The end of fasting rituals on religious holidays like Ramadan and Yom Kippur has traditionally been marked by the setting sun. However, what if the sun's timing were to change, as it does for astronauts aboard the International Space Station? Due to the space station's fast orbit around the Earth, passengers witness 16 sunrises and sunsets daily.
This poses a challenge for Muslim astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, who arrived at the space station on March 3. He is one of only a few Muslim astronauts who have traveled to space, and during his five-month stay, Muslims on Earth will observe Ramadan, along with two Muslim festivals. Alneyadi, being a traveler, is not obliged to observe Ramadan at the same time as those on Earth.
During a press conference in January, Alneyadi explained that he is allowed to break his fast as an astronaut in certain circumstances that could jeopardize the mission or put the crew member's health at risk. While fasting is not compulsory, sufficient food is required to prevent any nutrition or hydration issues during the six-month mission.
Alneyadi is not the first Muslim astronaut to face the challenge of observing Ramadan in space. In 2011, Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor became the first Muslim to fast and pray in space during Ramadan. Shukor, who spent ten days on the International Space Station, followed a specific set of guidelines provided by Islamic scholars to adjust his fasting schedule.
For Alneyadi, the challenge of observing Ramadan in space goes beyond the daily fast. Muslims on Earth also pray five times a day facing towards the Kaaba, a building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that is considered the holiest site in Islam. While it's not possible to face the Kaaba in space, Alneyadi will still be able to fulfill his prayer obligations by following guidance from religious authorities.
Despite the challenges, Alneyadi is eager to use his mission as an opportunity to inspire others. "I'm hoping that this mission, this journey to space, will inspire a lot of young people, especially in the Emirates and the Arab world, to start something new, to develop their skills," he said in a pre-launch interview.
Alneyadi's mission to the International Space Station is part of the UAE's growing space program. In 2019, the country sent its first astronaut, Hazzaa AlMansoori, to space for an eight-day mission. The UAE is also planning to send an unmanned mission to the moon by 2024.
Alneyadi's mission is also significant because it marks the first time that a UAE astronaut will be conducting scientific experiments in space. During his time on the International Space Station, Alneyadi will be carrying out a range of experiments, including studying the effects of microgravity on cells, plants, and fungi, and testing new technologies for use in space exploration.
The UAE is among a growing number of countries that are investing in space exploration and developing their own space programs. In addition to sending astronauts to the International Space Station, the UAE is also working on developing its own satellite capabilities, with plans to launch a total of 10 satellites by 2023.
Alneyadi's mission is also part of a larger trend towards international cooperation in space exploration. The International Space Station is a joint project between the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada, and has hosted astronauts from more than 18 countries since its inception in 1998.
As Alneyadi prepares to spend the next five months in space, he is no doubt aware of the challenges he will face, from adjusting to life in microgravity to navigating the complexities of observing Ramadan in space. But with his determination and the support of his team on the ground, he is well-equipped to tackle whatever challenges come his way, and to make history as the first UAE astronaut to complete a long-duration mission in space.
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