The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them stand up and pray."
Eclipses: A Sign of Divine Majesty
From Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1041: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them stand up and pray."
Refutation of Pre-Islamic Superstitions
This hadith categorically refutes the pre-Islamic Arabian belief that celestial eclipses occurred due to the death of notable figures. The Prophet (ﷺ) establishes that these are natural phenomena governed by divine decree, not omens connected to human mortality.
Theological Significance of Eclipses
Eclipses serve as powerful reminders of Allah's absolute power over creation. They inspire awe and reflection upon the Creator's majesty, humbling believers and directing their hearts toward divine remembrance rather than superstitious interpretations.
Prescribed Devotional Response
The command to pray during eclipses transforms these events into opportunities for spiritual elevation. The eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) serves multiple purposes: it expresses submission to Allah, seeks protection from punishment, and turns a natural phenomenon into an act of worship.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize that this teaching redirects human attention from creation to the Creator. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the eclipse prayer contains extended standing, bowing, and recitation, reflecting the seriousness with which Muslims should approach these divine signs.
Imam al-Nawawi explains that the prohibition against attributing eclipses to human events protects Islamic creed from corruption, maintaining pure monotheism by affirming that all cosmic events occur by Allah's will alone.