Book Eighteen –Eclipses

Hadith Number 150.

Narrated by Abu Bakra (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We were with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) when the sun eclipsed. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood up dragging his cloak till he entered the Masjid. He led us in a two-Rakat prayer till the sun (eclipse) had cleared. Then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's death. So whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah) till the eclipse is over."


Hadith Number 151.

Narrated by Abu Masud (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them stand up and pray."


Hadith Number 152.

Narrated by Ibn 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of someone but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them offer the prayer."


Hadith Number 153.

Narrated by Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "The sun eclipsed in the life-time of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on the day when (his son) Ibrahim died. So the people said that the sun had eclipsed because of the death of Ibrahim. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of some-one. When you see the eclipse pray and invoke Allah."


Hadith Number 154.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): In the life-time of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) the sun eclipsed, so he led the people in prayer, and stood up and performed a long Qiyam, then bowed for a long while. He stood up again and performed a long Qiyam but this time the period of standing was shorter than the first. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one, then he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Rakah as he did in the first and then finished the prayer; by then the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutbah(sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah he said, "The sun and the moon are two signs against the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse on the death or life of anyone. So when you see the eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir, pray and give Sadaqah." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then said, "O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! There is none who has more ghaira (self-respect) than Allah as He has forbidden that His slaves, male or female commit adultery (illegal sexual intercourse). O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! If you knew that which I know you would laugh little and weep much.


Hadith Number 155.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "When the sun eclipsed in the life-time of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) an announcement was made that a prayer was to be offered in congregation."


Hadith Number 156.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) In the lifetime of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) the sun eclipsed and he went to the Masjid and the people aligned behind him. He said the Takbir (starting the prayer) and prolonged the recitation (from the Qur’an) and then said Takbir and performed a prolonged bowing; then he (lifted his head and) said, "Sami allahu liman hamidah" (Allah heard him who sent his praises to Him). He then did not prostrate but stood up and recited a prolonged recitation which was shorter than the first recitation. He again said Takbir and then bowed a prolonged bowing but shorter than the first one and then said, "Sami 'a-l-lahu Lyman hamidah Rabbana walak-lhamd, (Allah heard him who sent his praises to Him. O our Sustainer! All the praises are for You)" and then prostrated and did the same in the second Rakah; thus he completed four bowing and four prostrations. The sun (eclipse) had cleared before he finished the prayer. (After the prayer) he stood up, glorified and praised Allah as He deserved and then said, "The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of the death or the life (i.e. birth) of someone. When you see them make haste for the prayer." Narrated Az-Zuhri: I said to 'Ursa, "When the sun eclipsed at al-Madinah your brother ('Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (Radhi Allahu Anhuma)) offered only a two-Rakat prayer like that of the morning (Fajr) prayer." 'Ursa replied, "Yes, for he missed the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) tradition (concerning this matter)."

Hadith Number 157.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) On the day when the sun Khasafat (eclipsed) Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) prayed; he stood up and said Takbir and recited a prolonged recitation, then he performed a prolonged bowing, then he raised his head and said, "Sami'a-l-lahu Lyman Hamidah," and then remained standing and recited a prolonged recitation which was shorter than the first. Then he performed a prolonged bowing which was shorter than the first. Then he prostrated and prolonged the prostration and he did the same in the second Rakah as in the first and then finished the prayer with Taslim. By that time the sun (eclipse) had cleared He addressed the people and said, "The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse (Yakhsifan) because of the death or the life (i.e. birth) of someone. So when you see them make haste for the prayer."


Hadith Number 158.

Narrated by Abu Bakra (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone but Allah frightens His devotees with them."


Hadith Number 159.

Narrated by 'Amra bint 'AbdurRahman (Radhi Allahu Anha): A Jewess came to ask 'Aisha (the wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) about something. She said to her, "May Allah give you refuge from the punishment of the grave." So 'Aisha asked Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) "Would the people be punished in their graves?" Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) after seeking refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave (and thus replied in the affirmative). Then one day, Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) rode to go to some place but the sun eclipsed. He returned in the forenoon and passed through the rear of the dwellings (of his wives) and stood for the (eclipse) prayer, and the people stood behind him. He stood up for a long period and then performed a prolonged bowing which was shorter than the first bowing. Then he raised his head and prostrated. Then he stood up (for the second Rakah) for a long while but the standing was shorter than that of the first Rakah. Then he performed a prolonged bowing which was shorter than the first one. Then he raised his head and prostrated. Then he stood up for a long time but shorter than the first. Then he performed a prolonged bowing but shorter than the first. Then he raised his head and prostrated and finished the prayer and (then delivered the sermon and) said as much as Allah wished. And then he ordered the people to seek refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave.


Hadith Number 160.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (Radhi Allahu Anhu): When the sun eclipsed in the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) an announcement was made that the prayer was to be held in congregation. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "I had never performed such a long prostration."


Hadith Number 161.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The sun eclipsed in the life-time of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) offered the eclipse prayer and stood for a long period equal to the period in which one could recite Surat-al-Baqarah. Then he bowed for a long time and then stood up for a long period which was shorter than that of the first standing, then bowed again for a long time but for a shorter period than the first; then he prostrated twice and then stood up for a long period which was shorter than that of the first standing; then he bowed for a long time which was shorter than the previous one, and then he raised his head and stood up for a long period which was shorter than the first standing, then he bowed for a long time which was shorter than the first bowing, and then prostrated (twice) and finished the prayer. By then, the sun (eclipse) had cleared. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then said, "The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah. They eclipse neither because of the death of somebody nor because of his life (i.e. birth). So when you see them, remember Allah." The people say, "O Allah's Messenger! We saw you taking something from your place and then we saw you retreating." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "I saw Paradise and stretched my hands towards a bunch (of its fruits) and had I taken it, you would have eaten from it as long as the world remains. I also saw the Hell-fire and I had never seen such a horrible sight. I saw that most of the inhabitants were women." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger! Why is it so?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "Because of their ungratefulness." It was asked whether they are ungrateful to Allah. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "They are ungrateful to their companions of life (husbands) and ungrateful to good deeds. If you are benevolent to one of them throughout the life and if she sees anything (undesirable) in you, she will say, 'I have never had any good from you.'"


Hadith Number 162.

Narrated by Fatima bint Al-Mundhir : Asma' bint Al Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "I came to 'Aishah the wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) during the solar eclipse. The people were standing and offering the prayer and she was also praying too. I asked her, 'What has happened to the people?' She pointed out with her hand towards the sky and said, 'Subhan-Allah'. I said, 'Is there a sign?' She pointed out in the affirmative." Asma' (Radhi Allahu Anha) further said, "I too then stood up for the prayer till I fainted and then poured water on my head. When Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had finished his prayer, he thanked and praised Allah and said, 'I have seen at this place of mine what I have never seen even Paradise and Hell. No doubt, it has been inspired to me that you will be put to trial in the graves like or nearly like the trial of (Masih) Ad-Dajjal. (I do not know which one of the two Asma' said.) (The angels) will come to everyone of you and will ask what do you know about this man (i.e. Muhammad). The believer or a firm believer (I do not know which word Asma' said) will reply, 'He is Muhammad, Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who came to us with clear evidences and guidance, so we accepted his teachings, believed and followed him.' The angels will then say to him, 'Sleep peacefully as we knew surely that you were a firm believer.' The hypocrite or doubtful person (I do not know which word Asma' said) will say, 'I do not know. I heard the people saying something so I said it (the same).'"

Hadith Number 163.

Narrated by Asma (Radhi Allahu Anha): No doubt the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered people to manumit slaves during the solar eclipse.


Hadith Number 164.

Narrated by 'Amra bint 'AbdurRahman: A Jewess came to 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) to ask her about something and then she said, "May Allah give you refuge from the punishment of the grave." So 'Aishah asked Allah's Apostle, "Would the people be punished in their graves?" Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)asked Allah's refuge from the punishment of the grave (indicating an affirmative reply). Then one day Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) rode (to leave for some place) but the sun eclipsed. He returned on the forenoon and passed through the rear of the dwellings (of his wives) and stood up and started offering the (eclipse) prayer and the people stood behind him. He stood for a long period and then performed a long bowing and then stood straight for a long period which was shorter than that of the first standing, then he performed a prolonged bowing which was shorter than the first bowing, then he raised his head and prostrated for a long time and then stood up (for the second Rak’ah) for a long while, but the standing was shorter than the standing of the first Rak’ah. Then he performed a prolonged bowing which was shorter than that of the first one. He then stood up for a long time but shorter than the first, then again performed a long bowing which was shorter than the first and then prostrated for a shorter while than that of the first prostration. Then he finished the prayer and delivered the sermon and) said what Allah wished; and ordered the people to seek refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave.


Hadith Number 165.

Narrated by Abu Masud (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah, so pray whenever you see them."


Hadith Number 166.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): In the lifetime of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) the sun eclipsed and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) stood up to offer the prayer with the people and recited a long recitation, then he performed a prolonged bowing, and then lifted his head and recited a prolonged recitation which was shorter than the first. Then he performed a prolonged bowing which was shorter than the first and then lifted his head and performed two prostrations. He then stood up for the second Raka and offered it like the first. Then he stood up and said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's life or death but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah which He shows to His worshipers. So whenever you see them, make haste for the prayer."


Hadith Number 167.

Narrated by Abu Musa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The sun eclipsed and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) got up, being afraid that it might be the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment). He went to the Masjid and offered the prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I had ever seen him doing. Then he said, "These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of somebody, but Allah makes His worshipers afraid by them. So when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His forgiveness."


Hadith Number 168.

Narrated by Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba (Radhi Allahu Anhu): On the day of Ibrahim's death, the sun eclipsed and the people said that the eclipse was due to the death of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)). Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of someone's death or life. So when you see them, invoke Allah and pray till the eclipse is clear."


Hadith Number 169.

Narrated by Abu Bakra (Radhi Allahu Anhu): In the life-time of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) the sun eclipsed and then he offered a two Rakat prayer.


Hadith Number 170.

Narrated by Abu Bakra (Radhi Allahu Anhu) : In the life-time of the Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) the sun eclipsed and he went out dragging his clothes till he reached the Masjid. The people gathered around him and he led them and offered two Rakat. 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) called Ibrahim died on that day and the people were talking about that (saying that the eclipse was caused by his death).


Hadith Number 171.

Narrated by 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) led us and performed four bowing in two Rakat during the solar eclipse and the first Rak’ah was longer.


Hadith Number 172.

Narrated by 'Aishah: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) recited (the Qur’an) aloud during the eclipse prayer and when he had finished the eclipse prayer he said the Takbir and bowed. When he stood straight from bowing he would say "Sami 'al-l-ahu Liman hamidah Rabbana walaka-l-hamd." And he would again start reciting. In the eclipse prayer there are four bowing and four prostrations in two Rakat. Al-Auza'i and others said that they had heard Az-Zuhi from 'Ursa from 'Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) saying, "In the life-time of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)the sun eclipsed, and he made a person to announce: 'Prayer in congregation.' He led the prayer and performed four bowing and four prostrations in two Rakat." Narrated Al-Walid that 'Abdur-Rahman bin Namir had informed him that he had heard the same. Ibn Shihab heard the same. Az-Zuhrl said, "I asked ('Ursa), 'What did your brother 'Abdullah bin AzZubair do? He prayed two Rakat (of the eclipse prayer) like the morning prayer, when he offered the (eclipse) prayer in Median.' 'Ursa replied that he had missed (i.e. did not pray according to) the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) tradition." Sulaiman bin Kathir and Sufyan bin Husain narrated from Az-Zuhri that the prayer for the eclipse used to be offered with loud recitation.