What Is Salat al-Kusuf? The Solar Eclipse Prayer in Islam
When is the Solar Eclipse
On March 29, 2025, a solar eclipse will take place. For Muslims this natural event is more than a scientific wonder. It is a spiritual reminder of Allah’s power and a call to reflect and pray.
In Islam, there is no belief in omens and superstitions, instead the solar eclipse is seen as powerful reminder to fear Allah (swt) and encourage believers to remember Him and turn to worship.
What Does Islam Say About the Solar Eclipse
According to Islamic teachings eclipses are powerful reminders of Allah’s greatness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly stated that eclipses are not because of the birth or death of anyone. Instead, they are signs that encourage us to draw closer to closer to our Creator.
How Was Salat al-Kusuf Introduced in Islam
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) a solar eclipse occurred. The Prophet immediately made his way to the mosque without delay his cloak trailing behind him out of concern for the moment. He gathered the people and led them in a special prayer.
After the prayer he reminded the companions that eclipses are signs from Allah not ordinary events. This moment established Salat al-Kusuf as a recommended practice whenever an eclipse occurs. It was taught as a response to an awe-inspiring event in the heavens, a way to return to Allah with humility and devotion.
The Wisdom Behind Eclipses in Islam
Before the teachings of Islam people believed that eclipses marked major events like the birth or death of an important figure. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) corrected this belief by explaining that eclipses are signs from Allah not tied to any individual.
When the Prophet’s own son Ibrahim passed away on the same day as an eclipse some people assumed the event was related to his death. The Prophet firmly clarified that the sun and the moon are two of Allah’s signs and that they do not eclipse for the life or death of any person. Instead, eclipses are meant to humble us and bring us back to Allah.
He taught that during an eclipse Muslims should:
- Pray Salat al-Kusuf
- Remember Allah through dhikr
- Make dua and seek forgiveness
- Give charity
- Engage in righteous actions
These signs serve as a reminder of Allah’s absolute power and our dependence on Him.
What Is Salat al-Kusuf? The Solar Eclipse Prayer in Islam
Salat al-Kusuf is a special prayer Muslims perform during a solar eclipse. It is a confirmed Sunnah and highly recommended to be offered in congregation.
How to Perform Salat al-Kusuf
Salat al-Kusuf is performed in two rakahs but each rakah includes two bowings or ruku instead of one. Here is a simple breakdown:
- Begin with Takbir and recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a long Surah or passage from the Quran
- Go into a long ruku bowing then stand and praise Allah
- Recite Al-Fatihah again followed by another long Surah slightly shorter than the first
- Perform a second ruku then rise and praise Allah again
- Complete the two sujuds of the rakah with calm and humility
- Repeat the same structure in the second rakah with two recitations two rukus and two sujuds
- Conclude with Tashahhud and Taslim
Salat al-Kusuf is structured for deep reflection and reminds us of Allah’s control over all things.
Give During the Eclipse and Be a Light to Others
While the sun darkens the sky your kindness can brighten someone’s life. Support families in need by donating during this meaningful moment.
Your donation can help provide:
- Clean Water Appeal with Muslim Hands
- Food and medical support
- Long-term development projects
Frequently Asked Questions About the Solar Eclipse in Islam
Is there a specific dua for the solar eclipse?
There is no single prescribed dua specifically for a solar eclipse found in the Sunnah. However, Muslims are encouraged to make heartfelt duas during the eclipse asking for Allah’s forgiveness protection and guidance. General supplications that reflect humility and awe of Allah’s power are recommended. You can also recite well-known duas for seeking mercy and safety from harm.
Is it dangerous to go outside during an eclipse in Islam?
Islam does not teach that it is harmful to go outdoors during an eclipse. However, science advises avoiding direct eye contact with the sun without protection.
Does a solar eclipse harm pregnant women in Islam?
There is no evidence in the Quran or Hadith that suggests harm to pregnant women during an eclipse. This is a cultural belief not an Islamic teaching.
Is a solar eclipse a sign of the Day of Judgment?
Yes, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said eclipses are among the signs of the Last Day. But not every eclipse marks its arrival. It is a symbolic reminder.
What time should Salat al-Kusuf be performed?
Salat al-Kusuf should be performed while the eclipse is ongoing. The prayer begins when the eclipse starts and ends when the eclipse finishes. If the eclipse is over the time for prayer has passed.
Is Salat al-Kusuf obligatory or optional?
Salat al-Kusuf is not obligatory, but it is a highly recommended Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed it and encouraged others to do the same.
Can Salat al-Kusuf be prayed individually?
Yes. While it is best prayed in congregation it can also be performed individually at home or wherever one is during the eclipse.
What if I missed the eclipse and did not know about it until it ended?
If the eclipse has ended and you were unaware of it there is no obligation to make up the prayer. The time for Salat al-Kusuf is limited to the duration of the eclipse
