Muslims in Space

Two Malaysians are in the running for a spot on a Russian mission to the International Space Station. Since both the candidates are Muslims, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development has released guidelines for following Islamic ritual laws in space. Since the space station orbits the Earth 16 times a day, a Muslim would normally have to pray 80 times a day while living there. But the new rules state that a Muslim in space still only has to pray five times a day and should follow the local time of the location where he lifted off. If water is not available for washing rituals before prayer, a Muslim in space may mime the rituals by "sweeping holy dust" onto the hands and face, even if there is no actual dust available. Also according to the new rules, if you can't stand up straight during prayer, "you can hunch. If you can't stand, you can sit. If you can't sit, you should lie down." If your food hasn't been prepared in the halal manner, a Muslim in space can eat just enough to keep from starving. But when you're in orbit, which way is Mecca? Read more here.