Once the sun eclipsed and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) stood up for the prayer and recited a very long Sura and when bowed for a long while and then raised his head and started reciting another Sura. Then he bowed, and after finishing, he prostrated and did the same in the second rak`a and then said, "These (lunar and solar eclipses) are two of the signs of Allah and if you see them, pray till the eclipse is over. No doubt, while standing at this place I saw everything promised to me by Allah and I saw (Paradise) and I wanted to pluck a bunch (of grapes) therefrom, at the time when you saw me stepping forward. No doubt, I saw Hell with its different parts destroying each other when you saw me retreating and in it I saw `Amr bin Luhai who started the tradition of freeing animals (set them free) in the name of idols."
Actions while Praying - Sahih al-Bukhari 1212
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) concerning the solar eclipse prayer provides profound insights into prayer conduct and spiritual realities. The eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) is established as a Sunnah with specific characteristics distinct from regular prayers.
Scholarly Commentary on the Prayer Format
The Prophet's manner of performing this prayer demonstrates its unique nature - with prolonged standing, bowing, and recitation across two rak'ahs. Each rak'ah contained two standings (qiyam), two bowings (ruku'), and two prostrations (sujood), making it lengthier than ordinary prayers.
The extended recitation and postures reflect the prayer's purpose: to seek Allah's protection and remember His greatness during these awe-inspiring celestial events that demonstrate His absolute power over creation.
Spiritual Realities Revealed
During this prayer, the Prophet was granted visions of Paradise and Hell - a special divine favor. His forward movement corresponded to reaching for Paradise's blessings, while his retreating reflected witnessing Hell's terrors.
The mention of 'Amr bin Luhai serves as a warning against innovation in religion. He was the first to introduce idolatrous practices among Arabs, including the custom of dedicating animals to idols - illustrating how religious innovations lead to destruction.
Legal Rulings Derived
Scholars conclude from this hadith that eclipse prayers are Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition). The prayer continues until the eclipse clears, and it should be performed in congregation though not obligatory.
The prolonged nature teaches us about concentration (khushoo') in prayer and remembering Allah's signs. It also establishes that supernatural visions may occur during prayers without invalidating them.