The Eclipse Prayer (Salatul Kusuf): A Concise Guide

Introduction

This section is dedicated to outlining the approach and format for Salatul Kusuf (Eclipse Prayer) in alignment with the general consensus amongst scholars and specifically tailored for the UWMSA community. This guide is based on the majority views of the Ulema, incorporating the notable variances as additional insights.

Salah Format

Main Approach

• The prayer consists of 2 Rakahs performed in congregation (Jamā'ah), reflecting the predominant practice supported by the consensus (ijmā’) of the Ummah, as indicated in research below.
• In each Rakah, the Imam will lead the congregation with Fatiha and a subsequent Surah recited aloud, embodying the essence of public prayer. This is based on the prevailing opinion among the Hanbali, Shafi'i, Maliki, Zahiri schools, and scholars like Ash-Shawkani.
• The practice includes two Qiyaams, two recitations, two Rukoos, and two Sujoods per Rakah, similar to regular Salah but with longer Rukoos and Sujoods, especially in the first Rakah, to mark the solemnity of the occasion.

Variations & Scholarly Opinions

• A minority view, particularly from some scholars in Iraq and as per the Hanafi school, suggests the possibility of performing the Salah individually, still recognizing it as Sunnah.
• Regarding recitation, there is a divergence where Imam Abu Hanifa’s school initially advocated for silent recitation based on the analogy with daytime prayers; however, evidence and subsequent scholarly opinions, including those of his students, favor audible recitation to align with other congregational prayers like Jumuah and Eid.
• It’s noted that the Salah involves two rounds of long Rukoos and Sujoods, with the second Rakah being slightly shorter. The exact surahs after Al-Fatiha, including Al-Baqarah and a shorter Surah in the subsequent standing, are recommended based on the practice of reciting longer portions of the Quran to engage the congregation in reflection and prayer during the eclipse.
  

Procedure for Performing Salah

Salah is started when the sun/moon is eclipsed

1. Niyyah (Intention): Make the intention to perform Salatul Kusoof for the sake of Allah.
2. Opening Takbir: Begin the prayer with Takbiratul Ihram.
3. Du`a Al-Istiftah & Seeking Refuge from with Allah from the Shayatheen

First Rakah

1. Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha and a long Surah (like Surah Baqarah) aloud.
2. Rukoo: Perform a long Rukoo.
3. I'tidal: Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” & then "Rabana wa lakal hamd."
4. Second Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha and a long Surah, but shorter than the first, aloud
5. Rukoo: Perform long Rukoo but shorter than the first
6. I’tidal: Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” & then "Rabana wa lakal hamd."
7. Sujood: Conduct two long Sujoods with a sitting pause in between.

Second Rakah

1. Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha and a shorter Surah than in the first Rakah (like Al-e-Imran or An-Nisa) aloud.
2. Rukoo: Perform a Rukoo, slightly shorter than the first.
3. I'tidal: Stand up from Rukoo. Sami Allahu liman hamidah” & then "Rabana wa lakal hamd."
4. Second Recitation: Recite Al-Fatiha and a long Surah but shorter than the first aloud
5. Rukoo: Perform long Rukoo but shorter than the first
6. I’tidal: Stand up from Rukoo saying “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” & then "Rabana wa lakal hamd."
7. Sujood: Perform two regular Sujoods with a sitting pause in between.

Conclusion

1. Tashahhud: Sit for Tashahhud after the second Sujood of the second Rakah.
2. Taslim: End the prayer with Taslim to the right and then to the left.

Special Note on Eclipse Duration

• The Salah is structured to accommodate varying lengths of an eclipse, ensuring that the prayer remains meaningful whether the celestial event is brief or extended.
• Shaykh-al-Islam Taqi al Din Ibn Taymiyyah رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ : Sometimes eclipse lasts for a long time or short time, depending on how much of the sun/moon is eclipsed
• the entire sun/moon may be eclipsed, or maybe ½ or ⅓ 
• if a total eclipse, then one should pray salah long enough to recite Surah al Baqarah or a Surah around that length in first rakat, and a shorter Surah/recitation than the first in the second rakat  
• Sahih ahadeeth: to shorten the salah when eclipsed is finished during the salah 
• if it is known that the salah will be long or short, the person can make the salah with the length of the eclipse 
• since the reason of the salah is the eclipse, once it ends the reason for the prayer is gone, so to finish the prayer or shorten it and finish the salah is better
• Imam al Hajjawi agrees with that in Za’d al Mustaqni as does Shaykh Salih ibn Uthaymin رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ .

Conclusion

This guide aims to consolidate the majority scholarly perspectives on Salatul Kusoof, providing clear instructions for the UWMSA community while respecting the rich diversity of Islamic jurisprudence. For any further inquiries or detailed discussion, members are encouraged to refer to foundational Islamic texts or consult with learned scholars within the community.