Congregational Prayer During Solar Eclipse (Salat Al-Kusuf) | Sidi Quran Hodge
Channel: Muslim Community Center - MCC East Bay
Date: 2024-04-09

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"The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah... If you see anything happen to them, then pray and call upon Allah until you are relieved of that (the eclipse)." (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (PBUH) would engage in worship in the masjid during this unique event.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse in 2024 will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

Sidi Quran Hodge leads us in four cycles of congregational solar eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusoof).

When the sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allah, he rushed nervously to the mosque, dragging his cloak behind him and leading the people in prayer.

He told them that the eclipse was one of the signs of Allah, with which Allah makes His slaves afraid, and that it may be the cause of punishment coming upon the people.

He commanded them to do that which could prevent the punishment, so he commanded them to pray when an eclipse happens and to make du’aa’, seek His forgiveness, give charity, free slaves, and do other righteous deeds so that the punishment would go away and not befall the people.

“The sun and moon are two signs of Allah (ﷻ), 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.” - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

According to another Hadith: “Call on Allah and pray until [the eclipse] is over.”

Salat Al-Kusuf is a recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Muakkada). It is better to perform in congregation but can also be done individually. In Salatul Kusuf, there is no athan or iqama. It is two rakats. For how to perform this prayer, see here: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/6111/what-is-salat-al-kusuf-solar-eclipse-prayer

In addition, it can be one long prayer until the eclipse is finished, or it can be done in multiple prayers throughout the eclipse.

Steps of Salatul Kusuf - The Solar Eclipse Prayer

1. Takbeerat Al-Ihram
2. Recite Fatiha and long surah
3. First Extended Ruku
4. Stand up from Ruku - Read Fatiha (optional) followed by long surah
5. Second Extended Ruku
6. Stand up from Ruku
7. Two Extended Sujoods
8. Stand up for 2nd Rakat and Repeat Steps 1-7
9. Salaam on both sides. If the eclipse is not finished, you may do an additional two rakats or more in the same format until it is complete.

This prayer service was held at the Muslim Community Center - East Bay in Pleasanton, California on April 8, 2024.

Qur'an Hodge is a Bay Area native. He began his Islamic education in 2019, studying Arabic at the Al Maqasid Seminary in Pennsylvania. Sidi Quran continued to Dar Al Mustafa, a Yemeni Islamic university in Tarim, Hadhramaut. At this Islamic seminary founded by Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Sidi Qur'an studied Ibtidaiyya, Hadith, Aqida, Seerah, Nahw, Quran Hifzdh, Kitaba, and Tafseer in classical Arabic. 

Sidi Quran has completed certificates in Taleef Collective's Refing the Core and Zaytuna College's Permaculture Program. He is passionate about creatively working on community issues, particularly the challenges Muslim youth face. He lives with his wife and child in Castro Valley.

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