"The sun eclipsed during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he rushed out, dragging his cloak until he came to the masjid. He continued leading us in prayer until the eclipse ended. When it ended, he said: 'People claim that the eclipse of the sun and moon only happen when a great man dies, but that is not so. Eclipses of the sun and the moon do not happen for the death or birth of anyone, but they are signs from Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime. When Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, manifests Himself to anything of His creation, it humbles itself before Him, so if you see that then pray like the last obligatory prayer you did before that.'"
The Book of Eclipses - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1485
"The sun eclipsed during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he rushed out, dragging his cloak until he came to the masjid. He continued leading us in prayer until the eclipse ended. When it ended, he said: 'People claim that the eclipse of the sun and moon only happen when a great man dies, but that is not so. Eclipses of the sun and the moon do not happen for the death or birth of anyone, but they are signs from Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime. When Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, manifests Himself to anything of His creation, it humbles itself before Him, so if you see that then pray like the last obligatory prayer you did before that.'"
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's swift response demonstrates that solar eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) is a emphasized Sunnah requiring immediate attention. His dragging cloak indicates urgency and spiritual concern.
The Prophet corrected prevalent superstitions, affirming eclipses as divine signs rather than omens of death or birth. This establishes Islamic cosmology where celestial phenomena reflect Allah's power, not causal relationships with human events.
"When Allah manifests Himself" refers to His signs appearing in creation, causing celestial bodies to submit to His will. This inspires awe and humility in believers.
The instruction to pray "like the last obligatory prayer" means eclipse prayer should resemble regular prayers in recitation, bowing, and prostration, though with extended standing and recitation.
Legal Rulings
Eclipse prayer is Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition) for both men and women.
The prayer consists of two rak'ahs with two bowings (ruku') in each rak'ah.
Congregational prayer is recommended but not obligatory.
The prayer continues throughout the eclipse duration.