To begin, humanity has been interested in eclipses for a long time, throughout history. As the sky gets dark, the sun goes behind the clouds, while the earth gets quiet, as if there’s a sense of harmonizing solace. No less, it’s common for some to be in confusion regarding the deeper meaning of such a time, but in Islam, it is a genuine sign from Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned to the Ummah about turning to Allah to talk with, to pray with, and to do Salat al-Kusuf. In fact, it gets to be a special prayer for reasons, as it occurs during an eclipse. As Muslims continue to observe celestial phenomena from all over the world, the eclipse prayer remains one of the most omnipotent expressions of humility and remembrance.
This detailed guide was made just for the Quran Class, the best place to learn about Islam and the Quran. No less, it includes a Quran Recitation Course from professional Islamic experts.
For you see, it tells many individuals like you what Salat al-Kusuf is. As well as why it’s a crucial aspect in Islam. However, there will also be some explanation on how to do it step-wise, and of course, the spiritual concepts that go along with it.
What is Salat al-Kusuf?
For starters, Muslims pray Salat al-Kusuf during a moon shadowing phase at night. Hence, it is that moment when the undeniable presence of omnipotence is circulating throughout the world. Now, both prayers are part of the Prophet’s teachings and are called Sunnah Mu’akkadah. Furthermore, it stands as an important element within the religion.
Eclipses are not signs or superstitious events. To emphasize for the Ummah and the majority, there are signs from God that remind us that Allah takes charge of everything present. After all, it is when the doors of heaven open up from the after life when the lunar eclipse comes into the world.
The Prophet ﷺ said that the moon and sun are two of Allah’s signs. They don’t go away when someone dies or is born.”
Muslims pray during eclipses to avoid fear and doubt.
- Dhikr
- Duʿa
- Thinking about it
- Giving
All in all, it turns a natural event into a deeply spiritual one.
Why do Muslims pray during The Lunar eclipse?
Muslims believe that eclipses are times to think about themselves, not times to be superstitious.
1. A Reminder of Allah’s Strength
An eclipse shows that Allah has complete control over even the best thing He made, the sun.
2. A Call Back to Worship
As the eclipse began, the Prophet ﷺ told Muslims to pray quickly.
3. A Sign of the End of The World
The eclipse’s effects are similar to what was seen before the Last Hour: the sky got darker, strange cosmic movements happened, and there was sudden silence.
4. A Time to Ask for Forgiveness
The Prophet ﷺ told people to make more:
- du’a.
- Istighfar
- Reading
Thus, such indicators have the purpose of reminding all believers that life is short and temporary.
When is The Exact Ideal Time to Pray Salat al-Kusuf?
First things first, people only pray Salat al-Kusuf during the eclipse, from start to finish. On the other hand, this specific prayer time concludes as the eclipse ends.
People still say the prayer even if the clouds cover the sky and the eclipse is known to be happening.
The prayer isn’t written down afterward. As soon as the eclipse can be seen, Muslims should go to the masjid.
Salat al-Kusuf: A Compulsory Requirement
For one thing, scholars put Salat al-Kusuf within the classification of Sunnah Muʿakkadah. Simply put, it means it is a Sunnah that is often accepted by the primary population of the Ummah.
It is a better choice to pray with other people.
When assembly isn’t possible, people are allowed to pray alone.
In addition, the Prophet ﷺ led the public recitation, which made people think deeply.
How The Prophet Said the Eclipse Prayer
The eclipse prayer is different from other prayers because it has a unique structure.
- Two long standings make up each rakʿah.
- Two long bows.
- Two prostrations.
- There are four bowings in two rakʿahs, not just two.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Salat al-Kusuf
Remember this, the most real way according to the Sunnah begins like this:
- Before the prayer.
- No one calls the Adhan.
- There is no iqamah.
1. Preparation
Proceed with performing ablution if you haven’t done it. Make sure you have tidy and clean clothing without any impurity.
2. Intention
Stand with the intention to pray for the sake of Allah.
3. Start with Takbir al-Ihram
Say “Allahu Akbar” while raising both of your hands.
4. Recite Surah al-Fatiha
While you are in the standing position, slowly recite Surah Al-Fatiha.
5. Recite a Surah or Verses
After al-Fatiha, recite another Surah or verses from the Qur’an.
6. First Ruku’ as a Bow
Say “Allahu Akbar” and bow down, keeping your back straight, as you are positioned at head level with your back and your hands on your knees.
Then, say “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim”.
7. Now, Stand Up: Perform I’tidal
Then you get to stand up straight and say “Sami’ Allahu liman Hamidah, Rabbana lakal hamd”.
8. Your Second Sujood
Say “Allahu Akbar”, then go down to prostrate. But yes, you must place your forehead, nose, both palms, both knees, and toes as they touch the ground below.
Next, say “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” three times.
9. Sit Between Two Prostrations
Sit up straight, with the right leg bent and the left leg folded under.
Say “Rabbighfir li”.
10. Second Sujood
Repeat the second prostration as before.
11. Your Final Testimony
After completing the compulsory rak’ahs, sit and recite with your Tashahhud as you say “At-Tahiyyatu lillahi wa-as-salawatu wa at-tayyibat”.
12. Tasleem
Turn your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”.
The Prophetic Khutbah After the Prayer
After concluding the Salat al-Kusuf, our Prophet ﷺ gave a speech to his people.
First off, he encourages people to think and remember Allah with high resolve. Now, it can relate to:
- Give to charity.
- Ask for forgiveness.
- Say your du’a.
- Think about the Day of Judgment
- Make your obedience and taqwa stronger.
In brief, this particular khutbah reminds people that things that happen in heaven are meant to move the heart, wake up the soul, and change an individual’s character for the greater good.
Salat al-Kusuf: Important Spiritual Lessons It Tells
1. Being humble.
2. Life is fragile
3. The Afterlife Awareness
4. Faith Rebirth
5. Bringing the Islamic society back to life
As you proceed into the Quran Class, you can learn about Islamic beliefs and rituals.
After all, you already get to witness things. For you see, when you know the practical concepts regarding prayers like Salat al-Kusuf, by how it will help you get closer to Allah and make it easier for you to follow the Sunnah. Here, people can learn without any age restrictions.
- Tajweed
- Studies of Islam
- Du’a and Sunnah habits
- Advice from the prophets for daily life.
Now, the Quran Class connects people with expert-level teachers who can help learn more about Islamic rulings, Sunnah prayers, or Quran recitation. All in profound depth and knowledge.
Final Note
Salat al-Kusuf is not just like any other ritual. In fact, it’s a process that leads us to be deep in thought. As well as to understand things beyond our perception, how they happen in the world, which makes us think about our omnipotent Creator.
As the Muslim population prays, they get to remember the importance of the religion. As well as how it gives a sign of dedication in order to get closer to Allah when the sun goes down, or the moon is eclipsed. Hence, this prayer makes the heart softer, the spirit more humble, and helps the believer focus on the Hereafter. Moreover, if you also need to learn and remember the Quran with greater memory details, then you can try following our Quran Memorization Course.
On the whole, may Allah give us the strength to see His signs with open hearts and remember them with our tongues in the current world and the hereafter to come.
