Kusuf and Khusuf (Solar and Lunar Eclipse)

Salat ul-Kusuf is a prayer consisting of two rakaah performed during a solar eclipse. Salat ul-Khusuf is a two rakaah prayer performed during a lunar eclipse.

Muslims recognize that everything in the heavens and on earth is created and sustained by the Lord of the universe, Allah Almighty. Throughout the Qur'an, people are encouraged to look around them, observe and reflect on the beauties and wonders of the natural world - as signs of Allah's majesty.

"Allah is He, who created the sun, the moon, and the stars -- (all) governed by laws under His commandment." Qur'an 7:54

"It is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon. All (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its orbit." Qur'an 21:33

"The sun and the moon follow courses exactly computed." Qur'an 55:05

In remembrance and gratefulness for all of His favors, Muslims all over the world bow down in prayer five times each day. At a time of a solar or lunar eclipse, there is a recommended prayer (salatul-kusuf) that is performed by the Muslim community in congregation.

Khusuf  (Lunar Eclipse) Salah (Prayers) is a Nafil (Extra Obligatory) Salah (Prayers). It is offered at the time of a lunar eclipse. Khusuf Salah is offered only in the areas of lunar eclipse. Two or four Rak'ah (Units) of Khusuf Salah are offered in a Jama'ah (Group). Neither Adhan (Call for Prayers) nor Iqamah (Second Call for Prayers) is called for Khusuf Salah. Recitation of the Quran during Khusuf Salah can be done either silently or loudly.

During the time of the prophet, a solar eclipse happened. People hurried to link this to a worldly event, namely, the death of the prophet’s son, Ibrahim. The prophet explained the truth of this matter to them. In his Sahih, Imam Muslim reported that `A'ishah said: There was a solar eclipse in the time of the Prophet Muhammad. He stood up to pray and prolonged his standing very much. He then bowed and prolonged very much his bowing. He then raised his head and prolonged his standing much, but it was less than the (duration) of the first standing. He then bowed and prolonged bowing much, but it was less than the duration of his first bowing. He then prostrated and then stood up and prolonged the standing, but it was less than the first standing. He then bowed and prolonged his bowing, but it was less than the first bowing. He then lifted his head and then stood up and prolonged his standing, but it was less than the first standing. He then bowed and prolonged bowing and it was less than the first bowing. He then prostrated himself; then he turned about, and the sun had become bright, and he addressed the people.

He praised Allah and lauded Him and said: “The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed on account of anyone's death or on account of anyone's birth. So when you see them, glorify and supplicate Allah, observe the Prayer, give alms. O Ummah of Muhammad, none is more indignant than Allah when His servant or maid commits fornication. O people of Muhammad, by Allah, if you knew what I know, you would weep much and laugh little. O Allah, witness, I informed them.”