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Solar eclipse in the UK on Thursday 10 June 2021

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Solar eclipse in the UK on Thursday 10 June 2021

Question

According to media reports, there is a partial solar eclipse tomorrow (10 June 2021) morning wherein observers in the UK are expected to see a crescent sun. In Manchester, the partial eclipse will begin at 10.07am, with the maximum eclipse at 11.14am and thereafter end at 12.26pm. The extent of the eclipse varies according to location. Please advise whether there should be a congregational Ṣalāh in the Masjids and provide any other guidance in this regard.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Answer

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, the sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death. So, whenever you see them [eclipsing], perform Ṣalāh and supplicate until the eclipse is over” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1040). The Prophet ﷺ also said: “O people, indeed the sun and the moon are two signs from the signs of Allah, so when either of them eclipses, rush to the Masjids.” (Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah, 8299; Musnad Aḥmad, 6843; Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān, 2829).

Therefore, if the partial eclipse is visible or noticeable, for example, via reduction in daylight, Ṣalāt al-Kusūf (the 2 rakʿat Ṣalāh of the solar eclipse) should be performed in Masjids in congregation. This is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. However, if in a particular area, the partial eclipse is not visible or noticeable at all, for example due to clouds and no noticeable reduction in daylight, Ṣalāt al-Kusūf will not be performed.

We have previously issued various guidance in relation to the eclipse, the links are outlined at the end of this answer. Some relevant and practical points include:

  1. The congregational Ṣalāt al-Kusūf can be organised for 10.30am or 10.45am (subject to visibility) and people can be requested to come to the Masjid as soon as the eclipse begins.
  2. The Ṣalāh should ideally continue until it is observed or noticed that the eclipse has finished. If this is not possible, then the congregation should be requested to engage in the remembrance of Allah and supplications after Ṣalāh.
  3. There is no Adhān or Iqāmah for Ṣalāt al-Kusūf. An announcement can be made that the Ṣalāh is about to begin or similar. 
  4. There is only one congregational Ṣalāt al-Kusūf comprising of two rakʿat. However, if a person wishes to perform additional Nafl Ṣalāh individually, this is permissible.
  5. There is no Khuṭbah (sermon) for Ṣalāt al-Kusūf. However, the Imam can briefly explain the Islamic perspective regarding the eclipse and remove any misconceptions after the Ṣalāh, similar to the clarification provided by the Prophet ﷺ after Ṣalāh. Speeches should be avoided before the Ṣalāh.
  6. It is preferred that the recitation in the Ṣalāt al-Kusūf is audible, enabling the people to stand for longer and maintain focus. It is also permissible to recite quietly.   
  7. When an eclipse occurs, the following actions are recommended: (a) Ṣalāh in congregation in a Masjid and lengthening the prostration therein. (b) Giving charity. (c) Seeking Allah’s protection from the punishment of the grave and Hell-fire. (d) Freeing slaves. (e) Remembrance of Allah (in particular tasbīḥ and takbīr). (f) Supplicating to Allah. (g) Seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
  8. If a person is unable to attend the Masjid due to Covid-19 symptoms or another reason, he should attempt to perform two rakʿat Ṣalāh individually or in congregation with family members at home and engage in the remembrance of Allah.

For further information about the eclipse, visit the following links:

Allah knows best

Yusuf Shabbir

28 Shawwāl 1442 / 9 June 2021

Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir

This answer was collected from IslamicPortal.co.uk, which is a repository of Islamic Q&A, articles, books, and resources. Various schools write and oversee the answers, including Maulana Yusuf Shabbir, Mufti Shabbir Ahmed, and Mufti Muhammad Tahir. 

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