Ruling on Salat al-Kusūf (Solar Eclipse Prayer) and Salat al-Khusūf (Lunar Eclipse Prayer) – Sunnah or Wājib?
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
What is the ruling on Salat al-Kusūf (prayer during a solar eclipse) and Salat al-Khusūf (prayer during a lunar eclipse)?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd:
The majority of scholars hold that Salat al-Kusūf and Salat al-Khusūf are Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a highly emphasised Sunnah — not wājib.
Some scholars consider this prayer to be individually obligatory (wājib ʿayn) or at least a communal obligation (wājib kifāyah).
Their evidences include:
“Is there any prayer upon me other than the five daily prayers?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“No, except that you may offer voluntary prayers.”
According to the stronger view, Salat al-Kusūf and Salat al-Khusūf are wājib ʿayn or at the very least wājib kifāyah.
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
Question
What is the ruling on Salat al-Kusūf (prayer during a solar eclipse) and Salat al-Khusūf (prayer during a lunar eclipse)?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd:
View of the Majority
The majority of scholars hold that Salat al-Kusūf and Salat al-Khusūf are Sunnah Mu’akkadah — a highly emphasised Sunnah — not wājib.
- The Prophet ﷺ commanded this prayer and performed it himself with deep concern and unease.
- He prayed it with exceptional length and focus compared to other prayers, showing its importance and significance.
View of Some Scholars
Some scholars consider this prayer to be individually obligatory (wājib ʿayn) or at least a communal obligation (wājib kifāyah).
Their evidences include:
- The Prophet’s ﷺ explicit command to perform it, and a command in Sharī‘ah generally indicates obligation.
- Numerous other indications in the Sunnah highlighting its importance.
- Eclipses occur as a warning and potential sign of Allah’s punishment, possibly due to sins.
- Therefore, it is obligatory for the servants of Allah to turn to Him with fear and humility, seeking protection from His anger.
Preferred and Stronger Opinion
- Based on both textual and rational evidence, the opinion that this prayer is wājib is stronger.
- At the very least, it is a farḍ kifāyah (communal obligation).
- The majority’s view that it is not wājib lacks a clear, decisive proof — except for one ḥadīth in which a man asked the Prophet ﷺ:
“Is there any prayer upon me other than the five daily prayers?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“No, except that you may offer voluntary prayers.”
Clarification of the Ḥadīth
- This ḥadīth negates any prayer other than the five being obligatory as part of the fixed daily schedule.
- It does not include prayers made obligatory due to specific circumstances, such as Salat al-Kusūf or Salat al-Khusūf.
- Therefore, when the cause for such a prayer exists, its obligation is valid.
Conclusion
According to the stronger view, Salat al-Kusūf and Salat al-Khusūf are wājib ʿayn or at the very least wājib kifāyah.
