Solar Eclipse – what to recite and other FAQ

In sha Allah, a solar eclipse is predicted to happen in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world on the morning (approx 9am GMT) of Friday 20th March 2015.

Eclipse in the Hadith

Abu Masud narrated that the Messenger of Allah (countless peace and salutations be upon him) said, “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah, so pray whenever you see them.” [Bukhari]

Abu Musa narrated, “The sun eclipsed and the Prophet stood up, out of fear that it might be the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment). He went to the Mosque and offered the prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I had ever seen him doing. Then he said, ‘These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah makes His worshipers afraid by them. So when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His forgiveness.’” [Bukhari]

What is the solar eclipse Salah?

The solar eclipse Salah is Sunnat e Muakkadah (emphasised Sunnah). It is Mustahab to pray this Salah with jama’at and it can also be prayed alone.

When to pray the solar eclipse Salah?

The solar eclipse Salah should be prayed after the eclipse has started, meaning it should be performed during the eclipse and not after it has ended.

How many rak’ats?

It consists of two rak’ats, however more than two can also be prayed; if one decides to pray more than two rak’ats, then he has the choice to perform salam on every two rak’ats or every four rak’ats. There is no Azan, no Iqamah and no loud recitation.

Where should it be prayed?

It should be prayed in the Masjid with Jama’at, however it can be also be performed elsewhere or alone.

What should be prayed in this Salah?

It is preferred to recite Surah Baqarah or Surah Ale Imran, or any other long Surah. However, any Surah, whether it be long or short can be recited.

(Note: if one is performing the eclipse Salah behind the Imam, then he must not recite any part of the Qur’an).

What should be done after the Salah?

After completing the prayer, one should make Du’a until the eclipse ends, or one may make a small Du’a after performing the Salah. It is not a condition to make dua or perform the Salah until the end of the eclipse, however it is best to do so. (The Imam should not stand on the pulpit to make the Du’a).

What Du’a should be recited?

There is no specific Du’a that should be made, one should ask for forgiveness, repent and can make any Du’a he desires. However, the Hadith mentions that the Prophet (countless peace and salutations be upon him) did order people to seek refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave and to ask for forgiveness.

Compiled from Bahar e Shari’at and other reliable sources, by Muhammad Kalim (Preston, UK)