Comments on: How to face Mecca when floating in space? http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space "The press . . . just doesn't get religion." -- William Schneider Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:04:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: ss_dexx http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-106050 ss_dexx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:44:53 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-106050 The Muslim in ISS guideline is available below. http://www.islam.gov.my/portal/pdf/ibadahIss.pdf it is not in English!.. . The Muslim in ISS guideline is available below.

http://www.islam.gov.my/portal/pdf/ibadahIss.pdf

it is not in English!..

.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Will http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-106047 Will Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:20:37 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-106047 Ah, but Judy's tradition, as I recall, has a good number of rituals, so it makes a rather poor excuse for claiming the moral high ground because "We are more Spiritual than Them." I do not know of any Judaeo-Christian branch which COMMANDS facing a particular direction, on a level with the qibla. (I think Bahais are supposed to face Acre (there is a qibla calculator on the Web), and Thelemites have to face toward Boleskine for certain rituals.) Nowadays, when churches are built according to the street grid, or just facing any old way, liturgists treat wherever the high altar is as "east" -- or "liturgical east". (You know the difference between a terrorist and a liturgist? You can negotiate with a terrorist.) In one of Poul Anderson's stories a character feels like praying "but Mecca was probably in a ridiculous direction." Ah, but Judy’s tradition, as I recall, has a good number of rituals, so it makes a rather poor excuse for claiming the moral high ground because “We are more Spiritual than Them.”

I do not know of any Judaeo-Christian branch which COMMANDS facing a particular direction, on a level with the qibla. (I think Bahais are supposed to face Acre (there is a qibla calculator on the Web), and Thelemites have to face toward Boleskine for certain rituals.) Nowadays, when churches are built according to the street grid, or just facing any old way, liturgists treat wherever the high altar is as “east” — or “liturgical east”.

(You know the difference between a terrorist and a liturgist? You can negotiate with a terrorist.)

In one of Poul Anderson’s stories a character feels like praying “but Mecca was probably in a ridiculous direction.”

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Keith http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-106032 Keith Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:54:55 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-106032 > As the shuttle orbits earth, two or > three “sundowns” occur each day. Even more, in fact. The shuttle (and ISS) orbit the earth approximately every 90 minutes, so they see 15 or 16 sundowns each Earth day! Ilan Ramon, the STS-107 crew member, was not the first Jew in space, but he was the first Israeli, and as such wanted to be a good example. He observed the Sabbath in sync with Kennedy Space Center. The rabbi he consulted with deemed that the point of departure from Earth served as the touchpoint for such things. I found it ironic that Ramon characterized himself as a "secular" Jew on Earth, and apparently was not observant of Jewish law or custom. But as the first Israeli he wanted to honor his country and heritage. There were some necessary compromises to that; while he could eat kosher on the mission, he had to work on the Sabbath. > As the shuttle orbits earth, two or
> three “sundowns” occur each day.

Even more, in fact. The shuttle (and ISS) orbit the earth approximately every 90 minutes, so they see 15 or 16 sundowns each Earth day!

Ilan Ramon, the STS-107 crew member, was not the first Jew in space, but he was the first Israeli, and as such wanted to be a good example. He observed the Sabbath in sync with Kennedy Space Center. The rabbi he consulted with deemed that the point of departure from Earth served as the touchpoint for such things.

I found it ironic that Ramon characterized himself as a “secular” Jew on Earth, and apparently was not observant of Jewish law or custom. But as the first Israeli he wanted to honor his country and heritage. There were some necessary compromises to that; while he could eat kosher on the mission, he had to work on the Sabbath.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Undergroundpewster http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-106022 Undergroundpewster Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:53:25 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-106022 Luna, May God be with all of the space travellers. Luna,
May God be with all of the space travellers.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: luna_impersiosa http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-106004 luna_impersiosa Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:33:27 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-106004 hi, this question is absolutely confusing but i'm sure that he can do well in his journey on space,somehow i have a belief that he would be safe and God won't let him die because he is in an important mission.i'm proud of him and i know that he would succeed with flying colors. he's a true malaysian and a true muslim. i wish him good luck and safe journey. hi,
this question is absolutely confusing but i’m sure that he can do well in his journey on space,somehow i have a belief that he would be safe and God won’t let him die because he is in an important mission.i’m proud of him and i know that he would succeed with flying colors.
he’s a true malaysian and a true muslim.
i wish him good luck and safe journey.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: David (from Edinburgh) http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-106000 David (from Edinburgh) Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:20:12 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-106000 Cracking post, Raghavan - the idea of God running away to another planet in order to escape these meddling humans and have peace makes me quite happy somehow. Maybe I should become screenwriter :) Linked to the 'Sabbath in Space' question: do Muslims observing Ramadan (which is happening at present) get to eat every time the Sun dips behind the Earth? And how about behind the Moon? There's evening and morning up there too ... Cracking post, Raghavan - the idea of God running away to another planet in order to escape these meddling humans and have peace makes me quite happy somehow. Maybe I should become screenwriter :)

Linked to the ‘Sabbath in Space’ question: do Muslims observing Ramadan (which is happening at present) get to eat every time the Sun dips behind the Earth? And how about behind the Moon? There’s evening and morning up there too …

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: John L. Hoh, Jr. http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105987 John L. Hoh, Jr. Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:05:55 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105987 Actually, Will, the subject of Sabbath in space <em>has</em> been addressed. The space shuttle Columbia on its ill-fated final flight carried an Israeli astronaut. And the rabbinical scholars had great debates about how this person was to observe the Sabbath. Seems the Sabbath is <strong>not</strong> defined by a calender but by when the sixth sundown arrives. As the shuttle orbits earth, two or three "sundowns" occur each day. So, should the Israeli astronaut rest for several hours every other day? Interestingly a group of rabbis claimed Sabbath did not need to be observed if the person was performing duties upon which the lives of others were dependent. But even that was in dispute. Actually, Will, the subject of Sabbath in space has been addressed. The space shuttle Columbia on its ill-fated final flight carried an Israeli astronaut. And the rabbinical scholars had great debates about how this person was to observe the Sabbath. Seems the Sabbath is not defined by a calender but by when the sixth sundown arrives. As the shuttle orbits earth, two or three “sundowns” occur each day. So, should the Israeli astronaut rest for several hours every other day?

Interestingly a group of rabbis claimed Sabbath did not need to be observed if the person was performing duties upon which the lives of others were dependent. But even that was in dispute.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jerry http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105984 Jerry Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:44:54 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105984 Tim mentioned one of my interests: science fiction with religious themes from Cordwainer Smith's use of "old strong religion" to refer to Christianity in his "Rediscovery of Man" stories to the only Tibetan Buddhist science fiction story I've ever read, "Neon Lotus", to the TV show Babylon 5's use of religion, Orson Scott Card's Mormon-inspired stories etc. Tim mentioned one of my interests: science fiction with religious themes from Cordwainer Smith’s use of “old strong religion” to refer to Christianity in his “Rediscovery of Man” stories to the only Tibetan Buddhist science fiction story I’ve ever read, “Neon Lotus”, to the TV show Babylon 5’s use of religion, Orson Scott Card’s Mormon-inspired stories etc.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Raghavan http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105982 Raghavan Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:39:26 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105982 If a particula side or poiint would continue toace the earth all the tie wherever the space capsule is at any time , the one who wants to face Mecca or any city can do his prayers facing that poin which will b in alignment with the center of the earth,In soafar as he space capsue is concerned , the earth is the point at which mecca or any city is located ..The problem of dirction woud be there only on earth and not in spce where there is no direction at all. If there are other lives inany planet elsewher in space , it is immaterial iof 'god had revealsed himself to them or ot ,mankind should be intelligent enough to let them remain inpeace withuot interfereing with rthem in any manner and not disturb their peace by resorting to idiotic coversion Holy chrushade and Jihad etc.Humanity should not arrogate toi tiself the fucntion of god in the new planet as god Knows what to when to do and whre to do.God should already be repenting that the man on earthhad sought him out and killed the peace of he planet .Let god be in peace elsewhere at least where the man of the earth is not present now . If a particula side or poiint would continue toace the earth all the tie wherever the space capsule is at any time , the one who wants to face Mecca or any city can do his prayers facing that poin which will b in alignment with the center of the earth,In soafar as he space capsue is concerned , the earth is the point at which mecca or any city is located ..The problem of dirction woud be there only on earth and not in spce where there is no direction at all.
If there are other lives inany planet elsewher in space , it is immaterial iof ‘god had revealsed himself to them or ot ,mankind should be intelligent enough to let them remain inpeace withuot interfereing with rthem in any manner and not disturb their peace by resorting to idiotic coversion Holy chrushade and Jihad etc.Humanity should not arrogate toi tiself the fucntion of god in the new planet as god Knows what to when to do and whre to do.God should already be repenting that the man on earthhad sought him out and killed the peace of he planet .Let god be in peace elsewhere at least where the man of the earth is not present now .

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Keith http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105978 Keith Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:29:50 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105978 I suppose he could simply face forward; the ISS passes over that region regularly, so Mecca in a sense is always "ahead." Space flight brings some new quandries to the religious practices table. One of the Expedition 13 crew, Col. Jeff Williams, brought along consecrated communion elements on his mission (or they were sent up on supply missions; I'm not certain which.) What is salutary practice re: the Lord's Supper when flying space missions, perhaps especially when one considers the possibility of extended-duration space travel (e.g., a mission to Mars)? I suppose he could simply face forward; the ISS passes over that region regularly, so Mecca in a sense is always “ahead.”

Space flight brings some new quandries to the religious practices table. One of the Expedition 13 crew, Col. Jeff Williams, brought along consecrated communion elements on his mission (or they were sent up on supply missions; I’m not certain which.) What is salutary practice re: the Lord’s Supper when flying space missions, perhaps especially when one considers the possibility of extended-duration space travel (e.g., a mission to Mars)?

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Ivan Wolfe http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105975 Ivan Wolfe Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:24:49 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105975 I'm trying to remeber if the Muslim cleric in the movie "Pitch Dark" did any praying, and if so, which way he faced. Anyone recall? They were on another planed entirely. I’m trying to remeber if the Muslim cleric in the movie “Pitch Dark” did any praying, and if so, which way he faced.

Anyone recall? They were on another planed entirely.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: UndergroundPewster http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105974 UndergroundPewster Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:09:37 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105974 I agree with Jerry that a link to the booklet would be nice. The issues of religion in space at present might best be looked at as the problem of mixing religions in a pressurized tin can travelling at 17,500 mph. How about rules for prayer for the other astronauts? I wonder if other faiths have manuals as well. Let's see, Compline every 16 revolutions anyone? I agree with Jerry that a link to the booklet would be nice. The issues of religion in space at present might best be looked at as the problem of mixing religions in a pressurized tin can travelling at 17,500 mph. How about rules for prayer for the other astronauts? I wonder if other faiths have manuals as well. Let’s see, Compline every 16 revolutions anyone?

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: shocked http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105973 shocked Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:37:30 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105973 Is there a similar problem for those whose tradition requires facing east when praying morning prayers? Is there a similar problem for those whose tradition requires facing east when praying morning prayers?

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Jerry http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105967 Jerry Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:21:59 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105967 From what I read on the MSNBC site http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18404517/ the need for the extended discussion was not just a matter of those two items but a review of many different factors such as what to do if there is no Halal food, dress codes, possibly postponing the Ramadan fast. But the real issue I have is that no where can I find a link to the actual booklet. That is a great, gaping hole in the coverage. From what I read on the MSNBC site http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18404517/ the need for the extended discussion was not just a matter of those two items but a review of many different factors such as what to do if there is no Halal food, dress codes, possibly postponing the Ramadan fast.

But the real issue I have is that no where can I find a link to the actual booklet. That is a great, gaping hole in the coverage.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]> By: Tim R. Mortiss http://www.getreligion.org/2007/09/how-to-face-mecca-when-floating-in-space/comment-page-1/#comment-105965 Tim R. Mortiss Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:15:35 +0000 http://www.getreligion.org/?p=2716#comment-105965 A somewhat older but related bit of news <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/04/27/wspace27.xml" rel="nofollow">here</a>. That Time article is very interesting. It reminded me of <a href="" rel="nofollow">The Sparrow</a>, a science fiction novel about extraterrestrial evangelism. The protagonist is a jesuit, appropriately enough. Another jesuit-in-space novel is James Blish's "A case of conscience". Also, the problem of organizing muslim prayer in strange new environments is not new. For example, Tamerlane's armies reached far to the north, to regions of very long summer days. That required some adjustements. A somewhat older but related bit of news here.

That Time article is very interesting. It reminded me of The Sparrow, a science fiction novel about extraterrestrial evangelism. The protagonist is a jesuit, appropriately enough. Another jesuit-in-space novel is James Blish’s “A case of conscience”.

Also, the problem of organizing muslim prayer in strange new environments is not new. For example, Tamerlane’s armies reached far to the north, to regions of very long summer days. That required some adjustements.

Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

]]>