Salat ul Qusuf and Salat ul Khusuf (Prayer during – Solar and Lunar Eclipse)

Qusuf and Khusuf (Solar and Lunar Eclipse) Salat ul-Qusuf (Arabic: صلاة الكسوف‎) is a prayer consisting of two rakaah performed during a solar eclipse.

Solar Eclipse

Salat ul-Khusuf is a two rakaah prayer performed during a lunar eclipse. Muslims recognize that everything in the heavens and on earth is created and sustained by the Lord of the universe, Allah Almighty.

Throughout the Qur’an, people are encouraged to look around them, observe and reflect on the beauties and wonders of the natural world – as signs of Allah’s majesty. “Allah is He, who created the sun, the moon, and the stars — (all) governed by laws under His commandment.” Qur’an 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.” Qur’an 21:33 “The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed.” Qur’an 55:05 In remembrance and gratefulness for all of His favors, Muslims all over the world bow down in prayer five times each day.

At a time of a solar or lunar eclipse, there is a recommended prayer (salatul-kusuf) that is performed by the Muslim community in congregation.[1] Khusuf (Arabic: صلاة الخسوف‎) (Lunar Eclipse) Salah (Prayers) is a Nafl (Extra Obligatory) Salah (Prayers).

It is offered at the time of a lunar eclipse. Khusuf Salah is offered only in the areas of lunar eclipse. Two or four Rak’ah (Units) of Khusuf Salah are offered in a Jama’ah (Group). Neither Adhan (Call for Prayers) nor Iqamah (Second Call for Prayers) is called for Khusuf Salah. Recitation of the Quran during Khusuf Salah can be done either silently or loudly.

During the time of the prophet, a solar eclipse happened. People hurried to link this to a worldly event, namely, the death of the prophet’s son, Ibrahim. The prophet sas explained the truth of this matter to them. Volume 4, Book 54, Number 423: Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: RTA. The Prophet sas said, “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death or life (i.e. birth), but they are two signs amongst the Signs of Allah. So, if you see them (i.e. eclipse) offer the Prayer (of eclipse).”

Volume 4, Book 54, Number 425: Narrated ‘Aisha: RTA

On the day of a solar eclipse, Allah’s Apostle stood up (to offer the eclipse prayer). He recited Takbir, recited a long recitation (of Holy Verses), bowed a long bowing, and then he raised h is head saying. “Allah hears him who sends his praises to Him.” Then he stayed standing, recited a long recitation again, but shorter than the former, bowed a long bowing, but shorter than the first, performed a long prostration and then performed the second Rak’a in the same way as he had done the first.

 By the time he had finished his prayer with Taslim, the solar eclipse had been over. Then he addressed the people referring

Muslims are adiviced to refrain from supersititious believes attributed to these signs of Allah the Sun and the Moon, both sun and the moon are in orbit with teh comman of Allah and will seize to move or raise from the West instead of East, and cause the world to end with the command of Allah, we are to pray and be mindful of Allah and expect  forgivness from Allah and be submtting to his will alltimes.

Apart from prayers Prophet used to seek forgiveness from Allah SWT, supplicate and give charity. It is recorded from Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet said, “The sun and the moon are two signs from among Allah’s signs and there is no eclipse due to the life or death of anyone. If you see that [an eclipse], supplicate to Allah, extol His greatness, give in charity and pray.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

There are many misconceptions among masses of Muslim population. The most common misconception is that many believe that the fetus of a pregnant woman gets affected by an eclipse. Hence, pregnant ladies are laid to rest in dark rooms and many more. As Muslims, it is our duty to shun all forms of superstitions from our lives and avoid linking the natural phenomena to certain physical calamities or disabilities which has no clear evidence in the doctrines of Shari’ah (Islamic code of law). The medical sciences are carrying a lot of research on this topic but still they have not come to a concrete platform to prove it.

The eclipse will begin at 11.21 am and will end at 3.15.  on 15th Of Jan 2010.