Guidelines for Space Travel
When Muslim astronaut, Malaysian Muszapher Shukor, was to join the International Space Ship, Muslim jurists and scientists, convened a conference to issue a guideline paper covering essential points needed for a devout Muslim during his travel or stay in space or on the moon. These guidelines highlight the ease with which anyone, anywhere can follow Islam.
Toiletry washing up: done using wipes/tissues instead of water.
Ablution/Wudhu: by dry ablution (Tayammum) used when there is no or not enough water.
Praying Salaah: If Muslims cannot or find difficulty in standing upright to pray, they can pray sitting. If not, they can pray lying in a hospital bed or, in more critical conditions it is enough to move the eyelids while imagining the sequence of prayer.
Prayer times: defined for the 24-hour schedule following the time zone of the port from where the astronaut is launched.
Prayer direction: The direction of qiblah is determined according to the capability of the traveller and the astronaut should face the direction of Makkah to the best of his ability.
Combining Prayers: on a journey of 77km or more, is allowed in the Shafi, Maliki and Hambali school.
Shortening Prayers: is allowed on a journey.
Juma/Eid prayer: is not compulsory on the traveller.
Not fasting in Ramadaan: is also allowed, although one must cover it up later.
There can be no excuse for not following Islam under any circumstance.
