Ramadan in Space
The formal disciplines of Islam are strict, and not even in Space are they to be ignored. Malaysia's first astronaut is now being chosen, and will blast off into space next month to the International Space Station, Authorities have issued instructions on prayer, purification and even 'burial' out there. It will be the first time a Muslim has been in orbit during Ramadan.
Prayer need only be 5 times a day (at the speed the station circles the earth, you could argue for 80: many sunrises and sunsets..). The booklet covers Islamic washing rituals but if water is not available the astronaut can symbolically "sweep holy dust" onto the face and hands "even if there is no dust". There are also suggestions on how to pray in a zero-gravity environment where traditional positions may be impossible.
