Many Muslims are becoming increasingly interested in knowing the date and time of the 2026 solar eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kusuf) as the anticipated astronomical event approaches. The eclipse prayer is a confirmed Sunnah established by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whenever a solar eclipse occurs. It is an act of worship that magnifies Allah, encourages repentance, seeking forgiveness, and returning to Him. Many Muslims are keen to perform this prayer as soon as the eclipse begins, following the Prophet's example, especially after the precise astronomical timings of the event are announced.

When will the 2026 solar eclipse occur?

According to astronomical calculations, the solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The eclipse will begin gradually and remain visible for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, reaching its maximum about one hour after it starts, when the Moon covers the largest portion of the Sun's disk. It will then gradually recede until it ends. Overall, the astronomical event is expected to last about 4 hours and 56 minutes from beginning to end.

When does the solar eclipse prayer begin?

The solar eclipse prayer begins as soon as the eclipse starts and continues until the eclipse ends. Since the prayer is directly connected to the occurrence of the eclipse, its time ends once the eclipse is over. Muslims are therefore encouraged to perform the prayer immediately upon witnessing the eclipse or once its occurrence is confirmed, while increasing in supplication (du'a), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), and remembering Allah.

How to perform the solar eclipse prayer

The eclipse prayer consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer). Each rak'ah includes:

• Two standings (qiyam)
• Two recitations
• Two bowings (ruku')
• Two prostrations (sujud)

It is recommended that the imam prolong the recitation, bowing, and prostration.

First Rak'ah

• Opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram)
• Opening supplication (optional)
• Recitation of Surat al-Fatihah
• Recitation of a long chapter, such as Surat al-Baqarah or a similar length
• First prolonged bowing (ruku')
• Standing after the bowing
• Recitation of Surat al-Fatihah again
• Recitation of a shorter chapter, such as Surah Aal 'Imran or a similar length
• Second prolonged bowing, shorter than the first
• Two lengthy prostrations

Second Rak'ah

The second rak'ah is performed in the same manner as the first, except that the recitation, bowing, and prostrations are somewhat shorter. The prayer concludes with the Tashahhud and Taslim.

How is the congregation called to the eclipse prayer?

There is no adhan (call to prayer) for the eclipse prayer. Instead, people are called by announcing:

"As-Salatu Jami'ah"
("The prayer is about to begin.")

It is preferable to perform the prayer in congregation at the mosque, although it is also permissible to pray individually.

What should the imam do after the eclipse prayer?

According to the Sunnah, the imam delivers a sermon after the prayer, reminding people of Allah's greatness and encouraging them to:

Seek abundant forgiveness

The imam urges people to repent, seek Allah's forgiveness, and increase their remembrance of Him.

Return to Allah

He encourages sincere repentance and abandoning sins and acts of disobedience.

Increase righteous deeds

He encourages charity, supplication, and all forms of good deeds as a means of drawing closer to Allah.

Why was the solar eclipse prayer prescribed?

The eclipse prayer was prescribed whenever a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse occurs, following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, who said:

"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. Rather, they are two of the signs of Allah. So when you see them, hasten to prayer."

This hadith emphasizes that eclipses are not connected to the death or birth of any person. Instead, they are among Allah's signs that remind believers to turn to Him through prayer, remembrance, and seeking forgiveness.

Does predicting the eclipse conflict with Islamic teachings?

Islamic scholars have affirmed that predicting the timing of eclipses through precise astronomical calculations does not contradict Islamic teachings. Rather, it reflects the precision of the universe created by Allah. Such calculations do not alter the religious legitimacy of the eclipse prayer or its wisdom.

When is the 2026 solar eclipse?

According to astronomical calculations, the solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

When is the solar eclipse prayer performed?

It is performed from the beginning of the eclipse until it ends.

How many rak'ahs are in the eclipse prayer?

It consists of two rak'ahs, with two standings, two recitations, two bowings, and two prostrations in each rak'ah.

Is the adhan called for the eclipse prayer?

No. Instead, people are called by saying:

"As-Salatu Jami'ah" ("The prayer is about to begin.")

What is the ruling on the solar eclipse prayer?

The solar eclipse prayer is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) of the Prophet ﷺ and is prescribed whenever a solar or lunar eclipse occurs.