, to the Earth, and within themselves—to find the brilliance that once defined the Muslim world and will again.

Let’s Build Toward the Heavens

• Youth: Your passion for science is part of your faith.
  
  

• Educators & Scholars: Shape a new generation of seekers.
  
  

Communities: Fund the future, foster innovation, and honor the legacy of Islamic excellence.