Solar eclipses are awe-inspiring celestial events that have captivated humanity for centuries. As a Muslim, you should not see such phenomena as natural phenomena that occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, obscuring the sun’s light only.
Since our Prophet (peace be upon him) told us about some manners of Solar eclipses.
During a solar eclipse, Muslims are encouraged to pray and supplicate. This article explores the significance of Quranic dua for solar eclipses, the recommended practices, and the spiritual insights derived from these moments.
Solar Eclipse From Islamic View:
From an Islamic perspective, solar eclipses were not explained through myths or superstitions, such as linking them to significant events.
Instead, they were seen as signs of the greatness and power of the Creator, and as reminders of religious duties.
This is illustrated in the following hadith.
قَالَ: { اِنْكَسَفَتِ اَلشَّمْسُ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم -يَوْمَ مَاتَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ, فَقَالَ اَلنَّاسُ: اِنْكَسَفَتِ اَلشَّمْسُ لِمَوْتِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ, فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم - “إِنَّ اَلشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ آيَتَانِ مِنْ آيَاتِ اَللَّهِ لَا يَنْكَسِفَانِ لِمَوْتِ أَحَدٍ وَلَا لِحَيَاتِهِ, فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُوهُمَا, فَادْعُوا اَللَّهَ وَصَلُّوا, حَتَّى تَنْكَشِفَ” } مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ 1 .
Translation:
Narrated by Al-Mughirah: “There was a solar eclipse at the time of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) on the day his son Ibrahim died. The people said, “The eclipse of the sun has happened due to the death of Ibrahim.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “The sun and the moon are two of Allah’s signs; they are not eclipsed due to the death or the life of anyone. So when you see them (the eclipse of the moon or sun) supplicate to Allah and offer prayers until the eclipse is over.” [Agreed upon].
This shows us that Islam does not view a solar eclipse as a superstition or a bad omen, but rather as one of the signs of Allah that calls for supplication, prayer, and reflection on the greatness and power of the Creator. It encourages both individuals and communities to draw closer to Allah during these awe-inspiring moments.
What Should We Do during a Solar Eclipse?
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to do the following worship during a solar eclipse for spiritual reflection, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and protection from Allah.
1. Performing the Eclipse Prayer (Salat al-Kusuf or Salat al-Khusuf):
- According to most scholars, eclipse prayer is a confirmed Sunnah; some scholars consider it obligatory (e.g., Hanafis) or a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah).
- Its time begins at the start of the eclipse and ends when it clears. There is no Adhan. The congregation is gathered by saying: “As-salatu jami‘ah” (The prayer is gathering).
- You can pray it at home or Masjid, alone or with a congregation.
- The manner of this prayer is simply 2 Rak‘ahs, each Rak‘ah includes: Two Qur’an recitations, Two Rukus (bowings), and two Sujuds (prostrations).
- The second recitation in each rak‘ah is shorter than the first. The entire second rak‘ah is also shorter than the first in all aspects.
2. Making Dua (Supplication):
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged making dua during eclipses. He taught us that if prayer ends before the Eclipse, engage in dhikr, dua, and reflection until the eclipse is over. These moments remind believers of Allah’s might and the approaching Hour. Below, I will tell you Quranic Duas for solar eclipses.
You can learn the recitation of all Quranic Duas from the Mushaf directly in our Quranic Arabic course.
3. Giving Charity (Sadaqah):
Giving charity during an eclipse is highly recommended as an act of spiritual purification and compassion. Solar eclipse serves as a reminder that even those without sin may be affected, so those with sins should be even more cautious and seek forgiveness through the Sadaqah, which extinguishes the anger of Allah.
4. Engaging in Azkhar and Istighfar (Remembrance & Seeking Forgiveness)
Eclipses are moments of awe and reflection. Our Prophet urges muslims in such moments to repent, remember Allah, and seek His forgiveness.
5. Remember Allah`s will through Inner Acts of Worship:
Acts of the heart, such as khawf (fear) of Allah’s might and punishment, and rajā’ (hope) in His mercy and forgiveness, should take center stage. It was the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to deliver a sermon after the eclipse prayer, reminding people of the Hereafter, the terrifying events of the Day of Judgment, and the punishment of the grave.
Through fear and hope, the heart is awakened and guided back to sincere worship. You learn more about inner acts of worship through learning the Quran’s meaning in the Quranica Online Quran Tafseer course.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Islamic perspective elevates a solar eclipse from a simple astronomical event to a profound spiritual experience. The guidance of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) steers believers away from myths and superstitions, recasting the eclipse as a powerful sign of Allah’s majesty and a solemn reminder of the Day of Judgment.
By engaging in the prescribed acts of worship—the special eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf), heartfelt supplication, giving in charity, and seeking forgiveness—a Muslim transforms this celestial phenomenon into a valuable opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal.
It is a time to humble oneself before the Creator, acknowledge His absolute power, and strengthen one’s faith, turning a moment of darkness in the sky into a source of light for the heart.
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