Solar Eclipse- Prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) and general & Medical information
As Salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullahi
-Information regarding Solar Eclipse- from an Islamic Perspective
(Ack: Bangalore-net)
-Medical information (British Medical Journal; Editorial)
(insh Allah, information about solar eclipse will be added to our webpage
in German language too)
The author of the fowarded message/article below, Usama Hasan, is the son
of Shaykh Suhaib Hasan, as well as the translator of Al-Albani's "Prophet's
Prayer Described" into English.
Dear brothers/sisters,
Salam 'alaikum. Please distribute the enclosed article, if you find it
beneficial -- we must revive the Sunnah regarding salat al-kusuf, the
eclipse prayer. There is due to be a major solar eclipse on at the end of
this month (Rabi' al-Thani), on Wed 11 Aug 1999, insha-Allah.
With the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
Islam and the Solar Eclipse
"The Sun and the Moon are two of the Signs (Ayat) of Allah: they do not
darken for the death or birth of any person, but Allah strikes fear into
His servants by means of them. So when you see them darken, remember and
mention Allah, declare His Greatness, offer prayer, give in charity, and
supplicate to Him and seek His forgiveness."
These were the words of Muhammad Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him
and grant him peace, when a solar eclipse took place on the very day that
his infant son Ibrahim passed away: 29th Shawwal 10 H / 27th January 632
C.E. A false prophet would undoubtedly have claimed that such a
magnificent celestial event was a sign of heavenly mourning for the loss
of his loved one, but not so the final Messenger of God, who led the
community of Muslims in prayer for as long as the eclipse lasted, then
admonished them regarding their reckoning with their Lord on the Day of
Judgment.
The Muslim reaction to lunar and solar eclipses in general, and the
forthcoming solar eclipse at the end of Rabi al-Thani 1420 H (Wednesday
11th August 1999) in particular * according to accurate astronomical
calculations -- can be summarised as follows:
Solar and lunar eclipses are reminders of the Day of Judgment, when the
sun, moon and stars will all lose their light. "When the sight is dazed,
and the moon is buried in darkness, and the sun and moon are joined
together: Man will say on that day, 'Where is the refuge?'" (Surat
al-Qiyamah, the Resurrection)
Being a reminder of the Last Day, the eclipse is a time for prayer,
charitable acts, freeing slaves and generally remembering Allah and
seeking His forgiveness.
To have belief in heavenly bodies (sun, moon, planets, stars) as having
power over events and people's fates and fortunes is to reject Allah by
ascribing partners to Him. "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."
(Surat Fussilat, the Signs Explained) Thus one cannot worship God by
worshipping creation *whether the devotions are offered to Nature,
heavenly bodies, idols or human beings. Creation-worship, despite its many
forms, is the underlying error of many groups active in the UK, from pagan
druids and other "New Age" cultures (for whom the eclipse is a sacred
event) to the numerous Christian denominations. The popular but false,
empty faith in astrology, so widespread in the newspapers, is also
condemned in Islam, which teaches people to constantly turn to the Source
of all events:Allah.
Salat al-Kusuf (The Eclipse Prayer)
Ruling: Most of the people of knowledge ('ulama') regard it as an
important sunnah (mu'akkadah); Imam Abu Hanifah said it was obligatory
wajib), whilst Imam Malik regarded it as equal to Salat al-Jumu'ah (Friday
Prayer) in importance.
Form: The eclipse prayer consists of two rak'at. Various forms of the
rak'at have been narrated, but the most authentic ahadith indicate that
each rak'at 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, including
Imams Malik, Shafi'i and Ahmad. The number of ruku' in each rak'at has
also been narrated as three, four or five; the Hanafi 'ulama' prefer only
one ruku', just as for the daily prayers. However, the most authentic
ahadith (Bukhari & Muslim) support the majority view, given above.
Congregation: The Sunnah is for the prayer to be held in congregation in
the masjid, although individuals who cannot reach the congregation may
pray alone. Women may attend the congregation or pray at home
individually.
Khutbah (Sermon): This is given by the Imam after the congregational
prayer, based on the admonition of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, part of which is quoted at the beginning of this
article. The khutbah is recommended (mustahabb) according to Imam
al-Shafi'i and the majority of the other Imams of Hadith, whilst the
Hanafi 'ulama' say that the khutbah is not part of the eclipse prayer *
they regard the Messenger's admonition as a general reminder and not a
formal sermon. If delivered, the khutbah should contain praise of Allah,
the two testifications of faith (shahadatayn) and reminders about Paradise
and the Fire. The Prophet's admonition also included warnings about
unlawful sexual relations and general frivolity about life (both widespread
in contemporary British society), and special advice to women regarding
ingratitude to their husbands.
Timing: The time for the eclipse prayer lasts throughout the eclipse.
The prayer must be started during the eclipse, although it can end after
the eclipse is over. The khutbah is delivered after the prayer, whether or
not the eclipse is still in progress. Once the eclipse is over, the
requirement and time for the prayer no longer exists and therefore it is
invalid to pray Salat al-Kusuf outside the time of the eclipse. Imams Abu
Hanifah and Ahmad have stipulated that the eclipse prayer cannot be held
during times when prayer is normally discouraged (makruh), i.e. when the
sun is rising or setting over the horizon, or when it reaches its zenith;
other Imams say that the recommendation of the eclipse prayer takes
precedence over these discouraged times. [The solar eclipse at the end of
Rabi' al-Thani 1420 / 11th August 1999 is due to last from around 10.20am
to 12.40pm in the UK, local time in sha' Allah. This period is well
outside the discouraged times for prayer.]
Length: The eclipse prayer should be longer than normal daily, weekly or
annual prayers. The eclipse prayer performed by the Messenger of Allah,
may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was extremely long: it started
soon after the beginning of the eclipse and ended after the eclipse was
over (i.e. two rak'at lasting perhaps 2-3 hours!). His prayer included
four instances of recitation from the Qur'an, with the first and longest
of them being reckoned as "about as lengthy as Surat al-Baqarah." Further,
the qiyam, ruku' and sujud were described as longer than any others seen
performed by him, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. However, the
Imam should as always bear in mind the capabilities of his congregation,
and the prayer should not be prolonged excessively for the old and weak
amongst them. There is no requirement to prolong the prayer throughout the
eclipse, nor to pray extra rak'at: the two-rak'at prayer is made as long
as is reasonable, and the remainder of the eclipse is spent in
supplication (du'a), general mention and remembrance of Allah (dhikr,
including recitation of the Qur'an) and giving charity.
Detailed description of the prayer There is no adhan or iqamah for the
prayer, although the prayer can be announced by calling, "As-salat jami'ah"
("The congregation is gathering for prayer").
The congregation line up in straight rows, filling all gaps and facing the
qiblah, as usual.
The imam begins the prayer with takbir, as usual, followed by recitation
of Surat al-Fatihah and one or more further surahs. The recitation may be
loud or quiet, but the stronger view based on the authentic ahadith is
that it should be loud, just as for 'Eid prayer.
The imam goes into ruku' with takbir, as usual.
The imam rises from ruku' saying "Sami' Allahu li man hamidahu" ("Allah
has heard those who have praised Him"), followed by the usual dhikr.
Remaining in the standing posture, the imam begins to recite again: Surat
al-Fatihah and one or more further surahs.
The imam goes into ruku' with takbir.
The imam rises from ruku' saying "Sami' Allahu li man hamidahu" ("Allah
has heard those who have praised Him"), followed by the usual dhikr.
The imam performs the two sujud as usual, except that the prostrations
should be lengthy, as should be the sitting in between them.
The imam rises for the second rak'at, which is performed in the same
manner as the first.
Hence there are a total of four of each of the following: qiyam (with
recitation), ruku' and sujud. The Sunnah is for each qiyam, ruku' and
sajdah to be shorter than the previous one.
General issues
DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN ! It is dangerous to look directly at the sun for
prolonged periods of time, whether during the eclipse or at any other
time, for this may cause complete or partial blindness by the will of
Allah. This applies to sunglasses and cameras and especially to binoculars
and telescopes. The safest way to view the progress of the eclipse is by
projection using a pinhole camera or other lens*1 (e.g. binoculars,
telescope). "Eclipse glasses" are not 100% safe, although ones with Mylar
filters are better than most. Mylar filters may also be used with cameras.
Many of the cheap eclipse glasses (cardboard with plastic filters) are
dangerous: always check for a trusted safety inspection mark. Even
officially "safe" glasses can be dangerous, since a tiny scratch can allow
in enough solar radiation to burn the retina. Be very careful, especially
with children. Perhaps one of the numerous wisdoms behind the lengthy
eclipse prayer is the minor side-benefit of people not risking their
eyesight. This is also a reminder that just as the sun is too bright for
the eyes, creation has to be veiled from Allah, otherwise the Divine Light
would burn and consume all of existence.
The solar eclipse at the end of Rabi' al-Thani 1420 / 11th August 1999 is
due to begin in Nova Scotia and will travel eastwards across the Atlantic,
and over Europe and Asia until the eclipse ends over the Bay of Bengal, in
sha' Allah. The moon's shadow will thus travel over 3,000 miles in three
hours - this is much faster than the speed of sound ! The "line of
totality" (along which the sun will be completely obscured by the moon)
includes Cornwall in the UK, central France and Germany, Eastern Europe,
Turkey, Isfahan in Iran, Karachi in Pakistan and Central India. The sun
will be at least partially eclipsed in the whole of Europe, North Africa,
the Middle East and Central Asia. Thus most of the Muslim world, including
the sacred cities of Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem, will witness this
awesome event and have the opportunity to perform special devotions to
Allah the Majestic, if He so wills. We ask Allah to enable us to heed His
Signs and turn to Him always, amin.
References
Sahih al-Bukhari with Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajr.
Bulugh al-Maram by Ibn Hajr, with commentaries by Safi ar-Rahman
Mubarakpuri and al-Amir al-San'ani (Subul as-Salam).
Completed after the Dawn Prayer on the 15th of Rabi' al-Thani 1420 in
Portsmouth, UK.
Updated after the late afternoon prayer on the 17th.
Usama Abu Zayd.
here is the medical advise regarding solar eclipse:*1
"....No treatment has been shown to be effective in solar retinopathy. The
emphasis is therefore on prevention, and in particular, children must be
closely supervised. The only safe time to look at the sun is during the
short two minute period of total eclipse, and one should look away the
moment the first rays of the sun appear at the edge of the moon. It is
unsafe to look at the sun during the partial phases of a total eclipse, or
during a partial eclipse.
Binoculars and telescopes should not be used. Smoked glass, photographic
film, compact discs, one or several pairs of sunglasses, and sun caps for
optical instruments do not afford adequate protection. Solar viewers, often
made of aluminised polyester, are widely available, and those carrying the
CE mark have been tested to comply with European Union personal protection
equipment standards. However, concerns have been expressed about such
viewers because a single size viewer is unlikely to fit all children's
faces accurately, because surface damage may compromise any protective
effect, and because the importance of physical defects in the aluminium
film remains uncertain.
For these reasons, the Department of Health, the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists, and the College of Optometrists advise against any direct
viewing of the sun; they say that the safest way to view the eclipse is by
projection. A simple way of doing this is to turn one's back to the sun and
use a 2 mm pinhole cut in a card to project the image of the sun on to a
second card a metre away. This image can be viewed safely....."
*1 Source: British Medical Journal; Editorial
author: Jonathan Dowler, consultant ophthalmic surgeon.
Comments/corrections/constructive criticism welcome -- please reply to
[log in to unmask]
See also www.revivethesunnah.freeserve.co.uk
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