Muslims urged to perform solar eclipse prayer on September 7th by UAE authorities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to witness a significant celestial event on September 7, as it prepares for a total lunar eclipse, marking the first such occurrence in seven years. This announcement was made by the International Astronomical Centre.
In light of this astronomical phenomenon, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat in Abu Dhabi has urged Muslims to perform the Eclipse Prayer on Sunday evening, September 7. The UAE Council for Fatwa has declared the Eclipse Prayer as a recommended prayer for all men and women for whom prayer is obligatory, whether the eclipse is partial or total.
The Eclipse Prayer, a prescribed prayer performed during cosmic events, specifically lunar eclipses, in Islam, is traditionally performed in two rakʿahs. The repetition of two-rakʿah sets is encouraged during the eclipse until it ends, disappears, or until dawn breaks.
According to the Council's guidelines, the prayer is only required when the eclipse is clearly visible to people, not just detectable by instruments. If the obscuration is so minor that it can be detected only by astronomical instruments, the prayer is not required.
The Eclipse Prayer is marked by longer Qur'anic recitations, two bowings per rakʿah, and extended supplications. The repetition of the Eclipse Prayer continues until the eclipse ends, disappears, or until dawn breaks, according to the Council's guidelines.
The advice to make the eclipse prayer obligatory for all men and women was given by Prophet Muhammad in Islamic tradition. The Council has specified that the prayer can be observed at home or any place where prayer is valid.
It is essential to note that the Eclipse Prayer can be performed at home or any valid prayer location, as per the Council's guidelines. The Council's guidelines also clarify that the prayer is not necessary if the eclipse's obscuration can only be detected by astronomical instruments.
The lunar eclipse is expected to occur on September 7, starting at 8:27pm, reaching its peak at 10:12pm, and ending at 11:57pm. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to prepare for this sacred event and perform the Eclipse Prayer as a mark of respect and reverence for the cosmic spectacle and the divine guidance in Islam.
