Solar Eclipse: Significance in Islam And What Muslims Should do During These Celestial Wonders

Srinagar: Significance of lunar and solar eclipses in Islam:

During a solar or lunar eclipse, Muslim worshippers traditionally say special prayers. In the past, there was much fear and superstition surrounding such rare occurrences, with many believing they were a warning of impending disaster.

As per Islamic thought, there was a solar eclipse when the prophet Muhammad’s son Ibrahim died and some assumed the sun was darkened because of this tragedy and the grief and mourning it caused.

However, as the science of astronomy developed and it became possible to predict eclipses, it became clear they were not unexpected reactions to a current human event but part of the clockwork of the cosmos – the normal motions and cycles of stars, planets, and moons.

The prophet Muhammad is quoted as saying, “The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed on account of anyone’s death or on account of anyone’s birth. So when you see them, glorify and supplicate Allah, observe the Prayer, give alms. O Ummah of Muhammad, none is more indignant than Allah when His servant or maid commits fornication. O people of Muhammad, by Allah, if you knew what I know, you would weep much and laugh little. O Allah, witness, I informed them.”