Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse

On Friday 27th July 2018 a lunar eclipse is going to occur. In the UK, the eclipse will begin before Maghrib and last until 12:28am; the total eclipse being from 9:21pm until 10:13pm. To understand the Islamic viewpoint of an eclipse and what to do when it occurs, please read the following article.

Sayyidunā Abū Bakrah radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates: “We were with Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam when the sun eclipsed. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam stood up dragging his cloak (1) till he entered the masjid. We also entered. He sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam led us in a two raka’āt salāh till the eclipse cleared. Then the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, ‘The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of anyone’s death. (2) So whenever you see these (eclipses), perform salāh and make du’ā until the eclipse is cleared.’” (Al-Bukhārī)

Sayyidah Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā relates: “The sun eclipsed during the time of Rasulullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam… The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, ‘The sun and the moon are signs from the signs of Allāh; they do not eclipse because of anyone’s death or life.’” (Al-Bukhārī)

1 This indicated urgency.

2 Prior to the advent of Islām, it was a widely held belief in Arab society that an eclipse would occur upon the death of a great personality. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam had a son named Ibrāhīm radhiyallāhu ‘anhu who passed away in infancy, on the same day as a solar eclipse. The Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam dispelled this false notion.

*** WHAT TO DO AT THE TIME OF A LUNAR ECLIPSE ***

…So whenever you see these (eclipses), offer salāh and make du‘ā till the eclipse has cleared. (Al-Bukhārī)

…So when you see the eclipse, make du’ā to Allāh and say takbīr, perform salāh and give sadaqah… (Al-Bukhārī)

…He (the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) went to the Masjid (on the occasion of solar eclipse) and offered the salāh with the longest qiyām, rukū‘ and sujūd that I had ever seen him doing. (Al-Bukhārī)

From the ahādīth above we learn that we should engage in:

1) salāh;

2) du‘ā;

3) rememberance of Allāh ta‘ālā; and

4) give charity in causes that bring the Pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā.

Mas’alah: Two raka’āt salāh are Sunnah at the time of a lunar eclipse. However, congregation is not Sunnah for this salāh. The people should offer this salāh individually and engage in du‘ā and the rememberance of Allāh ta‘ālā.

Mas’alah: If whilst engaged in salāh or du‘ā the time for a fard salāh commences, then one should conclude and perform the fard salāh.

Note: During such occasions we must not remain neglectful. Many people are more keen to witness the eclipse, rather than following the teachings of our beloved Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.

May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to turn to Him during such moments according to the teachings of our beloved Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.