Islam In Space!

[Agnosthiest]

Malaysia to Issue Rules for Astronauts

Malaysia held a forum for Islamic scholars in April 2006 to discuss problems Muslim space travelers might face, such as pinpointing the Saudi holy city of Mecca, which Muslims are expected face when they pray five times a day.

Those in space during the holy fasting month of Ramadan -- when Muslims are required to go without food or water from sunrise to sunset -- can choose to fast then or to make up for it when they return, the booklet says.

If Muslim astronauts doubt whether a meal is halal, or prepared according to Islamic rules, they "should consume it only to the extent of restraining hunger,'' the guidelines say.

http://www.space.com/news/ap_070504_...strorules.html


I suppose Muslims had to change Islam a little bit to accommodate the practices of Muslims in outerspace. Mohammad had no idea.

[andak01]

Malaysia to Issue Rules for Astronauts

Malaysia held a forum for Islamic scholars in April 2006 to discuss problems Muslim space travelers might face, such as pinpointing the Saudi holy city of Mecca, which Muslims are expected face when they pray five times a day.

Those in space during the holy fasting month of Ramadan -- when Muslims are required to go without food or water from sunrise to sunset -- can choose to fast then or to make up for it when they return, the booklet says.

I'd assume they would make up for it when they return. They are certainly travelling. If they were in a space station, that might be more open for interpretation.

If Muslim astronauts doubt whether a meal is halal, or prepared according to Islamic rules, they "should consume it only to the extent of restraining hunger,'' the guidelines say.

We are permitted to eat what is haram rather than starve to death.

http://www.space.com/news/ap_070504_...strorules.html

I suppose Muslims had to change Islam a little bit to accommodate the practices of Muslims in outerspace. Mohammad had no idea.

That is the essence of Islamic ijtihad. But ijtihad is not a game for amateurs. It is the highest expression of Islamic scholarship and those who undertake it are responsible on the Day of Judgement for all they have steered to act upon their decisions.

[Agnosthiest]

how should muslims pray if mecca is directly above their head? tie themselves to a wall that they could bow towards the heaven?

[Arjunn]

Man..this kind of thought process is what irks me....

stuff like "where to pray"?


GOSH!! i would have thought that when men went/are prepared to go to space they would grow out of such petty considerations!

but then again nothing regarding Islam is petty!!

Ps: im sure they can circumvent the halal prob by taking live animals to space
it would be cool to have a butchery and a flock of sheep in a space station.

hmnnn would the ratio of astronauts/sheep be 1:1?

PPS: how typical of them to start thinking about this thing even when the earliest possible manned flight by malaysia is DECADES away.
ROLFMAO

[Mediocrates]

Ilan Ramon had similar questions. They were all resolved to Rabbinic satisfaction. I imagine these questions are no more difficult to resolve. Why doesn't everyone calm down a sec, thanks.

[Agnosthiest]

PPS: how typical of them to start thinking about this thing even when the earliest possible manned flight by malaysia is DECADES away.
ROLFMAO

they are hitching a ride in russian spacecrafts.

[andak01]

Ilan Ramon had similar questions. They were all resolved to Rabbinic satisfaction. I imagine these questions are no more difficult to resolve. Why doesn't everyone calm down a sec, thanks.

If they calm down a sec I won't recognize this as IsraelForum!

[Agnosthiest]

If they calm down a sec I won't recognize this as IsraelForum!

this place is pretty calmed down compared to other forums.

[Arjunn]

Yep folks should take a look at Pakdef forums!

compared to that israel forum is like a calm pond

[Abdul Rahman]

Ilan Ramon had similar questions. They were all resolved to Rabbinic satisfaction. I imagine these questions are no more difficult to resolve. Why doesn't everyone calm down a sec, thanks.

Another calm interjection of reason. :thumbsup: