16/3. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 1461 — Eclipse Prayer and Allah's Signs
The command to pray when there is a solar eclipse
Eclipse Prayer Hadith: The Sun and Moon Are Signs of Allah
Sunan an-Nasai : 1461
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 1461
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا ابْنُ وَهْبٍ، عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، أَنَّ عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ الْقَاسِمِ، حَدَّثَهُ عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِنَّ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ لاَ يَخْسِفَانِ لِمَوْتِ أَحَدٍ وَلاَ لِحَيَاتِهِ وَلَكِنَّهُمَا آيَتَانِ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُوهُمَا فَصَلُّوا " .
`Abdullah bin `Umar Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The sun and moon do not become eclipsed for death or birth of anyone, rather they are two of the signs of Allah (SWT) the Most High, so when you see that then pray."
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 1461In-book reference : Book 16, Hadith 3English translation : Vol. 2, Book 16, Hadith 1462
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 1461
This eclipse prayer hadith teaches a clear belief: the sun and moon do not eclipse because someone dies or is born. The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) corrected that idea and pointed people back to Allah. The eclipse is described as one of the signs of Allah, so the right response is not fear of people, superstition, or guessing hidden causes. The direct instruction is simple: when you see it, pray. For anyone searching for Salat al-Kusuf or solar eclipse prayer in Islam, this narration gives the main message in a short and powerful way. It connects a natural event with worship, humility, and remembrance of Allah.
What we learn from this hadith
- An eclipse should not be linked to the death or birth of any person.
- The sun and moon are signs from Allah.
- When an eclipse is seen, Muslims are directed to pray.
- A believer responds to signs of Allah with worship, not superstition.
