Those so-called infidels know better about our religion than we do. Instead of declaring fatwas, we should thank them for inviting us to board with them. What thankless morons we are.
Mars One appeal for fatwa against Muslims applying to take part in trip to the Red Planet to be called off by Islamic council
However,
Mars One pointed out that the Quran encourages exploration.
In a written response to the Fatwa it highlighted a verse that says '
and among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are Signs for those who know (Quran 30: 22)'.
It said: '
The Muslim world has a rich tradition of exploration. The verse from the Quran [above] encourages Muslims to go out and see the signs of God’s creation in the "heavens and the earth". The most influential example of this was the Moroccan Muslim traveller Ibn Battuta, who from 1325 to 1355 travelled 73,000 miles, visiting the equivalent of 44 modern countries.'
Mars One also disputed that the mission was tantamount to suicide.
The organisation said: 'Space exploration, just like Earth exploration, will come with risks and rewards. It may seem extremely dangerous to send humans to Mars today, but
the humans will be preceded by at least eight cargo missions.
'Robotic unmanned vehicles will prepare the habitable settlement. Water and a breathable atmosphere will be produced inside the habitat and the settlement will be operational for two years, even before the first crew leaves Earth.
'If we may be so bold: the GAIAE should not analyze the risk as they perceive it today. The GAIAE should assess the potential risk for humans as if an unmanned habitable outpost is ready and waiting on Mars. Any progress requires taking risks, but in this case the reward is "the next giant leap for mankind".
That reward is certainly worth the risks involved in this mission.'
It added: 'Mars One respectfully requests GAIAE to cancel the Fatwa and make the greatest Rihla, or journey, of all times open for Muslims, too.
They can be the first Muslims to witness the signs of God’s creation in heaven, drawing upon the rich culture of travel and exploration of early Islam.
'The lives and journey of the first Mars settlers will tell us more about our place in the universe than any other humans before us. As Ibn Battuta also wrote: "Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller."'
Read more:
Mars One appeals for Islamic leaders to call off their fatwa against Muslims applying to take part in trip to the Red Planet | Mail Online
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