" Verily the sun and the moon are among the signs of Allah." And similarly this addition was made:" He then lifted his hands and said: O Allah! have I not conveyed it?"
The Book of Prayer - Eclipses
Sahih Muslim 901 b
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble hadith establishes that the celestial bodies - the sun and moon - are among the mighty signs (ayat) of Allah Almighty, demonstrating His perfect power, wisdom, and majesty. Their precise movements, eclipses, and regularity all point to the existence of a Supreme Creator.
The Prophet's declaration "Have I not conveyed it?" emphasizes the completion of his divine mission. This rhetorical question, asked while raising his hands in supplication, serves as a powerful testimony that he fulfilled his responsibility of conveying Allah's message in its entirety, including the proper understanding of natural phenomena as signs of divine power rather than objects of worship.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that this hadith teaches Muslims to reflect upon Allah's creation and recognize His signs in the universe. The raising of hands during this declaration indicates the seriousness of the message and serves as an appeal to Allah as witness to the fulfillment of prophethood.
Al-Nawawi comments that the eclipse prayer (salat al-kusuf) is established through such narrations, reminding believers that celestial events are not mere natural occurrences but rather manifestations of Allah's power that should increase one's faith and consciousness of the Hereafter.