The Sunnah Method of Performing the Prayer of Fear and the Eclipse Prayer

This article is derived from the book "Salah Mustafa ﷺ" authored by the esteemed Abu Hamza Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi.

✿ Salah al-Khawf (Prayer of Fear)​

The prayer performed during a state of fear, such as on the battlefield or during warfare, is known as "Salah al-Khawf."
Depending on the situation with the enemy, this prayer is legislated with various methods, all of which are detailed in the books of Hadith.

✿ Salah of Eclipse (Kusuf or Khusuf)​

On the occasion of a solar or lunar eclipse, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed two Rak'ahs of prayer, with:
✔ Two bowings (Rukus) in each Rak'ah,
✔ Recitation after the first Ruku' in each Rak'ah,
✔ Prostrations following the second Ruku',
✔ A sermon (Khutbah) delivered to the people after completing the prayer.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 1052 – Sahih Muslim, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 2109)

According to the narration of Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
✔ Three bowings (Rukus) in each Rak'ah are mentioned.
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 2100)

According to the narration of Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas رضي الله عنهما:

✔ Four bowings (Rukus) in each Rak'ah are mentioned.
(Sahih Muslim, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 2112)

✿ Important Rulings​

➊ To gather the people for the Eclipse Prayer, it is announced: ((الصلاة جامعة)).
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 1045 – Sahih Muslim, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 2113)

➋ The Eclipse Prayer is performed in congregation and with audible (loud) recitation.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 1065 – Sahih Muslim, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 2096)

➌ During an eclipse, it is recommended to engage in the remembrance of Allah, His glorification (Takbir), and giving charity.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 1044 – Sahih Muslim, Book of Eclipse Prayer, Hadith no. 2096)