Do we as Muslims believe that Dinosaurs existed before mankind?

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

There is a possibility that dinosaurs did exist. Islam neither negates this fact nor does it confirm it. However, there is no Shari’ benefit in discussing such issues.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:        

يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تسألوا عن أشياء إن تبد لكم تسؤكم

O those who believe, do not ask about things which,

if disclosed, may displease you; (Verse 5:101)

Under the commentary of this verse, Mufti Shafi Saheb (Rahmatullahi Alaih) explains:

“Asking about things for which there is no need, shall still remain prohibited, even after the discontinuation of the process of Prophethood. The reason is simple. This is a waste of time, your own and that of others.

The Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has said:                   

من حسن إسلام المرء تركه ما لا يعنيه

One of the qualities making someone a good Muslim is that one leaves what is unnecessary.

This tells us that many of our brother Muslims who keep investigating into unnecessary subjects, such as, the name of the mother of Sayyidina Musa        عليه السلام, or the precise length and breadth of the Ark of Sayyidina Nuh      عليه السلام, indulge in what has no effect on one’s conduct in life. Therefore, asking such questions is blameworthy, especially when it is already known that people who tend to ask such questions are mostly unaware of the basics of their religion. The problem is that falling for what is wasteful invariably results in making one stay deprived of doing what is necessary.”

Ma’riful Quran (English Translation) Vol:3 Pg:265-267 (Maktabah Darul Uloom Karachi)

We too take heed from the abovementioned advice of Hazrath Mufti Shafi Saheb (Rahmatullahi Alaih)

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Ml. M. Jawed Iqbal,
Student Darul Iftaa

Checked and Approved by:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa