One of the most inspiring yet little-known stories in Islamic history is that of Abdul Ahad Mohmand, an Afghan astronaut who became the first Muslim to carry the Holy Quran into outer space in 1988, reciting its verses while floating above the Earth aboard the Soviet Mir space station.
Mohmand holds many records as an Afghan astronaut. He became the first person to take the Quran to space and recite it there. When he spoke to his mother on the phone from space, Pashto became the fourth language to be officially spoken in space. He became the first Afghan citizen in space.
In late August 1988, the Soyuz TM-6 spacecraft carrying Mohmand and Soviet cosmonauts blasted off into space and headed to the Mir space station under the Soviet Interkosmos program. Mohmand brought an Afghan flag and two copies of the Quran onboard with him.
During his nine days on the Mir space station in 1988, Mohmand took photographs of his country, participated in astrophysical, medical and biological experiments. He was also recorded reciting the Quran in space at the request of the Afghan Government, while his legs were held by another crew member outside of the shot to prevent him from floating away.
Mohmand recalled the harrowing return journey: “We were forced to remain in orbit for over 24 hours in a tight compartment, without food, water, or the opportunity to go to the bathroom. We passed the time telling each other jokes. Finally, the computer systems were restored and we landed safely.”
Mohmand was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union on September 7, 1988. His story remains a timeless source of pride for Muslims worldwide.
