Salat al-Kusuf is a confirmed Sunnah (highly recommended prayer) performed during a solar eclipse. It was established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who, upon witnessing an eclipse, hurried to the mosque, led the prayer, and taught his companions that eclipses are signs from Allah meant to remind us to turn back to Him, not omens linked to births or deaths.
This prayer is meant to evoke humility, repentance, and remembrance of Allah.
On the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025, Muslims around the world witnessed one of Allah’s great signs, the solar eclipse. For many of us, it was not just a rare astronomical event but also a deeply spiritual reminder.
The eclipse began shortly after 8:20 p.m. and lasted until almost midnight. During those hours, mosques and homes became places of prayer and reflection as Muslims gathered to observe Salat al-Kusuf (the Eclipse Prayer), following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Throughout Nigeria and beyond, many families performed the two-rak‘ah prayer with the double bowing in each rak‘ah, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ. In some mosques, Imams led the prayer in congregation, reciting long portions of the Qur’an, while others prayed at home with their families.
After the prayer, believers engaged in du‘a, dhikr, and charity, remembering that the eclipse is not a sign of death, bad luck, or superstition, but a reminder of Allah’s greatness. As the Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ آيَتَانِ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ، لَا يَنْكَسِفَانِ لِمَوْتِ أَحَدٍ وَلَا لِحَيَاتِهِ، فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُوهُمَا فَادْعُوا اللَّهَ وَصَلُّوا حَتَّى يَنْجَلِيَ
“The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. When you see them, call upon Allah and pray until it is over.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)
How to Perform Salat al-Kusuf
Among the many forms of worship in Islam, Salat al-Kusuf (the Eclipse Prayer) is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring. Unlike the five daily prayers that Muslims are accustomed to, Salat al-Kusuf carries a special structure and meaning. It is offered at the time of a solar eclipse, reminding believers of Allah’s greatness and power over creation.
Although it consists of only two rak‘ahs, the prayer is distinct because each rak‘ah contains two recitations, two bowings (ruku‘), and two prostrations (sujood). This makes it unlike the regular prayer and adds to its solemn and reflective nature.
The prayer begins with niyyah (intention). A Muslim silently makes the intention in the heart, with full awareness that they are performing Salat al-Kusuf. Unlike other prayers, there is no adhan or iqamah. The Imam or individual simply begins with the opening takbir: Allahu Akbar.
In the first rak‘ah, the worshiper recites Surah Al-Fatiha followed by a long surah, such as Surah Al-Baqarah or any other lengthy passage. Then comes a long bowing (ruku‘), during which one glorifies Allah with deep humility. Rising from the ruku‘, the recitation continues, again beginning with Al-Fatiha, but this time followed by a shorter surah than the first. Another bowing is performed, slightly shorter than the first, and then two lengthy prostrations follow.
The second rak‘ah mirrors the first. Al-Fatiha is recited, followed by another surah, though shorter than the ones recited earlier. A long bowing is made, then another recitation of Al-Fatiha with a shorter surah, followed by a second bowing. Two sujood are performed before sitting for the final tashahhud. The prayer concludes with the tasleem, turning the head to the right and left, saying As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.
After the prayer, it is Sunnah for the Imam to deliver a brief reminder. The message often emphasizes giving in charity, seeking forgiveness, remembering Allah, and making du‘a. This is because the eclipse is not an ordinary occurrence; it is one of Allah’s signs, meant to awaken hearts and minds to His greatness.
Thus, Salat al-Kusuf is not only a physical act of worship but also a spiritual experience. It brings Muslims together in humility, reflection, and submission to the Creator, reminding them that even the sun and the moon mighty as they appear are under Allah’s command.