A picture of an astronaut offering namaz in space is going viral and we want the details. Apparently, the astronaut in question is a Malaysian Muslim orthopedic surgeon, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is Malaysia’s first astronaut. The images that are going viral now are actually from 8 years ago, as per The Wired. The images of him offering namaz in outer space are from Russia’s International Space Station.
So why go through the trouble of praying in space, especially when there is the hassle of finding the Qibla? At the time Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor said;
“As a Muslim, I do hope to do my responsibilities, …. I do hope to fast in space.”
So how did this devout Muslim find the Qibla? From the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 220 miles above the surface of the Earth, the Qibla changes from second to second. During some parts of the space station’s orbit, the Qibla can move nearly 180 degrees during the course of a single prayer.
So Malaysia’s space agency, Angkasa, held a conference of 150 Islamic scientists and scholars a year prior to the Malaysian Muslim astronaut’s visit to ISS to address this problem. The result was a document, ‘A Guideline of Performing Ibadah (worship) at the International Space Station (ISS)’. Which was approved by Malaysia’s National Fatwa Council earlier that year.
According to the report, determining the direction of the Qibla should be ‘based on what is possible‘ for the astronaut, and can be prioritized by the Qibla, the projection of Qibla, the Earth, and wherever.
As per the fatwa, the astronaut was advised to perform his namaz five times at the same time as they are being performed in the Holy city of Makkah. The ISS even used to relay the adhaan for the prayer for him.
So why was this man in space to begin with? The Muslim Malaysian orthopedic surgeon was there to conduct scientific experiments in space in hopes to find a cure for cancer. It seems it was a spiritual experience.
“When I was in space, I felt I found my soul in space, … Every time you see Earth, you get Goosebumps and you think of Allah’s creation.” Muszaphar Shukor said.
What do you think of this years-old story resurfacing? Let us know in the comments below.
