There was an eclipse of the sun during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah, (ﷺ) prayed accompanied by the people. He stood for a long time, about as long as it would take to recite Surah al-Baqara; then he bowed for a long time; then he raised his head and stood for a long time, but it was less than the first qiyam. He then bowed for a long time but for a shorter while than the first. He then prostrated and then stood for a long time, but it was less than the first qiyam. He then bowed for a long time, but it was less than the first bowing. He then raised (his head) and stood for a long time, but it was less than the first qiyam. He then bowed for a long time but it was less than the first bowing. He then observed prostration, and then he finished, and the sun had cleared (by that time). He (the Holy Prophet) then said: The sun and moon are two signs from the signs of Allah. These two do not eclipse on account of the death of anyone or on account of the birth of anyone. So when you see that, remember Allah. They (his Companions) said: Messenger of Allah, we saw you reach out to something, while you were standing here, then we saw you restrain yourself. He said: I saw Paradise and reached out to a bunch of its grapes; and had I taken it you would have eaten of it as long as the world endured. I saw Hell also. No such (abominable) sight have I ever seen as that which I saw today; and I observed that most of its inhabitants were women. They said: Messenger of Allah, on what account is it so? He said: For their ingratitude or disbelief (bi-kufraihinna). It was said: Do they disbelieve in Allah? He said: (Not for their disbelief in God) but for their ingratitude to their husbands and ingratitude to kindness. If you were to treat one of them kindly for ever, but if she later saw anything (displeasing) in you, she would say: I have never seen any good in you.
The Book of Prayer - Eclipses
Sahih Muslim 907a - Commentary by Imam Al-Nawawi
The Manner of Salat al-Kusuf
The Prophet's prayer demonstrates that the eclipse prayer consists of two rak'ahs, each with two standings (qiyam), two recitations, two bowings (ruku'), and two prostrations (sujood). The prolonged recitation and bowing serve to humble oneself before Allah during this awe-inspiring sign.
The first qiyam being longest indicates prioritizing lengthy Quran recitation at the prayer's commencement, following the Sunnah of beginning prayers with al-Fatihah and lengthy surahs.
Refuting Superstition
The Prophet explicitly negated pre-Islamic beliefs that eclipses occurred due to births or deaths of significant figures. This establishes the Islamic principle that celestial phenomena are natural signs from Allah, governed by divine laws, not supernatural omens.
Spiritual Purpose of Eclipses
"Remember Allah" means to engage in prayer, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and charity. Eclipses serve as reminders of the Day of Judgment when the sun will be darkened, urging spiritual awakening and return to Allah.
The Prophet's Vision
The Prophet's reaching for Paradise's grapes demonstrates the reality of the unseen world and Allah's grace. His restraint shows perfect submission to divine will, even when goodness is within grasp.
The vision of Hell, particularly women's prevalence, serves as a grave warning. Scholars explain this refers specifically to ungrateful wives, not all women. Their ingratitude (kufr al-ni'mah) denotes extreme thanklessness toward husbands' kindness, not disbelief in Allah.
Legal Rulings Derived
Eclipse prayer is Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition). Congregational prayer is recommended but not obligatory. The prayer concludes when the eclipse ends. Prolonged recitation and remembrance are encouraged during the event.