How does a worshipper face the Qibla, perform ablution, and pray while wearing an astronaut suit in a state of weightlessness in outer space?
The Islamic Sharia is valid for all times and places. The Qibla for astronauts is the Earth, based on the Almighty's saying: "And wherever you are, turn your faces toward it." As for ablution (Wudu'), whoever is able to get water to the parts of the body for Wudu' must do so. If one is unable to do so but can perform Tayammum (dry ablution) with purified earth that they bring with them, then they should perform Tayammum. If one is unable to perform either Wudu' or Tayammum, then they are in the ruling of one who has lost both means of purification (faqid al-tahoorain); they should pray in their current state and repeat the prayer as a precaution. The majority of scholars hold that the prayer of one who has lost both means of purification is obligatory due to the sanctity of time.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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