"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The sun and moon are two signs of Allah (SWT), the Most High, and they do not become eclipsed for death or birth of anyone, rather Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime, strikes fear into His slaves through them.'"
The Book of Eclipses - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1459
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The sun and moon are two signs of Allah (SWT), the Most High, and they do not become eclipsed for death or birth of anyone, rather Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime, strikes fear into His slaves through them.'"
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i establishes fundamental theological principles regarding celestial phenomena. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly refuted the pre-Islamic Arabian belief that eclipses occurred due to the death or birth of significant figures.
All celestial bodies function as divine signs (ayat) demonstrating Allah's perfect power and wisdom. Their movements follow precise divine laws, not human events. Eclipses serve as reminders of Allah's absolute sovereignty over creation.
The purpose of these phenomena is to inspire reverential fear (khawf) in believers, prompting them to turn to Allah in prayer, seek forgiveness, and remember the Day of Judgment. This fear is not mere terror but rather pious awe that draws hearts closer to the Creator.
Classical scholars emphasize that Muslims should respond to eclipses with increased prayer, supplication, charity, and remembrance of Allah - recognizing these as opportunities for spiritual renewal rather occasions for superstitious interpretations.