SALAAT UL KHUSUF (THE ECLIPSE PRAYER)

My mother was expecting me when there was a solar eclipse and all my life I have heard all kinds of superstitions attached to the phenomenon of eclipse. This is how it looked near my house with my not so perfect camera. for a lovelier picture click on the yellow link below.

Here is what the Imam of one of the mosque’s here said:

It has been announced by NASA website, tonight Wednesday evening, February
20th, the full Moon over the Americas will turn a delightful shade of red and
possibly turquoise, too. It’s a total lunar eclipse—the last one until Dec.
2010.Maximum eclipse, and maximum beauty, occurs at 10:26 pm EST (7:26 pm PST).
A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through the shadow of Earth (taken
from Science@nasa.gov ).
And as Muslims, according to our prophet tradition, we are encouraged when we
hear about such phenomenon; to act as follows:
Ø Recognizing and acknowledging the power and the existence of our creator
(Allah is the creator of all things and he is over all things, disposer of
affairs) (Az zumar 62 )
Ø Pondering and reflecting on such manifestation [and among His Signs are the
night and the day, the sun and the moon. Prostrate neither to the sun nor to the
moon, but prostrate to Allah who created them, if it is truly Him you worship.]
(Fussilat 41: 37).
Ø Remembering of the Last Day, when the greatest and largest eclipse will
occur.
Ø Following the tradition of our beloved prophet regarding the event, he said
(peace and blessings be upon him) “The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah;
they are not eclipsed on account of anyone’s death or on account of anyone’s
birth. So when you see them, glorify and supplicate Allah, observe the Prayer,
give charity .”. Our noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that
when his infant son Ebrahim passed away.
Ø Taking advantage of this coming eclipse and gather your community to pray
SalatAl-Kusoof(The Eclipse Prayer) and take lessons from this great sing.

Rules of Salat Al-Kusoof (The Eclipse Prayer)
Most of our Islamic scholars consider eclipse Prayer as (Sunnah Muakkadah)
highly recommended. Imam Abu Hanifah said it is obligatory (wajib).
The Eclipse Prayer in general, consists of two rak`ahs. Each rak`ah has two
standings (qiyam), two instances of recitation from the Qur’an (qira’ah), two
bowings (ruku`), and two prostrations (sujud). This is the view of the majority
of the people of knowledge.
Ø The Prayer must be started during the eclipse, although it can end after
the eclipse is over
Ø There is no Adhan or Iqamah for the Prayer, but the Prayer can be
announced by calling, “As-Salatu Jami`ah”
Ø Praying in congregation in the mosque is Sunnah, however individuals may
pray alone .and Women may attend the congregation as well.
Ø Recitation and prostrations during the prayer should be long .
Ø The sermon is recommended according to the majority of imam of Hadith.
Ø . Make sincere Dua’a and encourage people to give charity after the prayer.

jazaaik allah hu Khairan,

Do you have any additional information on the muslim perspective on the eclipse?