NationStates Jolt Archive

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?

Not to mention all Space Muslims' archnemeses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoGTytebuc4

:D

I dare say he just picks a timezone to be in.

I'm sure he can secure himself down easily enough.

Besides, for centuries muslims have only been going at a best guess of the direction of Mecca so it's no different really.

And I doubt it'd be hard to organise the food to be halal, no more than if a vegetarian went up certainly.

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?

The Quran includes an "if feasible" clause. That's why there's a Saudi Arabia national soccer team, for instance, when Muslims "shouldn't" show their knees. And why Muslims that are performing surgery won't stop what they're doing to pray at that exact time. And even why a Muslim CAN eat pork if the choices are "pork" or "starve to death".

Now those evil Islamists are immigrating to space!

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?

No, because there's about a bajillion (rough estimate, margin of error of +/-....2!) different sects and being Muslim doesn't remove common sense. o.O

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?


1. Face Earth. Mecca is that way.
2. Kneeling is the way to put your body into a respectful position BASED ON GRAVITY. If there is no gravity, I am certain that another equally respectful position can be arranged. Or strap yourself down.
3. A day is 24 hours even if you are in space, so the 90 minute thing has more to do with position than time.
4. The astronauts sync their clocks up to a certain time zone on earth. So when the sun comes up in that time zone, that is sun up. Conversely, if you want to go with sun up being defined as the time the sun can touch you, a Muslim in space has it so much easier than one on Earth, because he is behind the planet and out of the sun for 45 minutes of every 90. So he could eat all day long, pausing for a 45 minute break then eating for 45 minutes.
5. What about halal food? You can get kosher food on an airplane, why not halal in space? The food you get in space is the food you take with you. ALL the astronauts have very strict diets in space, it is certainly possible to accommodate a religious diet.


So basically, the answer to your question, based on your list of concerns, is no, there is no problem with obeying the Koran in space.

1. Face Earth. Mecca is that way.
2. Kneeling is the way to put your body into a respectful position BASED ON GRAVITY. If there is no gravity, I am certain that another equally respectful position can be arranged. Or strap yourself down.
3. A day is 24 hours even if you are in space, so the 90 minute thing has more to do with position than time.
4. The astronauts sync their clocks up to a certain time zone on earth. So when the sun comes up in that time zone, that is sun up. Conversely, if you want to go with sun up being defined as the time the sun can touch you, a Muslim in space has it so much easier than one on Earth, because he is behind the planet and out of the sun for 45 minutes of every 90. So he could eat all day long, pausing for a 45 minute break then eating for 45 minutes.
5. What about halal food? You can get kosher food on an airplane, why not halal in space? The food you get in space is the food you take with you. ALL the astronauts have very strict diets in space, it is certainly possible to accommodate a religious diet.


So basically, the answer to your question, based on your list of concerns, is no, there is no problem with obeying the Koran in space.

Indeed the whole "not mixing fabrics" thing would make it harder (or impossible) for CHRISTIANS to go into space.

Indeed the whole "not mixing fabrics" thing would make it harder (or impossible) for CHRISTIANS to go into space.

And arguably using a rocket to move towards heaven is similar to building the tower of Babel ;)

This makes me want to write a sci-fi story about Muslims in space! I am sure some story or roleplaying game has that though. I wonder what solutions to these problems they came up with? Probably to face Earth on whatever planet you are on. Every religion adapts to technology though if you think about it.

I'm not an astronaut but I was Muslim. Firstly, there are different rules concerning prayer and fasting for travellers. Firstly, they are exempt from fasting during Ramadan. It is permissable for a traveller to skip prayers if they are not possible due to circumstances, so this is one possibility open to them. Alternatively, when the sun is not visible (or in space, visible in a different manner to on Earth) s/he would guess at a location, without invalidating his or her prayer.

As for times of prayer. This is not a problem since a day is still a day. Space stations and ships alike both stick to one time zone, even though they travel accross many whilst in orbit.

Gravity.... I don't know. Maybe using a magnetic pad on the floor of the ship/station or strapping youself to the floor. I'm sure there is a way, after all, people have to live and work in orbit and I'm sure they find a solution to other 0G problems. Better still, build ships that rotate...

As for halal food, this actually would be quite straightforward, since eisting space technology uses food prepared on Earth which is dehydrated for storage and packing. The earth station would simply prepare the food according to the normal rules.

It's no different to anyone else being in space. As for women in space, I am not aware of any special rules concerning it. I don't see why not? It'd be good for all Islamic countries if one of the advanced Islamic nations were to develop it's own space programme and send a female into space with their technology and engineering, rather than "piggybacking" their own people on the rockets of others.

This makes me want to write a sci-fi story about Muslims in space! I am sure some story or roleplaying game has that though. I wonder what solutions to these problems they came up with? Probably to face Earth on whatever planet you are on. Every religion adapts to technology though if you think about it.

Horace Bury, one of the main characters in The Mote in God's eye and its sequal, is a muslim trader. His main problem was trying to convince the crew that coffee is an acceptable alternative to alcohol ;)

Actually, the gentleman spoke to a conclave of Imams about these problems.

He'll be using the Baikonur day, as that's where he lifted off from. Facing towards Mecca simply requires him to be facing towards Earth; it's the submission to god that kneeling represents that is important, not the act in itself. As a traveller, he need not observe the Ramadan fast, but if he does so he can use the Baikonur clock to determine the hours of daylight and darkness.

They've made up a 17-page guide for muslims travelling off-planet, but the conclave has admitted they are stumped about the facing to Mecca problem when actually on another planet. Some feel that facing towards earth is the appropriate action, while others feel a place on each world should be designated as the holy place of that planet.

"Muslims in Space" sounds like a good movie pitch, how much?

http://www.coxandforkum.com/archives/05.12.04.MullahsinSpace-X.gif

Not to mention all Space Muslims' archnemeses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoGTytebuc4

:D

Don't you mean these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dgj_Hx8PJo

:D

Actually, the gentleman spoke to a conclave of Imams about these problems.

He'll be using the Baikonur day, as that's where he lifted off from. Facing towards Mecca simply requires him to be facing towards Earth; it's the submission to god that kneeling represents that is important, not the act in itself. As a traveller, he need not observe the Ramadan fast, but if he does so he can use the Baikonur clock to determine the hours of daylight and darkness.

They've made up a 17-page guide for muslims travelling off-planet, but the conclave has admitted they are stumped about the facing to Mecca problem when actually on another planet.

Are you serious?

Some feel that facing towards earth is the appropriate action, while others feel a place on each world should be designated as the holy place of that planet.

If your serious, that is really weird. A holy place on that planet? Surprised for an Imam to say that. Seeing as Mecca is so important, and Muhammad was on Earth.

Are you serious?
That is all true, yes.
Why do you think it weird that some people take their religion seriously ?

That is all true, yes.
Why do you think it weird that some people take their religion seriously ?

I thought the part about a holy place on each planet was extremely weird to suggest for Muslims.

One of their pillars of faith is pilgrimage to specifically Mecca

If your serious, that is really weird. A holy place on that planet? Surprised for an Imam to say that. Seeing as Mecca is so important, and Muhammad was on Earth.

It's advanced religion for galactic travellers and personally I like the idea of designating a spot on each planet touched by Allah. :p

For that matter I do wonder what catholics would do several hundred lightyears away with the pontiff being on Earth?

What about other religions?

being Muslim doesn't remove common sense. o.O

QFT

Indeed the whole "not mixing fabrics" thing would make it harder (or impossible) for CHRISTIANS to go into space.

And most of us reasonable ones have been ignoring that since before the advent of wash-and-wear and (God forbid) polyester leisure suits. :D

Well if there is a new more populated planet they could always move the Kaaba and the al-Hajar-ul-Aswad from Mecca to another planet.

In that case, I wonder if Earth were ever to be evacuated if they would ever try to move the al-Hajar-ul-Aswad.

I am still shocked Imams would say to designate a holy site on each individual planet to pray toward. I am sure as with the disputes among Muslims, it would end up being a dispute in the religion with some praying toward Earth and Mecca then some praying toward a holy site.

Are you serious?



If your serious, that is really weird. A holy place on that planet? Surprised for an Imam to say that. Seeing as Mecca is so important, and Muhammad was on Earth.

I am quite serious. Remember that facing towards Mecca is simply a sign of respect for Allah and for his Prophet. As long as that respect is maintained, precise mechanics become less important.

And note that they didn't say anything about the Hajj. That would still need to be to Mecca.

It's advanced religion for galactic travellers and personally I like the idea of designating a spot on each planet touched by Allah. :p

For that matter I do wonder what catholics would do several hundred lightyears away with the pontiff being on Earth?

What about other religions?

Very simple. We don't pray to the pope, we pray to God. If you posit that God created the universe, you need not face anywhere in particular -- you're covered.

(Really, Catholics don't face the Vatican when they pray -- nor do any of the many, many, Protestant faiths.)

Very simple. We don't pray to the pope, we pray to God. If you posit that God created the universe, you need not face anywhere in particular -- you're covered.

(Really, Catholics don't face the Vatican when they pray -- nor do any of the many, many, Protestant faiths.)

I didn't mean direction or christianity in general but papal authority and catholicism in particular.

Can the hierarchy of the Catholic church survive interstellar travel or is a new reformed church required?

I didn't mean direction or christianity in general but papal authority and catholicism in particular.

Can the hierarchy of the Catholic church survive interstellar travel or is a new reformed church required?

It survived across continents with little communication. May have to add a new layer or have planetary Cardinals or Bishops since planets won't have huge populations in the early space age any way, just like books imagine it would happen.

Bishops technically are fully independent in their own diocese.

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?

A group of Saudi Shaykhs got together and wrote Shari'ah (Islamic Law) for Muslim Astronauts.

I remember reading about the Malaysian pilot and "Islam in space" early last year (2006). Looks like he finally is in space :D

I am quite serious. Remember that facing towards Mecca is simply a sign of respect for Allah and for his Prophet. As long as that respect is maintained, precise mechanics become less important.

And note that they didn't say anything about the Hajj. That would still need to be to Mecca.

It isn't a sign of respect - it's a command from Allah. It has nothing to do with Muhammad. The Qur'an says that Allah has heard the prayers of Muhammad and has set up a new Qiblah (prayer direction) for the Muslims which is the Kaaba in Mecca.

Trust me, I had to deal with this whole Qiblah issue just last year.

It survived across continents with little communication. May have to add a new layer or have planetary Cardinals or Bishops since planets won't have huge populations in the early space age any way, just like books imagine it would happen.

But we wouldn't be talking about months or years of travel but centuries.

How can the hierarchical structure of the church work when the ultimate authority could be more than a life-time away?

But we wouldn't be talking about months or years of travel but centuries.

How can the hierarchical structure of the church work when the ultimate authority could be more than a life-time away?

In this respect it would be easier for Muslims than for Christians, since there is much less of a hierarchial structure in Islamic religion.

Also the arguement for holy spots on other planets I don't see being so controversial. Islam makes it very clear that neither Muhammed nor the Kaaba are objects of veneration in the Islamic belief system. So perhaps there is no problem with having another focus for ones communication with God, ont he one on which one is. An arguement for this would be that it focuses the worshippers midn on the fact that though s/he is far from home, s/he is still within God's creation, on that world just as much as the home world. Though there is no doubt some would aruge that the worshipper shoudl face Earth.. *shrugs* Such is life!

Not to mention all Space Muslims' archnemeses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoGTytebuc4

:D

I was expecting this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dgj_Hx8PJo

;)

A group of Saudi Shaykhs got together and wrote Shari'ah (Islamic Law) for Muslim Astronauts.

I remember reading about the Malaysian pilot and "Islam in space" early last year (2006). Looks like he finally is in space :D

Really? Wahaha. Great.


In the year 28.322 AC the Muslims invaded the planet KryLon45 in the Saurus starfield.

All men were killed, all women were raped.

The Christians on the other hand invaded ElAlIl Moham, the holy Muslim Planet and killed all women and raped all men :p

And the story will continue for another 30.000 years... :)

Indeed the whole "not mixing fabrics" thing would make it harder (or impossible) for CHRISTIANS to go into space.

And how do you publicly stone whores to death inside a spaceship? Do you bring rocks from earth?

Really? Wahaha. Great.


In the year 28.322 AC the Muslims invaded the planet KryLon45 in the Saurus starfield.

All men were killed, all women were raped.

The Christians on the other hand invaded ElAlIl Moham, the holy Muslim Planet and killed all women and raped all men :p

And the story will continue for another 30.000 years... :)


You are forgetting the bit where surviving muslims flew to the christians planet with a mass drivers and bombaded the planet with metorites for 40 days while the christian forces were in orbit around the muslim world charging up their anti-electro-atomic-kill-o-zap cannon and cutting holes the size of Texas in the muslim world.:eek:

Whereupon the galatic empire arrested both sides and made them all live on a small world where the biggest weapon they could have was a stick* :p


Boris

*and it had to be a small stick at that:)

And how do you publicly stone whores to death inside a spaceship? Do you bring rocks from earth?

Also for chopping heads and hands...

It's just flying around when you did your job...

"Muslims in Space" sounds like a good movie pitch, how much?

That really reminded me of this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4dgj_Hx8PJo

EDIT: Damn, someone beat me to it.

Also for chopping heads and hands...

It's just flying around when you did your job...

Yes...Though hurling rocks in zero g might be more interesting than chopping bits off people is.

In this respect it would be easier for Muslims than for Christians, since there is much less of a hierarchial structure in Islamic religion.

Also the arguement for holy spots on other planets I don't see being so controversial. Islam makes it very clear that neither Muhammed nor the Kaaba are objects of veneration in the Islamic belief system. So perhaps there is no problem with having another focus for ones communication with God, ont he one on which one is. An arguement for this would be that it focuses the worshippers midn on the fact that though s/he is far from home, s/he is still within God's creation, on that world just as much as the home world. Though there is no doubt some would aruge that the worshipper shoudl face Earth.. *shrugs* Such is life!

Keep in mind you are talking of catholics, with protestants there would be no problem. And to respond to the "can't mix fabrics" thing, I have never heard of that and im a christian.

Keep in mind you are talking of catholics, with protestants there would be no problem. And to respond to the "can't mix fabrics" thing, I have never heard of that and im a christian.

The Book of Leviticus. One of the old Biblical texts which is popular among Christians for the part where homosexuals are considered abominations. Also says Christians shouldn't eat shellfish, touch menstruating women or dress in multifabric clothes. But often the passages regarding homosexuals are cherry picked while the other just as primitive prohibitions are conveniently ignored altogether.

Keep in mind you are talking of catholics, with protestants there would be no problem. And to respond to the "can't mix fabrics" thing, I have never heard of that and im a christian.

It is in Leviticus. It is an abomination, just like having gay sex.

And to respond to the "can't mix fabrics" thing, I have never heard of that and im a christian.

Some orthodox Jews follow it, I believe. Theres a guy whose job it is to examine clothes and then get the offending components changed. Its a living, I suppose.

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?
"Fighting"?


Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

So you're completely ignorant about the topic you're making a thread about? You don't know who went into space... Do you know when it happened?

As for the woman part...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anousheh_Ansari
http://www.anoushehansari.com/blog/

http://www.anoushehansari.com/faqs/grax/images/13%20Never%20Quit%20pic.jpg



Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?
being Muslim doesn't remove common sense. o.O
Liminus answered your question.

Actually, the gentleman spoke to a conclave of Imams about these problems.
Who's "the gentleman"?

I think there was a fatwa saying that he could do as he needed to in space, or make up salaat when he got back.

Keep in mind you are talking of catholics, with protestants there would be no problem. And to respond to the "can't mix fabrics" thing, I have never heard of that and im a christian.

Very true. I was thinking mostly of Catholic Christians since, for one, they are the largest Christian sect, and also since the discussion regarding Christians was mostly concerning the pope/vatican.

I've heard of the fabrics rule before, and a couple of religions have something similar.

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?

Maybe he, like many of the self-proclaimed Christians who don't actually do any of their duties to god, isn't a particularly devout Muslim?

Who's "the gentleman"?

Unfortunately, I never got the man's name. I was more interested in the problem than the Astronaut.

Who's "the gentleman"?

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, MD. The second muslim to enter space IIRC.

In this respect it would be easier for Muslims than for Christians, since there is much less of a hierarchial structure in Islamic religion.


Isn't this not necessarily true for Shiite Muslims? My understanding of Shiite Islam is that it's fairly regimented and lead by an Imam (in this sense a pope-like figure in authority rather than divinity [he's still human], rather than a pastor)? Or am I misunderstand/misremembering/miswhatevering something?

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, MD. The second muslim to enter space IIRC.

Thanks :)

"Fighting"?


Yes, fighting. You're the only one who is not understanding this.

Or the other people are extremely smart or...


So you're completely ignorant about the topic you're making a thread about? You don't know who went into space... Do you know when it happened?

I'm sorry to read that you have a vision problem, but maybe I can help...


THIS THREAD ISN'T ABOUT SOMEONE WHO WENT INTO SPACE


But about Muslims in space and how they could struggle with their belief over there, due practical reasons.

So the name of the recent Muslimnaut isn’t relevant for this thread.

Orthodox Jewish astronauts have had to deal with similar problems - we have to face towards Jerusalem, pray 3 times a day, etc. The imams might consider talking to some rabbis who have already discussed these issues. I think they solved the "pray X times a day" problem by defining your location as wherever you launched.

I have done some thinking myself on another issue - Jews (and presumably Muslims) living on another planet, specifically Mars. How will our calendars work, given that the Martian day is about 40 minutes longer than that of Earth. I have thought of three options:

1. Go by Earth's calendar. Extremely time-consuming, and it would make the holidays seem artificial.
2. Develop an independent Martian calendar. Use the Martian day, and define the month as a fraction of the Martian year - the Martian calendar will be solar, since the moons of Mars have very short orbital periods. This, however, would create a discontinuity between Terran Jews/Muslims and Martian Jews/Muslims.
3. Create some kind of hybrid calendar that uses Martian days, but more or less corresponds to Terran months and years. If the festivals are a few days off, it doesn't matter.

Yes, fighting. You're the only one who is not understanding this.

Or the other people are extremely smart or...
Define "Fighting".


I'm sorry to read that you have a vision problem, but maybe I can help...


THIS THREAD ISN'T ABOUT SOMEONE WHO WENT INTO SPACE
Sure it isn't. That's why the OP states:


Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

And continues:

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?
Well, guess what - muslim women in space IS an option.

You were wrong. Again.


But about Muslims in space and how they could struggle with their belief over there, due practical reasons.
Sure, baby.


So the name of the recent Muslimnaut isn’t relevant for this thread.
Why not? I mean, having the name means being able to find her blog, and thus being able to read about her experiences in her own words.

So tell me, how is her experience - as the first muslim in space - not relevant? That's the result of your "logic".

Isn't this not necessarily true for Shiite Muslims? My understanding of Shiite Islam is that it's fairly regimented and lead by an Imam (in this sense a pope-like figure in authority rather than divinity [he's still human], rather than a pastor)? Or am I misunderstand/misremembering/miswhatevering something?

You are right in the broader sense.

But be aware that there are divisions within Shias themselves as to how they look at this.

What about Taliban girls in space?

Do they have to wear a special space suite, one that is hiding the body and....

I have thought of three options:

1. Go by Earth's calendar. Extremely time-consuming, and it would make the holidays seem artificial.
2. Develop an independent Martian calendar. Use the Martian day, and define the month as a fraction of the Martian year - the Martian calendar will be solar, since the moons of Mars have very short orbital periods. This, however, would create a discontinuity between Terran Jews/Muslims and Martian Jews/Muslims.
3. Create some kind of hybrid calendar that uses Martian days, but more or less corresponds to Terran months and years. If the festivals are a few days off, it doesn't matter.I'd assume it'd have to go by Earth lunar calendar. I mean, both religions already plan their holidays according to a lunar calendar in a global society that functions by a solar calendar so I don't see how things would be any more artificial or time consuming on a different planet.

You are right in the broader sense.

But be aware that there are divisions within Shias themselves as to how they look at this.

Oh, I'm aware of the divisions within Shiite Islam, but, yea, I was just referring to it as broadly as possible. Actually, this has me thinking, though...

According to Shiite (or, at least, some sects...I'm not sure how it fits into the greater Shiite community as a whole, perhaps you could enlighten me on this. :)) and Jewish traditions, there is a messianic trend/prophecy/whatever. Jews wait for the meshiach(sp?) and Shias wait for the Hidden Imam...how would this work for off world adherents, though? Do they miss out on the metaphysical goodies simply because they aren't located on Earth?

Why not? I mean, having the name means being able to find her blog, and thus being able to read about her experiences in her own words.

"Her" being Anousheh Ansari ?
It seems muslims in space are not as rare as I thought. Looking for the name of number 3 now ;)

Edit: Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. And he went all the way back in 1985.

"Her" being Anousheh Ansari ?
Indeed. I linked to her blog earlier :)


It seems muslims in space are not as rare as I thought. Looking for the name of number 3 now ;)

Edit: Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. And he went all the way back in 1985.
Quite. Interesting, that.

*Can now look up name and read about him* ;)

Aaaand Abdulahad Mohmand would make it 4.
Not entirely sure if he is a muslim, but he was from Afghanistan

Edit: weeee - up to 8 ;)
http://www.islamonline.com/news/newsfull.php?newid=23832

how would this work for off world adherents, though? Do they miss out on the metaphysical goodies simply because they aren't located on Earth?

I am not aware of any other religious traditions than Indian (Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist, Jain etc) mentioning about other worlds than our own. It's just earth and then there's either heaven or hell you go to.

That's probably why Indian religions (with their reincarnation, no eternal final destination, multiple universes etc) do not speak of a "messiah" coming back to "save" them. But the Vaishnavists are an exception with their belief in Vishnu taking avatar as Kalki for the Kaliyug as he too avatars in every yug (era).

One muslim in space is nothing.

All muslims in space is the solution!

Think about the advantages:

* No more suicide bombings anymore in Israel
* No new 911s anymore
* No fucking fatwas anymore
* We all can visit Mecca!
* We can draw again silly Allah cartoons!
* We can laugh with their religion and their god without having fear to be killed by some lunatic
* Just more room in the world

So, for me, send all Muslims to space!

While yes, both Judaism and Islam use lunar calendars, they use Earth days, which is what we live by on Earth. Martians will live by Martian days.

While yes, both Judaism and Islam use lunar calendars, they use Earth days, which is what we live by on Earth. Martians will live by Martian days.

Ah....yea, that would be a problem, there, true. =P I feel dumb for overlooking that. I'd assume they would simply just follow Earth lunar, still, though, Martian day cycle be damned. =p

One muslim in space is nothing.

All muslims in space is the solution!

It sounds like Księżyc dla księży - a pun on Nationalist Polska dla Polaków (Poland for Poles) motto. "Księżyc" is "moon", "ksiądz" (plural "księża") is priest (particularly Catholic). :)

I didn't mean direction or christianity in general but papal authority and catholicism in particular.

Can the hierarchy of the Catholic church survive interstellar travel or is a new reformed church required?

In the Takashi Kovach novels (Altered Carbon, Broken Angels, and Woken Furies) by Richard K. Morgan they've developed a process to save the human mind in electronic format, beam a broadcast of it somewhere else, and put it into a new body. In that universe the Catholic church is basically stuck on earth. It's easiest for me to just copy the bit about re-sleeving and Catholics from wikipedia . . . "In the novel's quasi-cyberpunk and somewhat dystopian world, human personalities can be stored digitally and downloaded into new bodies ("sleeves"). Most people have "stacks" implanted in their spinal columns that store their memories. If their body dies, their stack can be stored indefinitely. Catholics have cortical stacks, but most Catholics have arranged that they will not be resleeved as they believe that the soul goes to heaven when they die and so would not pass on to the new sleeve." So basicly their stuck because the standard method of inter-planetary travel in that universe is the resleeving process.

Muslims in space, are they not fighting the Koran?

Recently some Muslim was in orbit.

I’m wondering if he or she (but I’m sure Muslim women in space are not an option) is not forced to fight with his or her Koran?

Because:

• When praying 5 times a day, head directed to Mecca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca), it’s difficult to position Mecca when you’re in space, speeding at high velocity
• He has to kneel down. Try to do this one, when there’s no gravity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness).
• He’s around the globe in 90 minutes. That means a lot of praying. Is there still time to do what astronauts do?
• What about Ramadan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) in space? ‘Cause how will you decide if the sun came up and went down?
• What about halal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halal) food?

This is pretty idiotic.

First of all, as it has already been said, there has already been a Muslim woman in space. So that's taken care of.

a) We don't pray to Mecca, we pray to God. If I know where Mecca is, I will pray in that direction, but if I'm not sure, then I simply pray wherever, what matters is not facing towards Mecca, but praying. So, it would probably be enough to simply pray towards earth, but really, it doesn't matter at all.

b) Non-issue

c) It is 5 prayers in a day, or 24 hours. It doesn't matter if you're on a different planet, it would be highly unreasonable to have to pray 5 times every ninety minutes, no one would actually demand such a thing.

d) It would be simplest to pick an earth time, and follow it.

e) Non-issue.


Basically, being a Muslim doesn't make you a retard. You're asking the dumbest things to be honest, if a person has the willpower to train to go to space, how would these minor obstacles matter at all? Every single problem you've presented is easily solved, there would be no "fighting the Quran" or whatever the hell that means.

Muslims in Space...... Band name!

I think the original poster's reason for writing this thread was not to debate whether or not if someone from the Muslim faith can go into space, but rather, how ridiculous all these earth related practices really are when compared to how life exists outside of this world.

One muslim in space is nothing.

All muslims in space is the solution!

Think about the advantages:

* No more suicide bombings anymore in Israel
* No new 911s anymore
* No fucking fatwas anymore
* We all can visit Mecca!
* We can draw again silly Allah cartoons!
* We can laugh with their religion and their god without having fear to be killed by some lunatic
* Just more room in the world

So, for me, send all Muslims to space!

Nice troll with puppet, Edwinasia.

I think the original poster's reason for writing this thread was not to debate whether or not if someone from the Muslim faith can go into space, but rather, how ridiculous all these earth related practices really are when compared to how life exists outside of this world.

His or her (can never be sure anymore, that's from another thread where Edwinasia was expressing his or her hate for Islam) intention was to express contempt for Islam. It would be one thing to say that earth-related practices are ridiculous, but the tone of posts is different. Notice in the first post, how Edwinasia claims uncertainty that Muslims would let a Muslim woman in space. And yet, I believe the first Muslim to go into space was a woman. Edwinasia attempts to poke at the Islamic faith, but fails miserably. Islamic practices are not done for nothing, they have a purpose. Many things are insignificant (the length of a day), it is the purpose/intent of the Muslim that counts, not the details. Whatever Edwinasia's intentions, nothing has been accomplished except that Edwinasia's points have been totally demolished and I am somewhat irritated.

His or her (can never be sure anymore, that's from another thread where Edwinasia was expressing his or her hate for Islam) intention was to express contempt for Islam. It would be one thing to say that earth-related practices are ridiculous, but the tone of posts is different. Notice in the first post, how Edwinasia claims uncertainty that Muslims would let a Muslim woman in space. And yet, I believe the first Muslim to go into space was a woman. Edwinasia attempts to poke at the Islamic faith, but fails miserably. Islamic practices are not done for nothing, they have a purpose. Many things are insignificant (the length of a day), it is the purpose/intent of the Muslim that counts, not the details. Whatever Edwinasia's intentions, nothing has been accomplished except that Edwinasia's points have been totally demolished and I am somewhat irritated.

Just goes to show that The Kimchiteers Club and their creed of Islamiphobia lives on long past their founder and mascot.