Why There are no Muslims In Space from Planck's Constant

In less than a week Anousheh Ansari will become the first Muslim in space as well as the first female space tourist and first Iranian in space. One wonders why, then, there are no Muslims in Star Trek or other Sci-fi thrillers.

While reading a few hundred 9/11 tributes these past few days, I went through profound sadness and unrequited rage. I kept the anger out of my tribute, but today is another day and the gloves are off.

To all those who have read these heartfelt tributes of lives that were cut unmercifully short, here is a thought, a happy thought, a wishful thought, to help keep you going and to answer the question:

The Iranian Ambassador to the UN had just finished giving a speech, and walked out into the lobby where he met President Bush.

They shook hands, and as they walked the Iranian said, "You know, I have just one question about what I have seen in America."

President Bush said, "Well, anything I can do to help you, I will."

The Iranian whispered "My son watches this show 'Star Trek' and in it there is Chekhov who is Russian, Scotty who is Scottish, and Sulu who is Japanese, but no Muslims.

My son is very upset and doesn't understand why there aren't any Muslims on Star Trek."

President Bush laughed, leaned toward the Iranian ambassador, and whispered back, "It's because it takes place in the future."

Sulu and Checkov at the helm
Photo Credit: Startrek.nl

Now tell the truth, don't you feel a little bit better?

Woman Honor Thyself has an interesting exchange of Dreams for Bush and the Iranian President:

Iran-ian Nights
Iran-ian president Mahh-mud Ahmadd-inejad calls President Bush and tells him, “George, I had a wonderful dream last night. I could see America, the whole beautiful country, and on each house I saw a banner.”

“What did it say on the banners?” Bush asks. Mahh-mud replies, “UNITED STATES OF IR-AN.”

Bush says, “You know, Mahhh-mud, I am really happy you called, because believe it or not, last night I had a similar dream. I could see all of Teh-ran, and it was more beautiful than ever, and on each house flew an enormous banner.”

“What did it say on the banners?” Mah–mud asks.

Bush replies, “I don’t know. I can’t read Hebrew.”

Related wishful thinking:

EVEN THE EVIL GET A WISH!

Osama Bin Laden and the Genie
While trying to escape through Pakistan, Osama Bin Laden found a Bottle on a beach and picked it up. Suddenly, a female genie rose from the bottle and with a smile said Master, may I grant you one wish?"

"You ignorant unworthy daughter-of-a-dog! Don't you know who I am? I don't need any common woman giving me anything" barked Bin Laden.

The shocked genie said "Please, I must grant you a wish or I will be returned to that bottle forever."

Osama thought a moment. Then grumbled about the impertinence of the woman, and said "Very well, I want to awaken with three American women in my bed in the morning, so just do it and be off with you!"

The annoyed genie said, So be it !" and disappeared.

The next morning Bin Laden woke up in bed with Lorena Bobbitt, Tonya Harding and Hillary Clinton. His penis was gone, his knees were broken, and he had no health insurance.

God is good.

A tip of the turban Hat Tip to Gates of Vienna for this cartoon:

More Muslim Humor at Allah Made Me Funny - Official Muslim Comedy Tour, Kills Me

Related, serious: new scientist space - When you're in orbit, which way is Mecca?, Excerpt:

Malaysia's National Space Agency is trying to determine how its astronaut candidates will practice Islam in space. Three of its four astronaut candidates are Muslim, and two will be selected for a future Russian space flight.
Once in their orbiting spacecraft, they will circle the Earth once every 90 minutes. Traditionally, Muslims pray five times per day, at times connected to the position of the Sun in the sky. This will make prayer observance a challenge if they accept a "day" as being just 90 minutes long.

Foxnews - Arab Professor Wants More Muslims in Space, Excerpt:

Muslims who travel to space must tackle religious challenges such as performing prayers at zero gravity and ensuring their meals fulfill Islamic dietary conditions, said Saiyad Nizamuddin Ahmad, a United Arab Emirates-based university professor in Islamic studies.

"We are all very hopeful that the efforts by the Malaysian government will inspire other Muslim countries to inaugurate space initiatives," Ahmad said on the sidelines of a conference in Kuala Lumpur to discuss Islamic perspectives on space expeditions.

Yes, I think it very important that we send all Muslims into orbit. Preferably closer to the Sun.