The Malaysian government has come up with a hair-brained idea for its Muslim astronauts: a guidebook on how to be stupid in space. The book details how to locate mecca, how to figure out prayer times, how to fast (i.e. the avoidance of Tang) and how to wash yourself.
“The reason we formulated guidelines for Muslims in space is because we wanted to ensure our astronaut could fully concentrate on his mission, without having to worry about how he should perform his religious obligations in space,” Abdullah Md Zin, a minister for religious affairs, was quoted as saying.
Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman, who was the first Muslim in space, had said that although he managed to pray and fast, he was not able to face towards Mecca and could not fully kneel on the ground.
If you’re so stupid as to believe in some archaic rituals laid down by some fourth century paedophilic desert dweller you shouldn’t be allowed in space. The lunacy of this is so ridiculous as to be almost incomprehensible. The two simply do not go hand in hand.
8 Comments
Sunday, October 7, 2007 at 2:34 pm
The insanity of the Abrahamic religions is quite astounding. I just wish their day of judgement would come so the rest of us could have some peace and quiet for once.
Because if one reads the Bible you get the idea that there were other people besides Adam and Eve. After all, Cain and Abel didn’t bone their own mother.
So the contract between God and those other people is invalid. Nice huh?
Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 6:43 pm
i don’t mean to be disrespectful to the malaysian government, but what are the chances that the skies will be filled with malaysian astronauts any time soon?
it’s a bit like the australian government bringing out guidelines for how to handle barbecuing sausages in microgravity on melbourne cup day.
now, that is, that our one australian astronaut has retired.
andy thomas now barbecues his cup day sausages with the full benefit of gravity.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Don’t worry. I’m Malaysian and 80% of the population feels the same way you do.
Our government does things for external PR. They want the world to see how good, nice, rich blabla bla they are. But their internal PR is shit.
The problem is, not all Malaysians are like this. Most of us are educated reasonable people (muslims and non muslims alike) and we like things in moderation.
But sadly the government uses religion to gain votes (election is coming up). Majority of the country is Muslim (I am too) and the government manipulates many issues to gain the Muslim votes.
Thing is, they are hypocrites. They say they are muslims but they are the most arrogant, corrupt etc people in the country. They are creating a divide between the muslims and non-muslims (divide and conquer) and promoting racism for political gains.
That being said, please don’t assume that all muslims are like this. It’s only the politicians here (and they consists of Buddhists, Hindus and Christians too).
Too complex for me to explain. But suffice it to say, Malaysia is being run by a ’sleeping beauty’ who is a human rights law violator, arrogant but dumb ministers, corruption is second nature to the political landscape…
Sigh…
They’re flushing us down the toilet. I seriously think, we’re going to turn into another pakistan. Our ministers are tyrants and dictators.
Monday, April 7, 2008 at 1:22 am
qashamrs
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 10:42 am
This reminds me of an argument I had with one of these Muslims about the direction of Mecca. He said he needed to be pointed to Mecca (east) while he prayed. I VERY politely explained to him that he was pointing into space and that the actual direction of Mecca was through the Earth. I told him; “See, the earth is round, not flat, but I guess your religion does not know that… Maybe you could strap your legs to a wall…?” Obviously, he got VERY offended and ignored me in frustration.. I’m sure he still thinks about this now when he prays.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 10:45 am
NA$A – the most expensive hobby ever, and we pay for it…
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 10:47 am
I love Malaysian food!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 10:10 am
youre awesome! please dont stop…