Eclipse: Fun or Fear? (*)

Eclipse: Fun or Fear? (*)

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ ‏صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

‏إِنَّ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ آيَتَانِ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ يُخَوِّفُ اللَّهُ بِهِمَا عِبَادَهُ

وَإِنَّهُمَا لاَ يَنْكَسِفَانِ لِمَوْتِ أَحَدٍ مِنْ النَّاسِ

فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمْ مِنْهَا شَيْئًا فَصَلُّوا وَادْعُوا اللَّهَ حَتَّى يُكْشَفَ مَا بِكُمْ

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said:

“Verily the sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allaah by which He frightens His servants, and they do not eclipse on account of the death of any one of the people. So when you see anything regarding them (eclipse of sun or moon), then observe prayer and supplicate to Allaah until what has befallen you is cleared.” ⁽¹⁾

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(1) Narrated by Abu Mas’ood al-Ansaaree, as reported by Muslim in his saheeh.

(*) A “Total Lunar Eclipse” is expected to be visible in the Americas today, Wednesday Feb. 20, 2008 – and Allaah knows best. The view promoted by scientists, news articles/reports, and people in general, is that an eclipse is a “spectacle” to behold. You see announcements of “parties” where people can gather and “view” the phenomenon together, preparing telescopes, cameras and the like. Unfortunately, many of us forget what our stance as Muslims should be in such times and events.

This should be a reminder to us about the Day of Judgement. Allaah ta’aalaa says in Soorat al-Qiyaamah:

“Nay! (Man denies Resurrection and Reckoning. So) he desires to continue committing sins. He asks: “When will be this Day of Resurrection?” So, when the sight shall be dazed, and the moon will be eclipsed, and the sun and moon will be joined together (by going one into the other or folded up or deprived of their light, etc.) On that Day man will say: “Where (is the refuge) to flee?” No! There is no refuge! Unto your Lord (Alone) will be the place of rest that Day. On that Day man will be informed of what he sent forward (of his evil or good deeds), and what he left behind (of his good or evil traditions). Nay! Man will be a witness against himself [as his body parts (skin, hands, legs, etc.) will speak about his deeds]. Though he may put forth his excuses (to cover his evil deeds).”

(Al-Qiyaamah 75: 5-15)

Below are a few points of benefit taken from the fataawaa of Sh. Ibn Uthaymeen – rahimahullaah. The translation is not an exact one, and additions have been made in square brackets for clarity. The reference for each point can be accessed by clicking on the point number.

Points of Benefit

(1) The eclipse takes place by the will of Allaah…it’s a warning from Allaah ‘azza wa jall to His servants of an expected punishment.

(2) Just because this is a “natural phenomenon” [i.e. there are scientific reasons why this happens: alignment of sun, earth and moon] it doesn’t contradictwhat has been reported to us through the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam that such events are signs from Allaah with which He frightens His servants. This can be compared to thunder, which can be explained through science, yet Allaah says about it:

“It is He who shows you the lightning, as a fear and as a hope. And it is He Who brings up (or originates) the clouds, heavy (with water). And Ar-Ra’d (thunder) glorifies and praises Him, and so do the angels because of His Awe, He sends the thunderbolts, and therewith He strikes whom He wills, yet they (disbelievers) dispute about Allah. And He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment.”

(Soorat ar-Ra’d: 12,13)

(3) Some of the actions which the Prophet – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam – has commanded us to perform at the time of the eclipse are prayer, giving charity, seeking forgiveness of Allaah [istighfaar], takbeer [saying Allaahu Akbar], du’aa, and freeing slaves. [All these, as well as seeking refuge from the punishment of the grave, are mentioned in saheeh ahaadeeth.]

(4) Allaah has made this a warning NOT a punishment. Some people doubt the matter and say that lunar/solar eclipses happen all the time and we do not find anything wrong [nothing bad happens]. To that it is said that the Prophet – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam – didn’t say that it’s a punishment and an anger from Allaah that will strike the people [at the time of the eclipse]! What he said is that Allaah frightens His servants so that they repent to Him. So if they get up and pray and do what they were commanded by the Prophet salallaahu alaihi wa sallam, then Allaah ta’aalaa might relieve them of His punishment.

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ash-Shaykh al-Albaanee – rahimahullaah – has written a description of the eclipse prayer as performed by the Prophet – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, the translation of which can be found here. Please note: Scholars agree that the eclipse prayer is to be performed only DURING the time of the eclipse for those who see it. If it hasn’t taken place, you missed it, or if you reside outside the place where the eclipse will be visible, then you are not to perform this prayer – wallaahu a’lam.

We ask Allaah ta’aalaa to forgive us, save us from His punishment, and not make us heedless of His signs. Aameen.