Islamic Fiqh > Prayer > The eclipse prayer (salat al-kusuf)
The prayer for the solar or lunar eclipse: the form reported from the Prophet, its status per the schools, and the meaning of this sign.
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Updated on 31 August 2026 at 3:55 AM
The sun or the moon is eclipsed: the community answers with a special prayer, the salat al-kusuf. The complete form reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is described by Ibn 'Abbas: a long standing, close to the length of Surah al-Baqarah, a long bowing, a rising, a second standing, a second bowing, then the prostration; then a second rak'a on the same model (reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The schools differ on the degree of perfection, not on validity: the eclipse prayer is performed in two rak'as. The Hanafis rely on Abu Bakra: the sun was eclipsed in the Prophet's lifetime, he went out dragging his garment to the mosque, the people hurried to him, and he prayed with them two rak'as, as usual (al-Bukhari 1014; in another version: two rak'as, as they pray, reported by an-Nasa'i). Whoever prays it simply in two rak'as therefore has a valid prayer, but leaves aside the most complete model.
Abu Hanifa, Malik and Ash-Shafi'i hold the recitation silent in the solar eclipse: it is a daytime prayer, like dhuhr, and traditions report that the Prophet's recitation was not heard that day.
The prayer's time follows the eclipse itself: when the phenomenon ends, the occasion has passed. Whoever did not pray it turns to supplication and forgiveness, with no imposed makeup.
No invented customs: no noise, no objects, no mourning. The eclipse is a reminder calling for prayer, supplication and charity, until Allah lifts the sign.