What to do upon an eclipse - Salatul Kusoof

The following has been compiled by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shoyaib Nurgat Sahib (DB) and this article is also available on the Masjid e Umer website.

There will be a partial solar eclipse on Tuesday 4th January 2011, Insha-Allah. In UK, the eclipse will start before sunrise (07:01 GMT) and will be seen from the eastern horizon just after 08:00 GMT. It will continue until 09:34 GMT. Below are some details as regards to Solar/Lunar Eclipse:

Hadhrat Nu'maan Ibn Bashir (Radhiyallahu unhu) narrates that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said: The people of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) used to say that the solar and lunar eclipse takes place upon the death of a great person. (Mishkaat pg. 131 - Qadimi). Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam corrected this misconception and said: Solar and lunar eclipse does not take place upon the life or death of any person, but they (solar and lunar eclipse) are creations from His creation. Allah Ta'ala changes in His creation whatever He wishes. So whichever of the two (sun or moon) eclipse, perform Salah until it (sun or moon) brightens up, or Allah Ta'ala brings forth a big matter (Qiyaamah). (Ibid.)

Hadhrat Abu Bakra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates: We were with Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam, and then the sun eclipsed. Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam got up dragging his clothes until he entered the Musjid so we also entered. Then Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam performed two Rakaats of Salah with us until the sun revealed itself. Then Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam said, 'Verily, the sun and moon do not eclipse due to the death of anyone, so when you seen an eclipse (solar or lunar), then perform Salaat and make Du'aa until the eclipse ends. (Bukhari pg.205; Darus salaam)

When Solar or Lunar Eclipse takes place What should one do?
1) It should be regarded as a manifestation of Allah Ta'ala's power.
2) Ponder upon the Greatness and Majesty of Allah Ta'ala.
3) Fear Qiyaamah (the Day of Judgement) being imminent and make Tauba (repent for one's sins).

4) It is Sunnah to offer 2 Rak’aat Salah during a solar eclipse.
 Salaatul Kusuf has to be performed in congregation on the condition it is led by the Imam of the Jumu’ah Salah. It is also permissible for the Imam of every Musjid to perform this Salah in his Musjid.
 The Qiraat should be made silently; however, it is also permissible to make it audibly.
 There is no Azaan or Iqaamah for Salaatul Kusuf.
 It is Sunnah to lengthen the Recitation in both the Rak’aats and to lengthen the Ruku and Sajdah.
 In each Rak’aat there is only 1 Ruku and 2 Sajdahs (like in a normal Salah)
 After the Salah, the Imam should occupy himself in Dua and the Muqtadi’s (those performing Salah behind him) should say Aameen. This should continue till the eclipse disappears. However, if the time of the next Salah settles in, then the Dua should be stopped and the Salah should be performed.
 Care should be taken that this Salah should not be performed in the Makrooh Times.
 If the Imam does not attend this Salah, the masses should perform their Salah individually.
(Bahishti Zewar vol.1 pg 222)

5) It is sunnah to offer 2 Rak’aat Salaah during the Lunar Eclipse. Salaatul Khusoof.
 For Salaatul Khusoof congregation is not Sunnah.
 People should perform this Salah individually in their homes.