The Book of Eclipses - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1463

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The sun and moon are two signs of Allah(ﷺ), and they do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone. If you see that then pray until it (the eclipse) is over.'"

Commentary on the Prohibition of Superstition

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i firmly establishes that celestial phenomena are divine signs, not omens connected to human events. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly refuted the pre-Islamic Arabian belief that eclipses occurred due to the death or birth of significant figures.

This teaching purifies Islamic creed from superstition and affirms that all cosmic events occur by Allah's divine decree and wisdom alone. Eclipses serve as reminders of Allah's perfect power over creation, not as indicators of worldly affairs.

The Prescribed Response to Eclipses

The command to pray during eclipses demonstrates that Muslims should respond to divine signs with worship and submission, not fear or speculation. The eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) is a confirmed Sunnah wherein believers turn to Allah in humility.

Scholars explain that one should continue praying throughout the eclipse duration, engaging in remembrance, supplication, and seeking forgiveness. This practice transforms a natural phenomenon into an opportunity for spiritual renewal and connection with the Creator.

Cosmic Signs and Divine Remembrance

By describing the sun and moon as "signs of Allah," the hadith directs believers to contemplate Allah's majesty through His creation. These celestial bodies, which humans often take for granted, are in fact constant reminders of their Lord's perfection and power.

The temporary obscuring of these normally consistent luminaries serves to jolt believers from spiritual heedlessness, reminding them of the Day when the sun and moon will lose their light and all creation will stand before the True Sovereign.