In which direction do muslim astronauts have to pray when they are in space?

Question

This is (even if it might sound weird) a very serious question.

I read an article about the fact that 150 Muslim-scientists are debating on how an astronaut should pray in space. The solution doesn't seem very easy.

I know Muslims have to pray 5 times between sunrise and sunset...if they are astronauts and circle the earth, they have 1 period between sunrise and sunset of 1,5 hours..that means they have to pray 5 times every 90 minutes. Furthermore, how do they locale Mekka 5 times during that time?

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Great question, shows that someone on here is thinking.

Actually, if a Muslim is somewhere and they don't know what direction it is to Mecca, they are permitted to just pray in what direction they feel may be correct.

Also, since they are travelling, they are permitted to shorten their prayers.

Answer 2

According to Islam, when the direction of Mecca is ambigious, you pray to any direction you feel is correct (this was created for those who want to pray on airplanes). Typically on Earth, they would pray towards the direction of the sunset because it is also the direction of Mecca. As for praying 5 times a day, I think a day is a day no matter where they are to them--so they set when morning, afternoon, mid day, evening, and night is based on the sun. Jilan reminded me that the muslims can merge their 5 prayers to 3.

Answer 3

There are some situations you come across in life where "SILENCE IS GOLDEN" applies very well.

This is one of those situations.

The other is the Prophet of Islam marrying a six year old child when he was in his mid fifties. I was on a bus once when a christian sitting across me pointed to a muslim family on the opposite seats. The man was in his fifties and the sweetest little girl must be six or seven. They were chatting away. The christian priest looked at me and asked: What do you have to say about the age difference?

I pleaded the fifth amendment because both of us knew what we were talking about.

Answer 4

Allah says in the Quran:
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards east or west but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the scripture and the messengers.
To spend of your substance out of love for Him for your kin, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask and for the ransom of slaves.
To be steadfast in prayer and practise regular zakat.
To fulfil the contracts you have made and to be firm and patient in pain and adversity and throughout all periods of panic, such are the people of truth, the God fearing." Q,2:177

The command for five times daily prayer is given for those within the confines of the planet Earth and its daily cycle, and the direction of prayer for unity in prayer and in our daily lives.

It is not righteousness to orbit the Earth outside of a normal daily life and idling outer space.

The Quran and Islam was not sent for idle hands and the Shaytan finds work for idle hands to do so please lay off the Quran with your idle garbage!

Answer 5

when the direction of the qibla (or mecca) is unkown muslims are allowed to pray in any direction. and in regards to the 5 time prayers. i was told by a scholar that they could adapt the time frame their country and praying in accordance with that time frame

Answer 6

It seems like you did some research on this, but failed to pick up the important point that if you are unable to position yourself towards Mecca, then you can pray in ANY direction.

Well, you didn't do the research after all, did ya??!

Besides, I don't believe you about the article. Please post a link to backup your claim, otherwise, your question becomes invalid.

Answer 7

Have they started going to space now...

Answer 8

Umm Amira said it all =o)

Answer 9

silly question designed to waste time of God lovers. 2 pts moving on

Answer 10

How would a muslim ever get into space???? Its not like any country who could send them to space would pick them.