till he reached near the women) He then moved forward and the people also moved forward along with him till he stood at his (original) place (of worship). He then completed the prayer as it was required to complete and the sun brightened and he said: O people! verily the sun and the moon are among the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse at the death of anyone among people (Abu Bakr said: On the death of any human being). So when you see anything like it (of the nature of eclipse), pray till it is bright. There is nothing which you have been promised (in the next world) but I have seen it in this prayer of mine. Hell was brought to me as you saw me moving back on account of fear lest its heat might affect me; and I saw the owner of the curved staff who dragged his intestines in the fire, and he used to steal (the belongings) of the pilgrims with his curved staff. If he (the owner of the staff) became aware, he would say: It got (accidentally) entangled in my curved staff, but if he was unaware of that, he would take that away. I also saw in it (in Hell) the owner of a cat whom she had tied and did not feed her nor set her free so that she could eat the creatures of the earth, till the cat died of starvation. Paradise was brought to me, and it was on that occasion that you saw me moving forward till I stood at my place (of worship). I stretched my hand as I wanted to catch hold of its fruits so that you may see them. Then I thought of not doing it. Nothing which you have been promised was there that I did not see in this prayer of mine.
The Book of Prayer - Eclipses
Sahih Muslim 904 c
Contextual Analysis
This narration describes the Prophet's response to a solar eclipse, emphasizing it as a natural phenomenon rather than an omen of death. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) leads a special prayer during the eclipse, using the occasion to demonstrate both the reality of divine promises and the importance of proper worship during celestial events.
Scholarly Commentary
The eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) is established as a confirmed Sunnah when such celestial events occur. The Prophet's clarification that eclipses are not related to anyone's death refutes pre-Islamic superstitions and establishes the Islamic understanding of natural phenomena as signs of Allah's power.
The Prophet's vision during the prayer serves multiple purposes: it confirms the reality of the afterlife, demonstrates the consequences of specific sins (theft from pilgrims and animal cruelty), and provides a tangible connection between this world and the next. His physical movements during the prayer correspond to what he was witnessing spiritually.
The mention of specific punishments highlights the severity of certain crimes in Islam - particularly theft from pilgrims performing Hajj or Umrah, and cruelty to animals. The cat owner's punishment demonstrates that even neglect of animals for which one is responsible carries serious consequences.
Legal Rulings Derived
When an eclipse occurs, Muslims should perform the eclipse prayer in congregation until the celestial event concludes. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs with prolonged standing, bowing, and prostrations.
During the prayer, remembrance of Allah, supplication, and seeking forgiveness are emphasized. The event should inspire reflection on Allah's power and the temporary nature of this world.
The narration establishes that eclipses are natural phenomena to be responded to with prayer rather than superstitious interpretations or fear.
Spiritual Lessons
This event demonstrates how natural phenomena can serve as reminders of the afterlife and opportunities for spiritual awakening. The Prophet's experience shows that prayer can become a window to unseen realities.
The specific sins mentioned warn against dishonesty in religious matters and cruelty to animals, emphasizing that accountability extends to all aspects of creation.
The Prophet's restraint in not taking the fruits of Paradise teaches the importance of contentment with what Allah provides and patience for the promised rewards of the hereafter.