Help us revive a Sunnah by joining us at 9:18 a.m. for worship and the congregational solar eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusoof) led by Qari Amar Bellaha. The Prophet (PBUH) would engage in worship in the masjid during this unique event.
According to NASA, though the solar eclipse will begin at about 8:05 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., we will perform the congregational four cycles of Salat al-Kusoof; the maximum eclipse is anticipated at 9:18 a.m. We welcome you and your family to come early and stay afterward to perform additional worship.
Saturday, Oct. 14 | 9:18 a.m. to 9:22 a.m. | Prayer Hall | Join in-person
Questions? events@mcceastbay.org
For how to perform this prayer, see here.
The Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America.
In Pleasanton, the eclipse will start at 8:05 a.m., with the maximum eclipse anticipated at 9:18 a.m. to 9:22 a.m. It will be over by 10:45 a.m. According to NASA, we will witness a partial solar eclipse with the moon obscuring about 80 percent of the sun at the maximum eclipse point in the Tri-Valley.
When the sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allah, he rushed nervously to the mosque, dragging his cloak behind him and leading the people in prayer.
He told them that the eclipse was one of the signs of Allah, with which Allah makes His slaves afraid, and that it may be the cause of punishment coming upon the people.
He commanded them to do that which could prevent the punishment, so he commanded them to pray when an eclipse happens and to make du’aa’, seek His forgiveness, give charity, free slaves, and do other righteous deeds so that the punishment would go away and not befall the people.
“The sun and moon are two signs of Allah(ﷻ), and they do not become eclipsed for the death or birth of anyone. If you see that, then pray until it (the eclipse) is over.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
According to another hadeeth: “Call on Allah and pray until [the eclipse] is over.”
Salat Al-Kusuf is a recommended Sunnah (Sunnah Muakkada). It is better to perform in congregation but can also be done individually. In Salatul Kusuf, there is no athan or iqama. It is two rakats.
In addition, it can be one long prayer until the eclipse is finished, or it can be done in multiple prayers throughout the eclipse.
Steps of Salatul Kusuf – The Solar Eclipse Prayer:
- 1. Takbeerat Al-Ihram
- 2. Recite Fatiha and long surah
- 3. First Extended Ruku
- 4. Stand up from Ruku – Read Fatiha (optional) followed by long surah
- 5. Second Extended Ruku
- 6. Stand up from Ruku
- 7. Two Extended Sujoods
- 8. Stand up for 2nd Rakat and Repeat Steps 1-7
- 9. Salaam on both sides. If the eclipse is not finished, you may do an additional two rakats or more in the same format until it is complete.