"The sun eclipsed during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up to pray, and those who were with him also got up. He stood for a long time, then he bowed for a long time, then he raised his head and (then) prostrated for a long time. Then he raised his head and sat for a long time. Then he prostrated for a long time, then he raised his head and stood up, and he did in the second rak'ah the same as he had done in the first, standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting. He started blowing and weeping at the end of his prostration in the second rak'ah, saying: 'You did not tell me that You would do that while I was still among them; You d not tell me that You would do that while we are asking You for forgiveness.' Then he raised his head and the eclipse ended. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood and addressed the people. He praised and glorified Allah then he said: "The sun and moon are two of the signs of Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime. If you see either of them being eclipsed, then hasten to remember Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, Paradise was brought so near to me that if I had stretched out my hand, I could have taken some of its fruits. And Hell was brought so near to me that I tried to ward it off for fear it may overwhelm you. I saw therein a woman from Himyar who was being punished because of a cat she tied up, not leaving it free to eat of the vermin of the earth, nor feeding it or giving it water, until it died. I saw it biting her when she came and biting her backside when she went. And I saw the owner of the Sabtiyatain, the brother of Banu As-Da'da, being pushed with a two-pronged stick in the Fire. And I saw the owner of the stick with a crooked end, who used to steal from the Hajj pilgrims with that crooked stick, leaning on his stick in Hell and saying: 'I am the thief with the crooked stick.'"
The Book of Eclipses - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1482
This narration from the Prophet's companion Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) describes the proper conduct during solar eclipses, which are among Allah's great signs that inspire awe and reflection.
The Prayer of Eclipse (Salat al-Kusuf)
The Prophet's prolonged standing, bowing, and prostrating demonstrate that eclipse prayer consists of two rak'ahs with extended recitation and remembrance. Each rak'ah contains two standings, two bowings, and two prostrations, unlike regular prayers.
The extended duration allows for sincere supplication and reflection upon Allah's majesty, reminding believers that celestial phenomena are not mere natural occurrences but divine signs calling to contemplation.
The Prophet's Emotional State
The Prophet's weeping and supplication reveal his deep concern for his ummah. Scholars explain he feared this eclipse might be a sign of approaching punishment or the Day of Judgment, prompting his earnest plea for mercy.
His words "You did not tell me..." express his anxiety that divine punishment might come upon his community without prior warning, demonstrating his profound love and responsibility toward his followers.
Cosmic Signs and Divine Remembrance
The Prophet explicitly stated that eclipses are among Allah's signs meant to inspire fear and remembrance. Classical scholars emphasize that Muslims should respond by increasing prayer, charity, and seeking forgiveness rather than engaging in superstitious explanations.
This approach distinguishes Islamic tradition from pre-Islamic practices where eclipses were often attributed to mythological causes or seen as omens requiring specific rituals.
The Vision of Paradise and Hell
The Prophet's vision during prayer served as a powerful reminder of the afterlife's reality. Paradise being brought near signifies the rewards awaiting the righteous, while Hell's proximity warns of consequences for disobedience.
The specific punishments witnessed - for animal cruelty, usury, and theft from pilgrims - highlight the severity of these sins in Islamic law and their spiritual consequences in the hereafter.
Legal and Spiritual Lessons
Scholars derive from this hadith that eclipse prayer is a confirmed Sunnah, preferably performed in congregation. It should include lengthy recitation, multiple bowings and prostrations, and heartfelt supplication.
The narration also teaches that eclipses are opportunities for spiritual renewal, self-assessment, and increased devotion, reminding believers of Allah's absolute power over creation and the certainty of the Hereafter.