When the sun is eclipsed, the Prophet ﷺ instructed us to “pray and invoke Allah until the eclipse is over.”
Salatul Kusuf - the solar eclipse prayer - is a beautiful, reflective act that turns a rare celestial event into worship and remembrance. Below is a concise guide on how to pray Salatul Kusuf, drawn from authentic guidance and presented step-by-step.
What Is Salatul Kusuf? (Solar Eclipse Prayer)
Salatul Kusuf is a forgotten sunnah prayer performed during a solar eclipse. It is offered to remember Allah’s power and submit to His will, not to mark anyone’s birth or death. In fact, the Prophet ﷺ explicitly taught that the sun and moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death; rather, they are signs of Allah that call us to salah and dua until the eclipse clears.
“The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death. So whenever you see these eclipses, pray and invoke Allah until the eclipse is over.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Key Rulings at a Glance (Quick Reference)
- Status: Sunnah, not fard (obligatory).
- Where: In congregation at the masjid is the norm for Salatul Kusuf.
- If you cannot attend (e.g., at work), pray two rak‘ahs individually or with colleagues, and engage in dhikr.
- Women may pray at home and remember Allah there.
- Adhan/Iqamah: No adhan and no iqamah. An announcement may be made to inform people.
- Khutbah: No khutbah for the eclipse prayer.
- Visibility condition (partial eclipses): The eclipse must be visible/noticeable (e.g., reduced daylight). If it is not noticeable at all (heavy cloud cover with no change in daylight), the congregational Kusuf prayer is not performed.
- Purpose: Heightened remembrance, reflection, and supplication until the sun reappears fully.
- Dua after the prayer: After completing the two rak‘ahs, the imam should make dua.
When to Pray Salatul Kusuf (Timing)
- Begin when the eclipse starts and continue until it ends.
- The guidance is to pray and make dua during the event - maintaining focus, humility, and reverence - until the sun fully appears again.
Where to Pray Salatul Kusuf (Location & Participation)
- Masjid in congregation is the preferred setting for Salatul Kusuf.
- If you are unable to reach a masjid, pray two rak‘ahs where you are (home, work, campus) and remember Allah.
- Women can fully participate.
“We were with Allah’s Messenger ﷺ when the sun eclipsed. The Prophet ﷺ stood up dragging his cloak till he entered the masjid. He led us in a two rak‘ah prayer till the sun (eclipse) had cleared.”
How to Pray Salatul Kusuf - Step‑by‑Step
This step‑by‑step keeps to the essentials found in the sources above so you can act with confidence during the eclipse.
- Make your intention (niyyah) for Salatul Kusuf.
- Gather for prayer if you’re in a masjid. There is no adhan or iqamah, but an announcement may be made to inform worshippers when it will begin.
- The imam leads the congregation in two rak‘ahs (as in other voluntary prayers).
- Prolong the recitation, bowing (ruku‘), and prostration (sujood) - this is from the sunnah for the eclipse prayer.
- Complete the two rak‘ahs and finish with taslim.
- Continue dua and remembrance of Allah thereafter, keeping hearts attentive until the sun fully appears.
Note on recitation: There is a valid difference of opinion on whether to recite audibly or quietly. Follow your imam or local practice.
Sunnahs & Etiquette of Salatul Kusuf (Best Practice)
- No Khutbah: There is no sermon for the eclipse prayer.
- Lengthen the prayer: Recitation, ruku‘, and sujood are prolonged to match the solemnity of the moment.
- Dua after the prayer: After completing the two rak‘ahs, the imam should make dua.
- If you cannot attend the masjid: Offer two rak‘ahs where you are - individually or in a small group - and fill the time with dhikr and dua.
What to Do After the Prayer (Dua & Congregational Response)
After completing Salatul Kusuf, it is recommended for the imam to supplicate (make dua).
- He may sit facing the Qiblah, or stand facing the congregation - standing and facing the people is preferred.
- The congregation should continue saying “Amin” to the dua until the sun fully appears and the eclipse is over.
Women & Salatul Kusuf (Practical Guidance)
- Women can perform Salatul Kusuf from home and should engage in the remembrance of Allah throughout the eclipse.
- If attending a masjid is not feasible or not offered locally, praying at home is fully valid and rewarded, in line with the objectives of the prayer.
The Spirit of the Prayer (Why We Pray)
- The eclipse prayer is not a ritual linked to the life or death of any person.
- Its aim is humble submission: to recognise Allah’s power and to seek Him through salah, dhikr, and dua in moments that remind us of our dependence on Him.
FAQs
What about Partial Eclipses (When Is It Performed?)
- If the partial eclipse is visible or noticeable (e.g., daylight is reduced or part of the sun is evidently covered), Salatul Kusuf should be performed in masjids in congregation.
- If the eclipse is not visible/noticeable at all (for example, due to thick cloud cover with no reduction in daylight), the congregational prayer is not performed.
Salatul Kusuf vs. Salatul Khusuf (Solar vs. Lunar Eclipse Prayers)
- Salatul Kusuf (Solar):
- Sunnah prayer of two rak‘ahs.
- Performed in congregation at the masjid.
- No adhan, no iqamah, and no khutbah; an announcement may be made.
- Dua is made after the prayer; the imam may stand facing the people while the congregation responds “Amin” until the sun fully appears.
- Salatul Khusuf (Lunar):
- Can be prayed at home or in the mosque.
- The sunnah is to pray it individually.
- Purpose is likewise to remember Allah’s power and submit to His will.
Is Salatul Kusuf obligatory?
No. It is sunnah, not fard.
Is there an adhan or iqamah for Salatul Kusuf?
No. There is no adhan and no iqamah, but a general announcement can be made to let people know when it will start.
Is there a khutbah (sermon)?
No khutbah for the eclipse prayer.
How long should the prayer be?
It is two rak‘ahs, and it is sunnah to lengthen the recitation, ruku‘, and sujood as an expression of humility and reflection.
Should the recitation be loud or quiet?
There is a difference of opinion. Follow your imam or local masjid’s practice.
What if I miss the congregational prayer?
Pray two rak‘ahs where you are and engage in remembrance and dua until the eclipse ends.
Can women pray Salatul Kusuf at home?
Yes. Women can pray at home and remember Allah there during the eclipse.
May Allah accept your prayer and make every sign of His creation an opportunity for worship and reflection.
