Epigraph: “It is God who created seven heavens and a similar [number] of earths. His command descends throughout them. So you should realize that He has power over all things and that His knowledge encompasses everything.” – Quran 65:12

Introduction

When we gaze up at the night sky, we are confronted with a staggering expanse of creation. Modern astronomy tells us that the observable universe contains an unfathomable number of galaxies – on the order of hundreds of billions, and perhaps as many as 2 trillion galaxies in total theguardian.com. Each of these galaxies harbors billions (if not trillions) of stars, many of which host their own systems of planets. It is a humbling realization that our own planet Earth is but a tiny speck amid this cosmic ocean. Given this immense scale, a profound question naturally arises: Are we alone, or is the universe teeming with other intelligent life?

For those who believe in the God of the Abrahamic faiths – a God of infinite power, wisdom, and creativity – this question carries a special significance. An infinitely creative deity could create life abundantly, in forms and places beyond our imagination. Indeed, both scripture and science encourage us to ponder the possibility that life may exist beyond our world. The Quran refers to God as the “Lord of all worlds” (Rabb al-‘Alamīn), hinting at multiple realms or worlds under His dominion themuslimtimes.info. Likewise, the Bible proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1) billygraham.org, suggesting that the vast cosmos is a testament to its Creator’s majesty – possibly filled with creations known and unknown. In this article, we will explore the hopeful proposition that our universe may be teeming with intelligent life, examining it from scientific, philosophical, and theological perspectives. We will see how modern discoveries about the cosmos resonate with age-old religious insights, and how the idea of a life-filled universe can inspire a deeper sense of wonder and devotion toward the Creator.

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