Astronaut Sultan Alneyadi sees 16 sunsets daily on the space station. How will he observe Ramadan?

 Astronaut Sultan Alneyadi sees 16 sunsets daily on the space station. How will he observe Ramadan?

Astronaut Sultan Alneyadi is currently living on the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting the Earth at a height of 408 kilometers. As part of his mission, he sees 16 sunsets and sunrises every day. However, with the holy month of Ramadan fast approaching, Alneyadi faces a unique challenge: how will he observe this important religious observance while living in space?

Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims around the world. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset. It is also a time of increased prayer and charitable acts.

For Alneyadi, observing Ramadan while living on the ISS will require some adjustments. One of the main challenges he will face is the fact that the ISS operates on Greenwich Mean Time, which means that his daily routine will be different from the traditional sunrise-to-sunset schedule that is observed on Earth.

To address this challenge, Alneyadi will follow the guidelines set forth by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, which state that Muslims living in areas where the sun does not set or rise at a regular time can follow the timing of the closest country where the sun sets and rises at a regular time.

In Alneyadi's case, he will follow the timings of Mecca, which is the closest city where the sun sets and rises at a regular time. This means that he will begin his fast at the same time as Muslims in Mecca, even though he will be experiencing multiple sunrises and sunsets during his 24-hour day.

Another challenge Alneyadi will face is the lack of gravity and the effect it has on the body's circadian rhythm. In order to maintain a healthy sleep schedule and avoid disruptions to his fasting routine, Alneyadi will follow a strict schedule of exercise, rest, and work activities. He will also have access to special meals and nutritional supplements to ensure that he is able to maintain his physical health while observing the fast.

Despite the challenges, Alneyadi is determined to observe Ramadan to the best of his abilities while on the ISS. In a statement, he said, "Although we are in space, we will not forget our traditions, customs, and our spiritual practices. We will always remember our homeland, our religion, and our people."

In conclusion, Astronaut Sultan Alneyadi's experience observing Ramadan while living on the ISS serves as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unique challenges. By following the guidelines set forth by religious authorities and working closely with his team to maintain a healthy routine, Alneyadi is able to honor his faith while carrying out his important work in space.