Lunar Eclipse
On Thursday, June 21, 2001, there will be a lunar eclipse. Lunar eclipse is
when the earth is directly between the sun and the moon, and the earth’s
shadow blots out the light of the sun resulting in the darkness of the moon,
which shines through the reflected light of the sun.
No’maan ibn Bashir (Radhiyallahu unhu) narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu
alayhi wa Sallam 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 Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam
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 Salaah until it (sun or moon) brightens up, or Allah Ta’ala brings
forth a big matter (Qiyaamah). (Ibid.)
When solar or lunar eclipse takes place,
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).
Masaa-il pertaining to Salaatul Kusoof (Salaah of Lunar eclipse)
1) It is Mustahab (desirable) to perform Salaatul Kusoof.
2) Salaatul Kusoof is performed individually.
3) Salaatul Kusoof may be performed in two rakaats or four rakaats, with one
salaam or two salaams. (Raddul Mukhtaar Vol. 2 Pg. 182, H. M. Saeed)
4) One should engage in Ibaadah throughout the eclipse by either performing
lengthy Salaah with long Ruku and Sajdah, or by making Dua, or by both
Salaah and Dua. (Hidayah Vol. 1 pg. 176 – Multan)
5) In Salaatul Kusoof one should recite Surahs wherein Allah Ta’ala
describes the Day of Qiyaamah (ibid.)
E. Desai
Fatwa Department, Madrasah In’aamiyah, Camperdown