"There was an eclipse of the sun and at the time we were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in Al-Madinah. He rushed out dragging his garment and prayed two rak'ahs, which he made lengthy. The end of his prayer coincided with the end of the eclipse. He praised and glorified Allah (SWT), then he said: 'The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah (SWT), and they do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone. If you see anything of that, then pray like the last obligatory prayer you did before that.'"
The Book of Eclipses - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1486
There was an eclipse of the sun and at the time we were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in Al-Madinah. He rushed out dragging his garment and prayed two rak'ahs, which he made lengthy. The end of his prayer coincided with the end of the eclipse. He praised and glorified Allah (SWT), then he said: 'The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah (SWT), and they do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone. If you see anything of that, then pray like the last obligatory prayer you did before that.'
Commentary on the Eclipse Prayer
The Prophet's swift response demonstrates the importance of turning to Allah during celestial phenomena. His dragging of the garment indicates urgency and spiritual concern, not mere haste. The two lengthy rak'ahs reflect deep devotion and remembrance of Allah's power.
The timing coincidence shows divine acceptance of the prayer. His subsequent declaration corrects pre-Islamic superstitions, affirming that eclipses are natural signs demonstrating Allah's absolute control over creation, not omens related to human events.
Legal Rulings Derived
Salat al-Kusuf (eclipse prayer) is a confirmed Sunnah performed in congregation. It consists of two rak'ahs with prolonged standing, bowing, and prostrations. The prayer should continue throughout the eclipse duration.
The instruction to pray "like the last obligatory prayer" means following the same format as regular prayers but with extended recitation and remembrance. This establishes eclipse prayer as a formal worship with specific requirements rather than spontaneous supplication.
Theological Significance
Eclipses serve as reminders of Allah's perfect creation and temporary suspension of natural order. They inspire fear of Allah and reflection on the Day of Judgment when celestial bodies will lose their light.
The Prophet's teaching eliminates pagan beliefs while directing attention toward the Creator rather than the creation. This incident establishes the proper Muslim response to natural phenomena: turning to prayer and remembrance rather than superstition or fear.