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“The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah. They do not eclipse for the death or life of anyone. So when you see them, pray and supplicate to Allah…”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1044, Sahih Muslim 901

How to Pray The Eclipse Prayer

Introduction

In Islam, celestial events like solar and lunar eclipses are not mere astronomical phenomena — they are signs from Allah that inspire humility and reverence. The Eclipse Prayer (Ṣalāt al-Kusūf for solar eclipses and Ṣalāt al-Khusūf for lunar eclipses) is a special Sunnah prayer that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed during such events.

This prayer serves as a reminder of Allah’s might and a call to return to Him with reverence, du‘ā’, and dhikr. It is a time to pause from worldly matters, gather the community, and reconnect spiritually.

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How to Perform the Eclipse Prayer (Ṣalāt al-Kusūf / Khusūf)

The Eclipse Prayer is a non-obligatory (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) congregational prayer performed during the eclipse, not after.

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🔹 Basic Information:

  • Performed in congregation (but can also be done individually)

  • 2 Rak‘ahs, each with 2 bows (Rukū‘) and 2 recitations of Qur'an

  • No Adhān or Iqāmah

  • Time: Starts when the eclipse begins and ends when it ends

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✨ Step-by-Step Guide (2 Rak‘ahs, Each with 2 Rukū‘)
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Rak‘ah 1:

  1. Make niyyah (intention): “I intend to pray the eclipse prayer for the sake of Allah.”

  2. Takbīrat al-Iḥrām (Allāhu Akbar)

  3. Recite Surah Al-Fātiḥah and a long Surah (if possible)

  4. Perform Rukū‘ (longer than usual)

  5. Rise from Rukū‘: Sami‘a Allāhu liman ḥamidah...

  6. Recite Al-Fātiḥah again and another Surah

  7. Perform a second Rukū‘

  8. Rise again

  9. Proceed to Sujūd (2 prostrations as usual)

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Rak‘ah 2:

  1. Stand and repeat the same steps:

    • Two long recitations (Al-Fātiḥah + Surah)

    • Two long Rukū‘s

    • Sujūd as normal

  2. Tashahhud and Taslīm (Salām)

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What to Do After the Prayer

  • Give a khutbah (short sermon) reminding people of Allah’s power, the Day of Judgment, and encouraging repentance and charity.

  • Increase du‘ā’, dhikr, and seeking forgiveness

  • Give charity (ṣadaqah) as encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ

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💡 Important Notes

  • This prayer is not replaced by regular prayers.

  • It’s not to be made up if missed after the eclipse ends.

  • Keep the atmosphere humble and reflective, not festive.

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“So when you see them [the eclipse], pray until it clears.”
— Sahih Muslim 901

How To Pray Witr Prayer

 

How To Quran Journal

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