27th Jumādal Ulā 1436 AH ~ Tuesday 17th March 2015
SOLAR ECLIPSE
by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
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 cloak1 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)
1 This indicated urgency.
2 Prior to the advent of Islām, it was a widely held belief in Arab society that 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 SOLAR 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) spend in causes that bring the Pleasure of Allāh ta‘ālā.
It is sunnah to perform two raka’āt salāh with congregation which is to be led by the imām of jumu‘ah salāh or any imām of the masjid. It is sunnah to perform this salāh with qiyām, rukū‘ and sujūd that are long.
After the salāh the congregation should engage in du‘ā which should last until the eclipse clears.
Mas’alah: Adhān or iqāmah will not be called for this salāh. Announcements can be made to gather the people.
Mas’alah: If whilst engaged in du‘ā the time for a fard salāh commences, then du‘ā should be concluded and fard salāh should be performed.
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 Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.
May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to turn to Him during such moments in light of the teachings of our Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.
© Islāmic Da’wah Academy
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