by Matilda Willows

Created on: December 21, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

The phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses are considered among the signs of Allah’s (God) majesty in Islam, and a reminder that Allah has full power over all things and is the Sustainer of the universe. They are considered as reminders of the Day of Judgment whereby the sun, moon and stars will lose their light, and all will be judged in justice, as the

following (translated) verses from the Qur’an explain.

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). On that Day man will say: “Where (is the refugee) to flee?”  [Chapter 75 (Surah Al-Qiyamah) Verses: 7 – 10]

Islam takes the position that solar and lunar eclipses occur by the permission and will of Allah, and are not due to any worldly doing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a sermon after a solar eclipse once, explaining to the people that the sun and moon are signs of Allah, and that they do not eclipse due to any worldly or personal doing like the life or death of anyone. They are signs, and when one sees them, they should remember Allah, proclaim His greatness, pray and do acts of charity.

A direct and translated Prophetic narration substantiates this:

Narrated Abu Masud: The Prophet said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them, stand up and pray."

There are a number of Qur’anic verses and Prophetic narrations which talk about the sun and the moon, for instance, another (translated) Qur’anic verse reads:

“The sun and the moon run on their fixed courses (exactly) calculated with measured out stages for each (for reckoning)”. [Chapter 55 (Surah Ar-Rahman) Verse: 5].  

Eclipses in Islam are therefore a means of reminding the people of this transient worldly life and the might of their Creator. It's a time of reminders and repentance as well as reflection, a time to reflect upon one of the signs of the Creator and how they run in due course by His permission and command.

Muslims bow down in submission and gratefulness to Allah five times a day every day; however, there are certain times, like that of a solar or lunar eclipse, where Muslims, both men and women of course, are recommended to pray a special prayer. It is a special prayer called the prayer of the eclipse, and it’s also recommended to pray it in congregation; otherwise it can be prayed alone.

Solar and lunar eclipses happen by the command of Allah and serve as timely reminders to the ephemeral quality of this life and the power and might of the Creator. It is a time to reflect on one’s deeds and a time to correct oneself and turn in repentance to Allah.

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