Emirati novelist Noura Al Noman, winner of the 2013 Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature in the Young Adult Book category, has emphasised that the science fiction genre is rooted in advanced scientific concepts and technical developments that help us both analyse reality and anticipate the future.

Speaking at an inspiring talk held on the TEDx Sharjah Libraries’ platform, an independently organised TED event approved by the TED Conference and hosted at the headquarters of the Sharjah Book Authority, the Emirati writer said that science fiction can transform generations and enlighten young minds. At the session titled ‘How sci-fi fuels reality’, she urged youth to take critical decisions in their life by paying heed to facts and evidence, as urged in the Holy Quran.

The inspiring talk also delved into the characteristics of and the unique process of writing science fiction as Al Noman shared her journey of writing in this most creative genre of literature.

 

Inspired by Star Wars

Al Noman revealed how, watching the premiere of Star Wars in Sharjah as a little girl, fuelled her passion for science fiction. The phenomenal film planted the seeds of motivation to explore its vast universe through reading, studying and analysing a variety of science fiction books in English. The passion for this genre also inspired her to start writing science fiction-based stories.

 

Science fiction and fantasy

Highlighting the differences between science fiction and fantasy, Al Noman remarked that the fantasy realm often incorporates mythical creatures and supernatural powers that enable writers to give free rein to their imagination and veer deftly from the path of reality and logic. On the other hand, science fiction may integrate elements of fantasy and feature otherworldly creatures, but its plot, events and concepts are always rooted in science and futuristic technology.

Al Noman also pointed out the fundamental difference between science fiction films and novels, stating that’s cience fiction films rely more on the thrill and suspense factors and may not always be based on established scientific facts, while in literature, the fundamentals of science govern both the plot and the narrative.

She emphasised that a science fiction author should read dozens of Sci-Fi novels to gain insights into this vast genre. She said that it was important to read scientific books, papers, and articles, and watch documentaries to get the nuanced details of futuristic concepts that are essential to successful writing.

 

Fact-based claims

In her TEDx Talk, Al Noman stated that science fiction drives the future of humanity and brings to light the prospects of human progress. She emphasised that most of the technologies in use today which fulfil the everyday needs of mankind, were once just visions and ideas found in science fiction novels.

What elevates science as a branch of study is that it relies wholly on solid proof, evidence, and facts, and gives no importance to human stimuli such as emotions and feelings. She also added that a true scientist would abandon his/her theory if accomplished facts are proven to be inaccurate and highlighted the danger of falling prey to claims on social media platforms that use the phrase ‘studies indicate’.

“The Holy Quran emphasises the importance of a scientific framework of mind and the proper use of reason to prove any claim.‘Bring forth your proof if what you say is true,’ states the Holy Quran. Any claim without proof cannot be affirmed as fact, and evidence tilts the scale in favour of claims founded on scientific principles,” she concluded.