10/1. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 901d — Congregational Eclipse Prayer
The Eclipse Prayer
Solar Eclipse Prayer Hadith: Praying in Congregation
Sahih Muslim : 901d
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 901d
وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ مِهْرَانَ الرَّازِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، قَالَ قَالَ الأَوْزَاعِيُّ أَبُو عَمْرٍو وَغَيْرُهُ سَمِعْتُ ابْنَ شِهَابٍ الزُّهْرِيَّ، يُخْبِرُ عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ الشَّمْسَ، خَسَفَتْ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَبَعَثَ مُنَادِيًا " الصَّلاَةَ جَامِعَةً " . فَاجْتَمَعُوا وَتَقَدَّمَ فَكَبَّرَ . وَصَلَّى أَرْبَعَ رَكَعَاتٍ فِي رَكْعَتَيْنِ وَأَرْبَعَ سَجَدَاتٍ .
A'isha Narrated from:
There was a solar eclipse during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) and he sent the announcer (to summon them) for congregational prayer. The people gathered together and he pronounced takbir and he observed four rak'ahs, in the form of two rak'ahs (i. e. he observed two qiyams and two ruku's in one rak'ah) and four prostrations.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 901dIn-book reference : Book 10, Hadith 4USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 1969
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 901d
This hadith focuses on how the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) gathered the people for the solar eclipse prayer. An announcer was sent to call people for congregational prayer, and the people came together. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) then began the prayer with takbir and prayed in a special form: four rak'ahs in the form of two rak'ahs, with four prostrations. The hadith is short, but its message is clear. When a major sign like an eclipse appears, Muslims are not told to panic or follow rumours. They are called to prayer. The eclipse prayer hadith also shows the value of worshipping together at serious moments and responding quickly when the community is called to remember Allah.
What we learn from this hadith
- The people were called to gather for prayer when the eclipse happened.
- The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) led the eclipse prayer in congregation.
- The eclipse prayer had a special form with repeated standing, bowing, and prostration.
