The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of someone but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them offer the prayer."
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of someone but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them offer the prayer."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1042
Refutation of Pre-Islamic Superstition
This hadith categorically refutes the pre-Islamic Arabian belief that celestial eclipses occurred due to the death or birth of significant personalities. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly states that such notions are baseless superstitions that have no place in Islamic creed.
This teaching establishes the Islamic principle that natural phenomena operate according to divine laws (sunan Allah) established by the Creator, not as omens connected to human events.
Eclipses as Signs of Allah
The Prophet (ﷺ) identifies eclipses as "ayat min ayat Allah" - signs among the signs of Allah. This designation elevates them from mere astronomical events to occasions for spiritual reflection and remembrance of the Creator's power and majesty.
Scholars explain that these phenomena should remind believers of the Day of Judgment, when the sun and moon will be darkened, and inspire awe of Allah who controls these magnificent celestial bodies.
The Prescribed Response: Salat al-Kusuf
The command "when you see them offer the prayer" establishes the sunnah of performing the eclipse prayer (salat al-kusuf). This collective worship transforms what was formerly an occasion for fear and superstition into an opportunity for drawing closer to Allah.
Classical scholars emphasize that this prayer should be performed in congregation, with lengthy recitation and devotion, following the example of the Prophet (ﷺ) as detailed in other narrations.
Spiritual Lessons
This teaching redirects human attention from superstitious interpretations of natural events toward their proper purpose: reminding humanity of Allah's greatness and inspiring worship.
It establishes the Islamic approach to understanding natural phenomena - as signs pointing to the Creator rather than as independent powers or omens requiring superstitious responses.