- Four Muslim scientists, Yasmin Nazneen, Baharul Islam, Mohd Kashif, and Areeb Ahmad, played key roles in India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission conducted by ISRO.
- This mission aims to explore the Moon’s surface for water ice and marks a significant achievement for India’s space exploration.
Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third space exploration mission launched by ISRO in 2023, marked a historic achievement, positioning India as the first nation to successfully land on the Moon’s south pole. The mission features the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan rover, which have now begun their mission of lunar surface exploration and sample collection.
The primary objective of this mission is to thoroughly investigate the lunar surface and subsurface, with a particular focus on the presence of water ice. Chandrayaan-3’s success serves as a monumental milestone for India and paves the way for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation.
The Contribution of Muslims
Four distinguished Muslim scientists, namely Yasmin Nazneen, Baharul Islam, Mohammed Kashif, and Areeb Ahmad, played instrumental roles in India’s remarkable achievement of landing Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface.
These four individuals were integral members of a historic lunar mission conducted by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Mohammed Kashif
Mohammad Kashif, alumni of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), graduated from JMI’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, earning their Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degrees in 2019. Notably, Kashif secured the top position in the exam when the results were announced in September 2021.
Areeb Ahmad- UP’s Super 5
Areeb Ahmad, hailing from the distinguished Mitthu Lal locality within Muzaffarnagar district, stands as a luminary figure in the annals of scientific achievement. Having ascended to the prestigious ranks of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2021, he assumed an integral role within the exalted satellite division entrusted with the momentous Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The momentous occasion, as articulated by his family, resonates as an indelible chapter in their collective memory. “This day has unfurled as a tapestry of enduring significance for all of us. We harbored an apprehensive anticipation leading up to this momentous event. The gratification that courses through me as a father, knowing that my son played a pivotal role in this lunar odyssey, knows no bounds. I stand profoundly proud of him,” expressed Areeb’s father, Mehtab Ahmed.
Areeb Ahmad, herein, stands acknowledged as one of the illustrious quintet of scientists hailing from Uttar Pradesh, known as “UP’s super 5”. An August assembly who have etched their names upon the firmament of distinction for their pivotal contributions to India’s lunar aspirations. His indomitable spirit and expertise found manifestation within the satellite division, as well as in his pivotal role within the key inspection team, further underscoring his significance in this epochal lunar endeavour.
Nazneen Yasmin
Nazneen joined ISRO in 2021, dedicating over a year to radar tracking due to the mission’s complexity. Her academic background includes a B.Tech in Electronics from NITS Mirza College.
During her maternity respite, approximately half a year past, she was summoned on two occasions for imperative undertakings, during which she diligently brought her infant offspring in tow. Notwithstanding the trials posed by her marital commitments and the postnatal period, Nazeen remained fervently devoted to the Chandrayyan-3 mission. Frequently, she conducted her professional endeavours from the confines of her home, her cherubic progeny cradled in her maternal embrace.
Dr. Baharul Islam
A 45-year-old scientist at ISRO, Islam holds a B.Sc from SS College, a Masters in Mathematics from Aligarh Muslim University, and a PhD from Gujrat University.
Muslims from Assam
Nazneen Yasmin and Dr. Baharul Islam interestingly both hail from India’s Assam region, and both made significant contributions to the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing. Among all of the Indian states, Assam has a Muslim population of 34.22%. Assam’s Muslims have been stripped of many of their rights and faced significant discrimination in recent times.
Muslim contribution and achievement in India
Earlier this year, we witnessed the BJP government’s endeavour to expunge the historical legacy of Muslims in India from its educational textbooks. This endeavour obscured the noteworthy contributions made by Muslims in shaping India’s economic progress, recalling a time when Muslim rulers governed India and attributing the architectural masterpiece, the Taj Mahal, to a Muslim artisan. It is essential to acknowledge that Muslims continue to be an integral component of this contemporary narrative of accomplishment, and this fact must not be relegated to oblivion.
The historical stellar achievements of Muslim Astronomers
It is within the last two to three centuries that Muslims have seen a diminishing of their once-prominent roles in astronomy. Prior to this era, Muslims stood as pioneers and leaders in this domain. However, attributing this shift to the tumultuous history of Muslim-majority regions, marked by invasions and unrest, would not be an unreasonable explanation.
For a span of 1,200 years, Muslims exhibited a remarkable spirit of exploration and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of astronomy. Iconic periods such as the Ottoman Empire and Golden Age of Islam serve as vivid illustrations of their enduring contributions.
As Muslims, our calendar remains intricately tied to lunar cycles, emphasizing the critical importance of a profound understanding of the cosmos. A retrospective survey of Muslim achievements in this sphere reveals a rich tapestry of accomplishments:
In the year 1633 CE, Lahgari Hassan soared into the skies aboard a seven-winged rocket, powered by a substantial 1,750 pounds of gunpowder, marking an early exploration of space.
A pivotal moment in the annals of astronomy occurred in 828 CE with the establishment of the first modern observatory in Iraq. Remarkably, Europe would not witness the founding of a similar institution until seven centuries later.
Abbas bin Farnas, a pioneering figure, deserves recognition for his audacious solo flights, which exemplify the daring spirit of Muslim innovators.
Its’s important to note that 165 stars retain their Arabic nomenclature even today.
Moreover, the enduring contributions of Muslims extend beyond their own era, as Renaissance-era scientists found profound inspiration in the works of Muslim luminaries. A poignant example is the renowned astronomer Copernicus, who drew extensively from the writings of Muslim scholars such as Ibn al-Shatir. This legacy underscores the profound and lasting impact of Muslim astronomers on the course of scientific history.
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Islamophobes and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are often heard making assertions about the supposed backwardness of Muslims. Therefore, the next time you encounter such remarks, consider responding by reminding them that it was Muslims who played a significant role in advancing lunar exploration – we took humanity to the moon!
At S2J News, we take immense pride in celebrating the achievement of our brothers and sister involved in this project. May Allah swt grant them continued success in their endeavours…Ameen!
