Ruling of Eclipse in Islam – Salat al-Kusuf, Sunnah, and Significance

An eclipse is a natural event created by Allah as a sign of His power. Eclipse in Islam is seen as a reminder from Allah, separate from any personal events or superstitions.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that Muslims should perform Salat al-Kusuf, a special prayer, during an eclipse in Islam. This prayer is a Sunnah, meaning it is encouraged as a way to ask for Allah’s mercy, reflect on His greatness, and deepen one’s faith.

Ruling of Eclipse in Islam

Eclipses have scientific explanations that can be understood through the study of science. However, from a religious perspective, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that the sun and moon are signs of Allah. Their movements and orbits are determined by Allah, and they follow the path He has set for them.

Types of Eclipses in Islam: Solar and Lunars:

1. Solar Eclipse: This happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sunlight.

2. Lunar Eclipse: This happens when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to cover the moon.

In Islam, eclipses are seen as signs from Allah, and Muslims are encouraged to pray and remember Allah during these events.

Hadith

Narrated Abu Bakar:

We were with Allah’s Apostle when the sun eclipsed. Allah’s Apostle stood up dragging his cloak till he entered the Mosque. He led us in a two-Rakat prayer till the sun (eclipse) had cleared. Then the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death. So whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah) till the eclipse is over.”

Sahih Bukhari ,book 18,no.150

Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu`ba:

“The sun eclipsed in the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) on the day when (his son) Ibrahim died. So the people said that the sun had eclipsed because of the death of Ibrahim. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of someone. When you see the eclipse pray and invoke Allah.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1043

Eclipse in Islam – Quran verse

Allah is He, who created the sun, the moon, and the stars—[all] governed by laws under His commandment.” (Quran 7:54)

It is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon. All [the celestial bodies] swim along, each in its orbit.” (Quran 21:33)

“The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed.” (Quran 55:05)

What to Do During an Eclipse: Islamic Guidance and Sunnah

During an eclipse, a Muslim is advised to engage in specific religious actions based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Recognize the Eclipse as a Sign from Allah: Eclipses are considered signs from Allah, not events linked to the birth or death of individuals. Muslims are reminded of Allah’s power and urged to reflect on their faith.

Perform Salat al-Kusuf (Eclipse Prayer): The Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended offering Salat al-Kusuf during an eclipse. It consists of two rak’ahs, each with long recitations of the Quran, lengthy ruku’ (bowing), and sujud (prostration). This prayer should be performed in congregation, although it can be done individually.

Procedure for Performing Salat al-Kusuf (Eclipse Prayer)

1. Niyyah (Intention): Begin by making the intention in your heart to perform Salat al-Kusuf (Eclipse Prayer) for the sake of Allah.
2. Opening Takbir: Start the prayer with Takbiratul Ihram (saying “Allahu Akbar”).
3. Du’a al-Istiftah: Recite the opening supplication Du’a al-Istiftah and seek refuge from Allah from the Shayatin (evil ones).

First Rakah:

4. Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha followed by a long Surah (such as Surah Al-Baqarah) aloud.
5. Rukoo (Bowing): Perform a long Rukoo.
6. I’tidal (Standing after Rukoo): Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
7. Second Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha and a Surah (shorter than the first Surah) aloud.
8. Rukoo (Second Bowing): Perform a Rukoo, but shorter than the first.
9. I’tidal (Second Standing after Rukoo): Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
10. Sujood (Prostration): Perform two long Sujoods with a sitting pause in between.

Second Rakah:

11. Recitation: In the second Rakah, recite Al-Fatiha and a shorter Surah (like Al-Imran or An-Nisa) aloud.
12. Rukoo (Bowing): Perform a Rukoo, slightly shorter than the first one.
13. I’tidal (Standing after Rukoo): Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
14. Second Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha and a long Surah, but shorter than the first Surah, aloud.
15. Rukoo (Second Bowing): Perform a long Rukoo, but shorter than the first.
16. I’tidal (Second Standing after Rukoo): Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” and then “Rabbana lakal hamd.”
17. Sujood (Prostration): Perform two regular Sujoods with a sitting pause in between.

Conclusion:

18. Tashahhud: After the second Sujood in the second Rakah, sit for Tashahhud (testification of faith).
19. Taslim: End the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left while saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to complete the prayer.

This is the procedure for performing Salat al-Kusuf (Eclipse Prayer) as prescribed in Islam.

Make Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Muslims should engage in the remembrance of Allah, glorify Him, and seek His forgiveness during the eclipse. Dhikr and du’a (supplications) are encouraged to avert any potential punishment or hardship.

Give Charity: It is also recommended to give charity during an eclipse as an act of righteousness and to seek Allah’s mercy.

Free Slaves: As part of the actions during an eclipse, the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged the freeing of slaves as a means to earn rewards and seek Allah’s forgiveness.

Eclipse Superstitions in Islam: Myths vs. Reality

Avoid Superstitions: Muslims are taught that eclipses are not signs of the death or birth of important people, as was believed in the pre-Islamic era. Instead, they are a reminder from Allah, meant to make people reflect on their relationship with Him.

Watch the Eclipse with Respect and Wonder:While it is permissible to view the eclipse, Muslims are encouraged to do so with a sense of awe, recognizing the greatness of Allah’s creation. Viewing should not be for fun, but for reflection on Allah’s power and majesty.

These actions are part of the Sunnah, intended to guide Muslims in maintaining their connection to Allah during an eclipse.

Common Questions on Eclipses in Islam

How do you perform Salat al-Kusuf?

Salat al-Kusuf consists of two rak’ahs with multiple recitations of Qur’an and bowing (ruku’) in each rak’ah, performed during the eclipse.

Does a pregnant women get harmed during eclipse ? 

No, according to Islam, a pregnant woman does not get harmed during an eclipse. Islam does not support superstitious beliefs about eclipses affecting pregnant women or causing harm. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly stated that eclipses are natural signs from Allah, not connected to any human events like birth, death, or harm. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to pray (Salat al-Kusuf) and remember Allah during an eclipse, without believing in any superstitions.

Are the sun and moon signs from Allah?

Yes, the sun and moon are two signs of Allah’s greatness. They do not eclipse due to anyone’s birth or death but serve as reminders of Allah’s power.

Is Salat al-Kusuf a Sunnah prayer?

Yes, Salat al-Kusuf is a confirmed Sunnah, strongly recommended by scholars, performed during a solar or lunar eclipse.

Why do eclipses occur according to Islam?

In Islam, eclipses are signs from Allah to remind people of His power and encourage them to turn to Him in prayer and repentance.

What is the divine wisdom behind eclipses?Eclipses serve as a reminder to reflect on Allah’s greatness and the Day of Judgment, rejecting superstitions associated with death or birth.

Conclusion 

1. Eclipses as Signs: The sun and moon are signs of Allah’s power, not linked to anyone’s birth or death.

2. Eclipse Prayer: Muslims are encouraged to pray (Salat al-Kusuf) during an eclipse as a reminder to seek Allah’s forgiveness. It is Sunnah, not obligatory.

3. No Superstitions: Islam rejects superstitions about eclipses. There is no harm to pregnant women or anyone else.

4. Reminder of Allah’s Power: Eclipses remind us of Allah’s greatness and are a time to reflect on the Day of Judgment and repent.