The sun eclipsed in the lifetime of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) . Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) offered the eclipse prayer and stood for a long period equal to the period in which one could recite Surat-al-Baqara. Then he bowed for a long time and then stood up for a long period which was shorter than that of the first standing, then bowed again for a long time but for a shorter period than the first; then he prostrated twice and then stood up for a long period which was shorter than that of the first standing; then he bowed for a long time which was shorter than the previous one, and then he raised his head and stood up for a long period which was shorter than the first standing, then he bowed for a long time which was shorter than the first bowing, and then prostrated (twice) and finished the prayer. By then, the sun (eclipse) had cleared. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, "The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah. They eclipse neither because of the death of somebody nor because of his life (i.e. birth). So when you see them, remember Allah." The people say, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! We saw you taking something from your place and then we saw you retreating." The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "I saw Paradise and stretched my hands towards a bunch (of its fruits) and had I taken it, you would have eaten from it as long as the world remains. I also saw the Hell-fire and I had never seen such a horrible sight. I saw that most of the inhabitants were women." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Why is it so?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Because of their ungratefulness." It was asked whether they are ungrateful to Allah. The Prophet said, "They are ungrateful to their companions of life (husbands) and ungrateful to good deeds. If you are benevolent to one of them throughout the life and if she sees anything (undesirable) in you, she will say, 'I have never had any good from you.' "
The Eclipse Prayer: A Detailed Description
The Prophet's prayer during the solar eclipse consisted of two rak'ahs, each with two standings (qiyam), two recitations (qira'ah), two bowings (ruku'), and two prostrations (sujood). The first standing was exceptionally lengthy, comparable to reciting Surah al-Baqarah, demonstrating the gravity and solemnity of this prayer.
Each subsequent posture was shorter than its predecessor, creating a gradual decrease in duration. This pattern reflects the prayer's spiritual intensity while accommodating the congregation. The prayer concluded precisely as the eclipse ended, showing its direct connection to the celestial event.
Cosmic Signs and Divine Wisdom
The Prophet explicitly corrected prevalent superstitions that eclipses occurred due to births or deaths of significant figures. He established that celestial bodies are among Allah's great signs (ayat), meant to inspire reflection and remembrance of the Creator rather than fear or superstition.
This teaching emphasizes Islam's rational approach to natural phenomena, directing believers toward theological understanding rather than mythological explanations. Eclipses serve as moments for increased devotion, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.
Vision of the Hereafter
During the prayer, the Prophet was granted visions of Paradise and Hellfire. His reaching for the heavenly fruits symbolizes the accessibility of divine rewards for the righteous. His description of Hellfire as the most horrible sight he had ever seen serves as a grave warning.
The predominance of women in Hell due to ingratitude (kufr al-ni'mah) refers specifically to denying their husbands' kindness and good treatment. Scholars clarify this refers to particular characteristics common among some women of that time, not all women universally.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the eclipse prayer (salat al-kusuf) as a confirmed Sunnah (mu'akkadah). The prayer is performed in congregation and includes lengthy recitation and remembrance, distinguishing it from regular prayers.
The incident teaches that natural phenomena should turn hearts toward Allah, encouraging increased prayer, charity, and seeking forgiveness during such events. It also demonstrates the Prophet's role as both spiritual guide and corrector of false beliefs.