Will the Day of Judgment happen throughout the entire universe?

Question: Will the Day of Judgment occur only on planet Earth, or will it take place throughout the entire universe? How should we understand Elon Musk’s idea that “if humanity moves to Mars, it can escape the end of the world”?

Answer: Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an:

“It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Each floats along in its orbit.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 33).

Our solar system consists of the Sun and nine major planets orbiting it (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto). In addition, there are planetary satellites, asteroids, comets, and countless meteoric bodies. Beyond our galaxy, there are innumerable other star systems.

Planets are divided into two groups based on their mass, chemical composition, rotation speed, and number of satellites. The four planets closest to the Sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) are relatively small and mainly composed of metal and rock. In science, these are called “terrestrial planets.” The giant planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—are much larger and are mainly made up of lighter elements (hydrogen, helium, methane, etc.).

Recently, the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has promoted the idea that “among the planets, Mars is the most suitable for human life after Earth, and if humanity moves there, it can escape the end of the world.” However, the verses of the Qur’an and Islamic beliefs show that this is merely wishful thinking.

Firstly, among these nine planets, Earth is our blessed home and beloved homeland. Allah the Almighty says to humanity:

“On earth you will live for a while and enjoy its benefits. Then you will die there, and from it you will be brought forth (resurrected).” (Surah Al-A’raf, 24-25).

This verse states that humans are born on this soil, die here, are buried here, and will be resurrected and gathered here. Thus, all of humanity’s destiny unfolds here. There is no life or existence for us elsewhere. Therefore, seeking a permanent home on another planet is futile. Even if someone finds a planet to live on in the future, it will not change Allah’s decree.

Secondly, our Creator made humankind and appointed the earth as their inheritance. The Qur’an says:

“He made you successors on the earth (meaning, Allah appointed you as His representatives to develop the earth, live by His laws, and govern other creatures).” (Surah Fatir, 39).

The phrase “successors on earth” means that people will come one after another, live here, make full use of everything on earth, and all creation will serve them and be under their authority.

Thirdly, even if we assume that other planets are suitable for human life, the Qur’an states that when the Day of Judgment comes, not only the earth but all the planets in the solar system will be destroyed:

“When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness], and when the stars fall, dispersing,” (Surah At-Takwir, 1-2), “Eyes will be humbled from terror, the moon will be eclipsed, and the sun and the moon will be joined together. On that Day, man will say, ‘Where is the escape?’ No! There is no refuge! To your Lord, that Day, is the [place of] permanence.” (Surah Al-Qiyamah, 7-12).

Hasan AMANKUL

“Munara” newspaper, No. 4, 2021