Only a dozen Muslim astronauts have managed to go into space, and none for as long as Sultan Alneyadi, who will be the first to complete a long-term stay in the International Space Station laboratory, where he arrived on March 3. The problem is that Ramadan began on the 22nd and will last until April 21, so how can he fast if he doesn’t know when the sun sets?
Space Ramadan
The International Space Station, which orbits the Earth at 27600 kilometers per hour, allows them to see 16 sunrises and sunsets a day. Something that contradicts their religion, but the mission is notably more important in this case: “Six months is a long duration for a mission, which is a big responsibility,” he said.
In this case, Alneyadi has already said it is possible for him to break the fast, saying it is “not mandatory” for exceptional situations or those who feel unwell. “Worrying about anything that could jeopardize the mission or perhaps the crew member at risk, we are allowed to eat enough food to prevent any consequences of lack of nutrition or hydration.”
Anyway, if he wanted to, he could fast according to Greenwich Mean Time, although he doesn’t know what he will do yet. “We’ll wait and see how it goes.” This is not the first time a Muslim has had problems with fasting Ramadan by being in space. Malaysian Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor decided to postpone the fast for when he arrived on Earth with the Council’s approval, which also allowed him not to have to kneel to pray, because in space, in the absence of gravity, it is almost impossible.
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