Apparently someone did ask one of the mullahs that one time. From what I can gather you are meant to use common sense. One opinion is that you follow the timetable from somewhere else, such as Saudi.

In Jewish law there are (surprise surprise) a number of opinions about observing the Sabbath, which lasts from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday, in extreme locations. One opinion is, quite sensibly, don't go there. Another is that you adopt a "standard" day of sunrise presumed to take place at 6am and sunset presumed at 6pm. A third is that a new day begins at the point of closest approach by the sun to the horizon (whether above or below). Obviously you need to ask your rabbi what to do, you can't pick the one you fancy!

> a new day begins at the point of closest approach by the sun to the horizon

That seems emminently sensible, but could be a bit of a bugger to measure.


> From what I can gather you are meant to use common sense.

In a religion? Can't see that catching on.

Here is one answer...

Pleased you had a good tour round these parts. Is it good to be home?

Toodle Pip!
PG

"Call me suspicious, but that doesn't sound much like the word of God to me."

My sentiments entirely....

"A third is that a new day begins at the point of closest approach by the sun to the horizon (whether above or below)"

which doesn't help in this context: it is not about when the new day starts: it is that you cannot eat or even prepare food until the sun is below the horizon. You might be able to calculate when the new day starts, but unfortunately this bright new day will be just another day when you can't eat.

Bummer.

Toodle Pip!
P-G

I wonder what happens if a Muslim is in a space ship orbiting the earth; presumably there would be a problem what with sunrise and sunset being only a few minutes apart.

Having to fast for minutes at a time isn't the biggest of problems, is it?

Another rabbinical opinion I was offered was that you follow the timing in the nearest large town with published schedules, in this case probably Anchorage, Alaska.