A Guideline of Performing Ibadah at the International Space Station

Assalam Alaikum

I found this document and felt i must share it with everyone so i am placing a link to it here. it is so very cool.

A Guideline of Performing Ibadah at International Space Station (ISS) is prepared by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) as a reference for Muslim astronaut in performing ibadah at the ISS. With this guideline, Muslim astronaut is aspired to be focusing on their research at space and at the same time performing their obligations as a Muslim. Other than that, it also guide on how to fulfill the ‘al-maqasid al-syariah’ in any situation.


2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Issues on ‘Performing Ibadah in Space’ were being arisen in conjunction with the announcement from the government on Jun 2003, to send the first Malaysia’s astronaut to the ISS.

2.2 Since the possibility of sending a Muslim astronaut to the ISS was apparent, lots of opinions and suggestions have been proposed by academicians and others regarding the issue of performing ibadah in space (at the ISS).

2.3 Issues on how to do istinja’ (washing-up), determining prayer time and the direction of Qibla, performing solat (prayer), defining time of fasting, caring for the deceased, and others, have brought concern within the Muslim community.

2.4 In conjunction with that, ‘Seminar on Islam and Living in Space’ had been organized by the National Space Agency (ANGKASA) in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) on 25- 26 April 2006 for the purpose of identifying related issues in performing ibadah in space (in particular at ISS) based on Islamic perspective, and more importantly proposing solution on them.

for more go to

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/files/a_guideline_ibadah_at_iss.doc

Islamic scholars produce guide to praying at 17,000mph

Islamic scholars produce guide to praying at 17,000mph
Ian MacKinnon, south-east Asia correspondent
Wednesday October 10, 2007
The average astronaut has plenty to keep him busy. But when the first Malaysian man in space blasts off today from Kazakhstan, the Muslim doctor will have whole new layer of concerns dictated by the Koran.
For instance, how will Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 35, pray towards Mecca when orbiting the earth at 17,000mph? In the closing days of the Muslim month of Ramadan, how will he observe the fast between sunrise and sunset?
Luckily, Malaysia's Islamic scholars spent a whole year finding solutions to these and other ticklish problems as Mr Muszaphar prepared for his nine-day trip to the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/space/article/0,,2188006,00.html

EID MUBARAK

EID MUBARAK