Firstly, a solar eclipse occurs when the light of the sun, or a portion of it, is obscured during the day due to the moon coming between the sun and the earth. It is a natural phenomenon that happens from time to time and has no connection to people’s actions, whether in obedience or disobedience. The Prophet, peace be upon him, addressed this in a narration by Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari, saying, “The sun eclipsed on the day Ibrahim, the son of the Prophet, died. The people said that the sun had eclipsed because of the death of Ibrahim. The Prophet said, ‘The sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e., birth) of anyone. So when you see them, invoke Allah and pray.'” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Secondly, there have been differences of opinion among the scholars concerning the eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) and its characteristics. The following is a detailed explanation of the various schools of thought:
1- Hanafi School: The Hanafi scholars hold the opinion that the eclipse prayer consists of two Rak’ahs (units of prayer), structured similarly to other congregational prayers like Eid, Friday (Jumu’ah), and voluntary prayers. However, there are no sermons, call to prayer (Adhan), or establishment of prayer (Iqamah) associated with it. Additionally, there is no repetition of the bowing (Ruku’) within each Rak’ah. Instead, there is a single bowing and two prostrations in each Rak’ah.
It is prayed in congregation according to us. If the Friday prayer imam does not attend, the people pray it individually, either two or four Rak’ahs, in their homes. There is a difference of opinion within the school regarding reciting aloud or silently, based on two narrations. The first narration supports reciting silently, as it is a daytime prayer; this is the narrated opinion from the imam. The second narration supports reciting aloud, as it is a special prayer; this is the narrated opinion from the two companions.
Moreover, according to us, it is prayed at any time except for the three prohibited times, and there is no sermon in it.
2- The majority opinion, which includes the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools of thought:
For them, the eclipse prayer is a distinct and specific prayer that is prayed in a specific way. It consists of two Rak’ahs, with each Rak’ah containing two units of standing, two recitations, two bowings (Ruku’), and two prostrations. The most complete practice is to recite in the first unit of standing after Al-Fatihah, Surah Al-Baqarah or its equivalent in length. In the second unit of standing, after Al-Fatihah, a portion shorter than Surah Al-Baqarah, approximately equivalent to two hundred verses, is recommended – for example, a portion of Surah Aal-E-Imran. In the third unit of standing, a portion shorter than the second is recited, about the length of Surah An-Nisa. In the fourth unit of standing, after Al-Fatihah, a portion equivalent in length to Surah Al-Ma’idah is recited. It is also recommended to prolong the bowing (Ruku’) and prostration (Sujood) similarly, without strictly adhering to the length of the recitation
This extent of recitation is agreed upon by the majority, although they differ in some details afterward. For example:
– The Hanbali school permits varying the number of bowings (Ruku’) to three, four, or five. They rely on other narrations that have been transmitted regarding this matter.
– The Maliki and Shafi’i schools say: The imam recites softly (in a low voice) in the eclipse prayer and recites aloud in the lunar eclipse prayer (Salat al-Khusuf), because the eclipse prayer is during the day while the lunar eclipse prayer is at night. On the other hand, the Hanbali school advocates reciting aloud in both cases.
– The majority, except the Shafi’i school, is of the opinion that the eclipse prayer should not be performed during the times of prohibition. The Shafi’i school, however, maintains that the eclipse prayer can be performed at any time because it is prayer based on a specific cause.
– The Hanafi and Hanbali schools are of the opinion that the eclipse prayer is a standalone prayer without a sermon (khutbah). The Maliki school holds that a sermon is not obligatory in it, although it’s recommended. The Shafi’i school, however, believes that a sermon is Sunnah, and two sermons are delivered similar to the sermons of Eid and Friday prayers.
The jurists have unanimously agreed that it is recommended to remember Allah, supplicate, seek forgiveness, give charity, and draw near to Allah in any way possible during the eclipse. This is based on the Prophet’s saying, “So when you see that, invoke Allah and magnify Him, and give in charity and pray.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
What we choose from this is the opinion of the Hanafi scholars, may Allah’s blessings be upon them.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr