I heard 'Ubaid b. 'Umair say: It has been narrated to me by one whom I regard as truthful, (the narrator says: I can well guess that he meant 'A'isha) that the sun eclipsed during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he stood up (in prayer) for a rigorously long time. He then bowed and then stood up and then bowed and then stood up and then bowed, thus observing three ruku's in two rak'ahs and four prostrations. He then departed and the sun brightened. He pronounced" Allah is the Greatest" while bowing. He would then bow and say:" Allah listened to him who praised Him" while lifting up his head. He then stood up, and praised Allah and lauded Him, and then said: The sun and the moon do not eclipse on the death of anyone or on his birth. But both of them are among the signs of Allah with which Allah terrifies His servants. So when you see them under eclipse, remember Allah till they are brightened.
The Book of Prayer - Eclipses
Sahih Muslim 901 f - Commentary by Classical Scholars
The Manner of Salat al-Kusuf
The Prophet's prayer during the solar eclipse consisted of two rak'ahs with three ruku' (bowing) positions in each rak'ah, demonstrating this is a distinct form of prayer with prolonged standing, bowing, and recitation.
Each rak'ah contained two standings and two bowings, totaling four prostrations - confirming eclipse prayer has additional ruku' beyond the regular prayer format.
Theological Significance of Eclipses
The Prophet explicitly rejected pre-Islamic superstitions that eclipses occurred due to births or deaths of significant figures. This establishes Islam's rational approach to natural phenomena.
Eclipses are designated as among Allah's signs (ayat) meant to inspire awe and remembrance of the Creator, not fear of creation.
Spiritual Response to Cosmic Events
The prescribed response is engagement in prayer, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), supplication, and seeking forgiveness until the eclipse clears.
This transforms a natural phenomenon into an opportunity for spiritual renewal and connection with the Divine, aligning cosmic events with worship.
Legal Rulings Derived
Eclipse prayer is established as a confirmed Sunnah (mu'akkadah) performed in congregation.
The prayer includes lengthy recitation of Quran and prolonged bowings, distinguishing it from regular prayers in both form and duration.
The takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") is pronounced when moving into bowing position, maintaining the prayer's solemn character.