How do you pray while you are in space, or on another celestial object?

Question

Many Muslims have become astronauts and have successfully managed to be in space for observation and other scientific studies. But how did they pray when they were in space? How did they face Mecca?What is the ruling in Islam in this matter?

I would really appreciate a detailed answer.

Answer 1

It's funny how people that are interested in science or maybe scientists themselves look so much for detail, and I do think it's important to ask questions until you understand.

When it comes to Islam and praying, I think it's very obvious, paralyzed people pray in their minds, when you're lost in the middle of nowhere, you can pray to any direction you want. As long as the purpose of the praying is understood and is the same, it doesn't matter where you're headed.

Answer 2

Well your meant to bow down to Mecca. So why would it be any different outside the world?

Atheist

Answer 3

Allah Allmighty is every where,,east,west,north south,,where ever you face,for Salat ,,Allah Allmighty will be there

[2:115] To GOD belongs the east and the west; wherever you go there will be the presence of GOD. GOD is Omnipresent, Omniscient.

Answer 4

arabs dont pray

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 5

they simply estimate/calculate for prayer times.

as for Mecca, it is very clear where it is, i don't see that as a problem.

Answer 6

It needs fatwa ,link to :http://www.islamonline.net/

Answer 7

hmm interesting question, ill come back when there are some better answers. I wonder what your do sijda on, or if its even possible to make sijda for more than a moment without floating away from the musallah.  

Answer 8

002.115 To Allah belong the east and the West: Whithersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah. For Allah is all-Pervading, all-Knowing.

Al-Qur'an, 002.115 (Al-Baqara [The Cow])