It has really touched my attention last night when lunar eclipse occurred on October eight. lunar eclipse carries deep meaning in Islam. Eclipses are among the most striking signs of Allah in the universe. When the sun or moon darkens, people often marvel at the spectacle, while others dismiss it as a purely scientific event. In Islam, however, eclipses carry deep spiritual meaning. They are not just natural occurrences; they are reminders from Allah of His power and signs for reflection.
In this article I will explores the Islamic perspective on lunar eclipses, whether they occurred during the Prophet’s ﷺ lifetime, what Muslims are instructed to do when they happen, and some misconceptions people hold about them.
- Islamic Belief About Eclipses
In Islam, the sun and the moon are creations of Allah that serve humanity and mark the passage of time. Allah says:
“It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases—that you may know the number of years and account of time. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know.”
— Surah Yūnus (10:5)
When an eclipse occurs, it is not a random coincidence, nor is it caused by the death or birth of anyone. It is a sign of Allah’s greatness, meant to inspire awe, humility, and remembrance of Him.Allah shows us his power, might and test us if we can remember Him.
- Did It Happen During the Prophet’s ﷺ Lifetime?
Yes. A solar eclipse occurred during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it coincided with the death of his son, Ibrāhīm.
People at that time believed the eclipse happened because of Ibrāhīm’s death. The Prophet ﷺ immediately corrected this false belief, saying:
“The sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. So, when you see the eclipse, invoke Allah and pray until it is over.”
— [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1043, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 901]
This incident established a clear principle in Islam: eclipses are not linked to human events but are divine signs reminding people to turn to Allah in worship.
- What to Do During an Eclipse?
Should we really enjoy when a lunar or solar eclipse occurs? Muslims are recommended to:
- a) Pray the Eclipse Prayer (Ṣalāt al-Kusūf / Khusūf)
The Prophet ﷺ and his companions performed a special prayer during the eclipse. This prayer is:
- Two rak‘ahs (units of prayer).
- Each rak‘ah has two bowings (rukū‘) instead of the usual one.
- It is prayed in congregation in the mosque, though it can also be prayed individually.
Aishah (RA) reported:
“The sun was eclipsed during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ. He went to the mosque, stood up and said the Takbīr, and the people aligned behind him. He recited a lengthy recitation, then said ‘Allāhu Akbar’ and performed a long bowing. Then he stood up, recited again, then bowed again, then prostrated twice. Then he did the same in the second rak‘ah.”
— [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1044, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 901]
- b) Engage in Du‘ā, Dhikr, and Charity
The Prophet ﷺ instructed Muslims to:
- Remember Allah (dhikr).
- Seek forgiveness (istighfār).
- Give charity (ṣadaqah).
- Make heartfelt du‘ā.
This is a time to reflect on the Day of Judgment when the sun and moon will lose their light entirely.
- Wrong Beliefs About Eclipses
Unfortunately, many people today treat eclipses as nothing more than astronomical events or even superstitions. Common wrong beliefs include:
- Linking eclipses to births or deaths of important figures. This belief existed even in pre-Islamic Arabia, but the Prophet ﷺ corrected it.
- Viewing eclipses as bad omens. Some cultures still believe eclipses bring misfortune. Islam rejects such superstitions.
- Ignoring eclipses as “just science.” While astronomy explains how an eclipse happens, Islam emphasizes why—it is a sign from Allah.
Allah warns us not to dismiss His signs:
“And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allah who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.”
— Surah Fuṣṣilat (41:37)
Thus, Muslims are taught to approach eclipses with humility and worship, not fear or indifference.
- Spiritual Reflection
Eclipses remind us of the ultimate reality: this world is temporary, and even the great celestial bodies that light our sky are under Allah’s command. On the Day of Judgment, these signs will disappear completely:
“When the sun is wrapped up in darkness, and when the stars fall, dispersing, and when the mountains are removed…”
— Surah at-Takwīr (81:1-3)
By praying and turning to Allah during an eclipse, we remind ourselves of our dependence on Him and prepare for the day when the sun and moon will no longer shine.
Conclusion
The lunar eclipse is more than a beautiful celestial event—it is a reminder from Allah. During the Prophet’s ﷺ lifetime, he taught Muslims that eclipses are not caused by human events but are signs for reflection. He established the Eclipse Prayer, encouraged du‘ā, dhikr, and charity, and corrected false beliefs.
In our time, as people either dismiss eclipses as “just science” or attach superstitions to them, Muslims are called to revive the Sunnah response: humility, worship, and reflection. My good people lets think about
- How this earth with no end come to existence? Or its by chance as many claims?
- Who put all these things in place? The sun, the moon, the earth and many other thing moving behind forces.
- Which government, however strong it may be can claim the creation of the earth, the sky and many.
- Have you ever took time and think about yourself? How can a sperm –a liquid- can turn to moving body mine and yours.
