An Islamic organization has issued a fatwa, or holy war, against traveling to Mars, claiming a trip to Earth's neighbor is against the religion, the Khaleej Times reported Wednesday.
The fatwa was issued by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment in the United Arab Emirates. The declaration comes at the same time a Dutch company is planning to commission a $6 billion dollar one-way trip to the Red Planet. The company is currently selecting candidates for the anticipated 2024 trip, titled the Mars One project.
"Such a one-way journey poses a real risk to life, and that can never be justified in Islam," the committee said, according to the Khaleej Times. "There is a possibility that an individual who travels to planet Mars may not be able to remain alive there, and is more vulnerable to death."
Those who go on the "hazardous trip," will probably die for no "righteous reason," and risk being subjected to a "punishment similar to that of suicide in the Hereafter," the committee said, according to the Khaleej times.
Whoever is chosen for the Mars One project will never return to earth, for there is no technology available that would make a return trip possible. Tickets costs $38 for Americans, and all candidates have to be in good health and between the ages of 18 and 40. The goal is to establish the first human colony on Mars.
"Protecting life against all possible dangers and keeping it safe is an issue agreed upon by all religions and is clearly stipulated in verse 4/29 of the Holy Quran," the UAE committee stated. "Do not kill yourselves or one another. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful."
It appears the Mars One project has widespread appeal. According to the New York Daily News, the Dutch company received over 200,000 applications in December 2013.
A reality show based off of the Mars One mission is also in the works.
