MANY would agree that space is the final frontier.
When Jules Verne forecast in 1866 that man would set foot on the moon in his From the Earth to the Moon, he was denounced as a heretic. It was not until July 20, 1969, that Neil Armstrong proved that man could indeed set foot on the moon.
Outer space has always been a subject of fascination for man. The moon, being the celestial object nearest our planet, has always been an object of absorbing interest.
Thirty-four years since Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, moonwalking has become an accepted possibility among the masses. Even though the sceptics are still around proclaiming that the moon landing was a fraud, the majority no longer regard space exploration as impossible or fiction.
People are already talking about and thinking of ways to venture on the soil of the Red Planet, Mars. Theoretically, it has been said that this can be done, but the economics of it may delay the Mars project for years.
Nonetheless, space science and technology continues to awe people with its wide-ranging and endless possibilities. This fascinating branch of science has its roots in astronomy, often dubbed as the queen of the sciences.
In the Quran, there are many verses that touch upon the vastness of space and the objects that occupy it, such as the planets and the stars. For Muslims, these verses are proof of the power and might of the Creator.
In verse 33 of Surah al-Rahman God says: “If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! Not without authority shall ye be able to pass”.
This verse implies that, among other things, mankind could indeed explore the seemingly endless boundaries of outer space with the knowledge given by God.
Back in the early days, astronomy encompassed physics, mathematics and celestial mechanics. Today, aside from “traditional” studies of space, the universe and astrophysics, there are other cutting-edge fields such as space and planetary navigation, surveying, solar energy applications, ballistics and rocket launching, and others.
From the Islamic perspective, astronomy is a science that must be mastered. This is because there is a need for Muslims to be able to calculate the times for determining the daily prayers, fasting in the month of Ramadan, the paying of the zakat (alms) and the performance of haj.
As stated in Verse 189 of Surah al-Baqarah in the Quran to the effect that: “They asked thee concerning the new moons. Say they are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men, and for pilgrimage.” Therefore, it should come as no surprise that astronomy was given great attention by scholars and scientists during the zenith of the Islamic civilisation. Astronomy, which was initially studied by earlier civilisations, was further developed by the Muslims, beginning with the Umayyads and subsequently the Abbasids.
The historical record shows that the contribution of Muslim scientists to astronomy was significant. From establishing prayer time-tables to computing astronomical tables, from predicting lunar and solar eclipses to developing observatories, from theorising about the motion of planets to measuring positions of stellar objects, Muslim scientists of yesteryear excelled in astronomy.
This fact can be strengthened with the long list of renowned Muslim astronomers such as Muhammad al-Fazari (the first Muslim astronomer), al-Khawarizmi, al-Battani, Ibn Kathir, al-Sufi, al-Bujzani, Ibn al-Haitham, alBiruni, al-Farghani, Nasir al-Dinal-Tusi, Ibn al-Shatir and Muhammad Taragay (Ulug Beg).
The study of the cosmos is a form of realising the greatness of God. Muslims believe that God has created the universe and all within it out of nothingness. There is indeed reasoning behind God’s creation of the universe, including that of man. It is the task of man to study the purpose behind God’s creation.
This is stated in many verses in the Quran such as in Verses 61 and 62 of Surah al-Furqan whereby God says to the effect that: “Blessed is He Who made constellations in the skies and placed therein a lamp (the sun) and a moon giving light; and it is He who made the night and the day follow each other; for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.” We are aware that the Muslims of the past were masters of astronomy. Today, we are in a new age — one that sees the Muslim world lagging behind in many areas, especially science and technology. If Muslims are lagging in this area, how would it be possible to catch up in astronomy and space science? No doubt, the majority of the Muslim world comprises Third World countries. However, those with the capacity and capability should turn their attention to the space sciences.
Malaysia, for one, has such capacity and capability. In 1995, the National Aerospace Blueprint for Malaysia was unveiled by the Prime Minister. The goal is to make Malaysia a key regional player in the industry.
With the launch of the Measat-1 and Measat-2 satellites, Malaysia’s involvement in the space programme began to expand slowly but surely. In 2000, the country launched TiungSat-1, the country’s first microsatellite. Recently, it was announced that Malaysia would launch RazakSat.
Also, the establishment of the National Space Agency (NSA) in 2001 strengthens Malaysia’s commitment.
It has no shortage of well-known astronomers. Some have won international recognition for their work. As such, for Malaysia to embark on exploring the final frontier the basics — government support and astronomers — are already in place. Perhaps what is needed now is the technology and the financial support to expedite space projects.
Putting satellites in space is just the beginning. That is why another challenge has recently been given to Malaysians — to put a Malaysian on the moon.
To the writer’s mind, this is doable through co-operation with established nations in this area. After all, this is very much in line with the spirit of Malaysia Boleh.
Malaysia Boleh has seen Malaysians achieving what was thought impossible — conquering the highest peak in the world, sailing the seven seas solo, exploring the two poles of the planet and swimming across the English Channel. Undoubtedly, the same enthusiasm and zest could see the first Malaysian on the moon.
This is very much in line with the words of God as stated in Verse 11 of Surah al-Ra’d translated thus: “Verily, never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves” If we believe in something and we do our very best to achieve it then, God willing, we will be granted success. The same is true for ushering in Malaysia’s space age.