Will colonizing other planets become a big issue with the Abrahimic faiths?

Officials have previously said an Islamic code of conduct in space is necessary because few Muslims have embarked on such expeditions, and there have been no standardized guidelines for them.

Those in space during the holy fasting month of Ramadan -- when Muslims are required to go without food or water from sunrise to sunset -- can choose to fast then or to make up for it when they return, the booklet says.

The first Malaysian astronaut's stint will likely overlap with Ramadan, which starts in mid-September this year.

If Muslim astronauts doubt whether a meal is halal, or prepared according to Islamic rules, they "should consume it only to the extent of restraining hunger,'' the guidelines say.

The astronaut must be dressed decently whenever in public view, which involves covering at least the portion of the body between the navel and the knees for men. Both of the finalists for Malaysia's first astronaut are males.

Maintaining Islamic beliefs "is mandatory for Muslims in every situation, time and place,'' Mustafa Abdul Rahman, who heads Malaysia's state-run Department of Islamic Development, said in the guidelines.


Space.com