"There was an eclipse of the sun and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered a man to call out: As-salatu jami'ah (prayer is about to begin in congregation). The people gathered and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) led them in prayer. He said the takbir, then he recited at length. Then he said the takbir and bowed for a long time, as long as he had recited or longer. Then he raised his head and said: Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him) Then he recited at length, but it was shorter than the first time, then he said the takbir and bowed for a long time, but it was shorter than the first time. Then he raised his head and said: 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him). Then he said the takbir and prostrated for a long time, as long as he had bowed or longer. Then he said the takbir and raised his head, then he said the takbir and prostrated. Then he said the takbir and stood up, and recited for a long time that was shorter than the first time. Then he said the takbir and bowed for a long time that was shorter than the first time. Then he raised his head and said: Sami' Allahu liman hamidah. (Allah hears those who praise Him). Then he recited for a long time that was shorter than the first recitation in the second standing. Then he said the takbir and bowed for a long time that was shorter than the first time. Then he raised his head and said: Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him). Then he said the takbir and prostrated for a long time that was shorter than the first time. Then he recited the tashahhud, then he said the taslim. Then he stood before them and praised and glorified Allah, then he said: 'The sun and the moon do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone, but they are two of the signs of Allah (SWT). Whichever of them becomes eclipsed, turn to Allah (SWT), the Mighty and Sublime, and pray.'"
Narrated by It was narrated that Aishah said:
Context
During an eclipse of the sun, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gathered the people for a congregational prayer. He led them in a lengthy prayer, emphasizing the importance of turning to Allah during such signs. The Prophet's actions highlighted the significance of prayer as a means of seeking refuge and guidance from Allah in times of natural phenomena, reminding the community of their faith.
Modern Application
In today's world, we can apply this hadith by ensuring we turn to prayer during moments of uncertainty or fear. Whether it’s a personal crisis or a natural event, seeking solace through prayer can help us find peace and clarity.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer because it emphasizes the importance of congregational prayer during significant events like an eclipse.
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostate to Allah, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.
And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms. Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage so they could come down upon you in one [single] attack. But there is no blame upon you, if you are troubled by rain or are ill, for putting down your arms, but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.