Prayer TimesThe prayer performed during a solar eclipse is called kusuf, while the prayer for a lunar eclipse is called khusuf.
If a solar eclipse occurs in a country, the local imam leads a two-unit prayer in congregation, recited aloud, without the call to prayer (adhan) or the commencement call (iqamah). The Prophet (ﷺ), when a solar eclipse happened, stood for a long time in prayer and said:
“These phenomena are signs that show the greatness of Allah. Allah uses such events to instill awe in His servants. When you witness something like this, pray as if it is your last obligatory prayer.” [1]
Regarding the sun and the moon, Allah the Almighty says:
“Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or the moon, but prostrate to Allah who created them, if it is Him you worship.” [2]
The command to “prostrate” in this verse is understood by scholars to mean performing prayer when the sun or moon is eclipsed. It is preferable to perform this prayer in a large mosque, but it can also be performed elsewhere. After the prayer, the imam sits facing the congregation and makes supplication until the eclipse ends, and the congregation responds with “Amin.”
[1] Bukhari, Kusuf, 1, 17
[2] Fussilat, 41/37.
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.