Praying in Space
Muslims not lost in space
When the first Malaysian astronaut, a Muslim, rockets to the International Space Station next month, he won't have to worry about praying too much, thanks to a clarification in rules for space travelers. In one recoking, to satisfy the Islamic practice of praying toward Mecca five times daily, the astronaut—still to be officially selected—would have had to pray 80 times daily because the station circles Earth 16 times every 24 hours. But Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development gave him a break, Agence France Presse reported: Stick to five, and before each prayer wash symbolically with "holy dust" (aka recycled space station air). Fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, which began last week, is encouraged but not required.
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Psalms 2:11 Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.
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