On Wednesday 12 August 2026, there will be a solar eclipse that is expected to cause a partial solar eclipse of over 90% for us in Edgware. This is a rare event and one that is not expected to repeat for over a decade.
When a solar eclipse occurs, Muslims are recommended to perform a special congregational prayer called Salaat al-Kusoof.
There are many companions of the prophet (ﷺ) observed how he acted to this phenomenon during his lifetime. And from these narrations we understand that there are a variety of ways that the prayer can be performed.
Abu Bakra narrated that in the lifetime of the Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) the sun eclipsed and he went out dragging his clothes till he reached the Mosque. The people gathered around him and he led them and offered two rak’at. When the sun (eclipse) cleared, he said, “The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse because of the death of someone, and so when an eclipse occurs, pray and invoke Allah till the eclipse is over.” It happened that a son of the Prophet called Ibrahim died on that day and the people were talking about that (saying that the eclipse was caused by his death). [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.170]
Aisha narrated that on the day of a solar eclipse, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) stood up (to offer the eclipse prayer). He recited Takbeer, recited a long recitation (of Holy Verses), bowed a long bowing, and then he raised his head saying. “Allah hears him who sends his praises to Him.” Then he stayed standing, recited a long recitation again, but shorter than the former, bowed a long bowing, but shorter than the first, performed a long prostration and then performed the second rak’ah in the same way as he had done the first. By the time he had finished his prayer with tasleem, the solar eclipse had been over. Then he addressed the people referring to the solar and lunar eclipses saying, “These are two signs amongst the Signs of Allah, and they do not eclipse because of anyone’s death or life. So, if you see them, hasten for the Prayer.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 4.425]
Narrated ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Samurah: During the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) I was shooting some arrows when an eclipse of the sun took place. I, therefore, threw them (the arrows) away and said: I must see how the Messenger of Allah (saw) acts in a solar eclipse today. So, I came to him; he was standing (in prayer) raising his hands, glorifying Allah, praising Him, acknowledging that He is the only Deity, and making supplication till the sun was clear. He then recited two surahs and prayed two rak’ahs. [Sunan Abi Dawud, 1195]
Samurah bin Jundah narrated: “The Prophet (ﷺ) led us in prayer during an eclipse; we did not hear his voice.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 562]
An-Nu’man ibn Bashir narrated that there was an eclipse of the sun in the time of the Prophet (ﷺ). He began to pray a series of pairs of rak’ahs enquiring about the sun (at the end of them) till it became clear. [Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 1189]
In the case of an eclipse during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), it coincided with the death of his young son, Ibrahim. When people began saying the eclipse was caused by the child’s passing, the Prophet corrected them after the prayer.
This act of worship serves as a reminder of the power of Allah and an opportunity to turn to Him in prayer, remembrance, and supplication until the phenomenon passes.
The recitation in the prayer can be done aloud or silently, depending on the time of day and the scholarly opinion followed, as some linked it to the Eid prayer or the Prayer for rain, which are done loudly, but others to linked it to the prayers during the day time which are quiet. It is agreed that elongating the recitation, bowings, and prostrations is Sunnah.
Abdullah bin Amr narrated that when the sun eclipsed in the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and an announcement was made that the prayer was to be held in congregation. The Prophet performed two bowing in one rak’ah. Then he stood up and performed two bowing in one rak’ah. Then he sat down and finished the prayer; and by then the (eclipse) had cleared ‘Aisha said, “I had never performed such a long prostration.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.160]
The Imam can deliver a short sermon or reminder to the congregation following the completion of the prayer similar to the way that the prophet (s) clarified to the people that the eclipse does not occur for the death of anyone, or a similar topic. The imam may also decide to make supplications rather than a khutbah.
At Islamic Centre Colindale, Imam Zeyad will be leading the eclipse prayer with loud recitation, followed by a rukoo. After that he will rise and recite again, followed by a rukoo and 2 sujood. He will then recite and perform a rukoo before arising and reciting again. Thereafter he will recite, perform rukoo, 2 sujood and finish with tashahud and tasleem. This will be followed by a short khutbah.
At Islamic Centre Edgware, Imam Abdullah will be supplicating after Asr Salaah for the duration of the eclipse.