How to Pray The Eclipse Prayer

Core Rules of the Prayer

• Sunnah Mu'akkadah: Highly recommended emphasized Sunnah prayer.
• Congregational: Ideally prayed together in congregation at the mosque, but can also be prayed individually at home.
• No Adhān or Iqāmah: Instead, the caller announces "As-Salātu Jāmi'ah" (Prayer is gathering).
• Unique Structure: Consists of 2 Rak'ahs, with 2 Quran recitations and 2 bowings (Rukū‘) per Rak'ah (total of 4 bowings in the prayer).
• Recited Aloud: The recitation is out loud, for a lunar eclipse at night and a solar eclipse in daylight alike.

When to Pray

The prayer begins as soon as the eclipse becomes visible and continues until the sun or moon returns to its normal clear state.

First Rak'ah (Part 1)

• Make Niyyah (intention) in your heart.
• Say Allāhu Akbar (Takbīrat al-Iḥrām).
• Recite Surah Al-Fātiḥah followed by a long Surah.
• Bow into a prolonged First Rukū‘.
• Rise saying Sami‘a Allāhu liman ḥamidah... Rabbanā wa lakal-ḥamd.

First Rak'ah (Part 2)

• Do NOT go into Sujūd yet. Remain standing.
• Recite Surah Al-Fātiḥah a second time, followed by another long Surah, shorter than the first.
• Bow into a prolonged Second Rukū‘.
• Rise from Rukū‘, then go into Sujūd: 2 prostrations, and these are prolonged too.

Second Rak'ah

Stand up for the 2nd Rak'ah and follow the same shape, with every part shorter than it was in the first:
• 1st Recitation (Al-Fātiḥah + Surah) → 1st Rukū‘ → Rise.
• 2nd Recitation (Al-Fātiḥah + Surah) → 2nd Rukū‘ → Rise.
• Perform 2 prostrations (Sujūd).

Tashahhud & Taslīm

Sit for the final Tashahhud, offer Salawat, make Dua, and finish the prayer with Taslīm (turning right and left).

What to Do After the Prayer

Following the prayer, the Imam or worshippers should engage in the following Sunnah practices:

• Short Khutbah (Sermon): The Imam delivers a brief reminder about God's power, repentance, and the Day of Judgment.
• Supplication & Dhikr: Increase personal Dua, glorify God, and ask for forgiveness.
• Give Charity (Ṣadaqah): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "So when you see the eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir, pray and give Sadaqa." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1044)

Manner & Mindset

Keep it quiet and serious. This is not an occasion for spectacle, and it is not a reason to be frightened either. The eclipse will pass, and the point of the prayer is where your attention goes while it does.