Leaders of Islamic Religion Forbid Muslims from Participating in the Mars One Space Project

In 2024 the Mars One project plans to send a crew of astronauts from Earth to the Red Planet. Thus far in the process, there is no technology to develop a return flight from Mars, so the participants will be receiving a one-way ticket. This project is not popular among Islamic leaders.

Fatwa, otherwise known as a legal opinion or decree handed down by an Islamic religious leader, has determined that Muslims are forbidden to partake in the Mars One project. The Khaleej Times of Dubai reported this news a couple of days ago, thus forcing Muslims to disobey a religious edict if they so desire to travel to Mars when the time comes.

The decision, although not completely invasive, cites verse 4/29 of the Holy Quran that states, "Do not kill yourselves or one another. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful," per this CNET News article. The religious leaders are seeking to protect the lives of their fellow followers, who may not survive the trip due to the unknown conditions and the apparent lack of a return flight.

Despite the ruling of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment in the United Arab Emirates, hundred of Saudis and other Arabs have applied to Mars One and many are still interested in going. However, the discussion may not even matter as time progresses because the project may not receive the funding that's needed.

The goal for the project is to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars, with crews of four departing every two years. The project cites Mars as the "next giant leap for mankind" and a "stepping stone of the human race on its voyage into the universe," as stated on its mission page.

The Mars One selection committee will chose those who are adept in training and appear ready for the mission. They project that six groups will be ready for the trip by the time of the 2024, and the first four who depart that year will be the first humans on Mars if the trip is successful.

To read more about Mars One and the Fatwa ruling, visit this FOX News article.