Solar eclipse in the UK on Saturday 29 March 2025

By Islamic Portal25th March 2025Comments Off

Solar eclipse in the UK on Saturday 29 March 2025

Question

According to media reports, there is a partial solar eclipse this Saturday 29 March 2025 (29 Ramadan) morning wherein observers in the UK are expected to see the moon appear to take a bite out of the sun, as 40% of the sun will be covered by the moon, and more in Scotland. In Manchester, the partial eclipse will begin at 10.07am, with the maximum eclipse at 11.04am and thereafter end at 12.03pm. The extent of the eclipse varies according to location. Please advise whether there should be a congregational Ṣalāh in the Masjids and provide any guidance in this regard.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Answer

Our beloved Prophet ﷺ said:

إن الشمس والقمر لا ينكسفان لموت أحد، فإذا رأيتموهما فصلوا وادعوا حتى يكشف ما بكم

“Indeed, the sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone’s death. So, when you see them [eclipsing], perform Ṣalāh and supplicate until it is cleared from you” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1040).

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

يا أيها الناس، إن الشمس والقمر آيتان من آيات الله، فإذا انكسفت إحداهما فافزعوا إلى المساجد

“O people, indeed the sun and the moon are two signs from the signs of Allah, so when either of them eclipses, rush to the Masjids” (Muṣannaf Ibn Abī Shaybah, 8299; Musnad Aḥmad, 6843; Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān, 2829).

Therefore, if the partial eclipse is visible or noticeable, for example, via reduction in daylight or the sun being covered by the moon albeit partially, Ṣalāt al-Kusūf (the 2 rakʿat Ṣalāh of the solar eclipse) should be performed in Masjids in congregation. This is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ who, according to the research of the Maḥmūd Pashā (d. 1302/1885) in Natāʾij al-Afhām (p.9-10), performed congregational Ṣalāt al-Kusūf when the sun eclipsed in the blessed city of Madīnah on Monday 27 January 632 CE (29 Shawwāl, 10 Hijrī) at 8.30am. However, if in a particular area, the partial eclipse is not visible or noticeable at all, for example due to clouds and no noticeable reduction in daylight, Ṣalāt al-Kusūf will not be performed.

We have previously issued various guidance in relation to the eclipse, the links are outlined at the end of this answer. Some relevant and practical points include:

The congregational Ṣalāt al-Kusūf can be organised for 10.30am or 10.45am (subject to visibility) and people can be requested to come to the Masjid as soon as the eclipse begins.
The Ṣalāh should ideally continue until it is observed or noticed that the eclipse has finished. If this is not possible, then the congregation should be requested to engage in the remembrance of Allah and supplications after Ṣalāh. Care should be taken that the Ṣalāh does not continue into the prohibited time of Zawāl.
There is no Adhān or Iqāmah for Ṣalāt al-Kusūf. An announcement can be made that the Ṣalāh is about to begin or similar.
There is only one congregational Ṣalāt al-Kusūf comprising of two rakʿat. However, if a person wishes to perform additional Nafl Ṣalāh individually, this is permissible. One can also make an intention of Ṣalāt al-Ḍuḥā (the mid-morning prayer).
There is no Khuṭbah (sermon) for Ṣalāt al-Kusūf. However, the Imam can briefly explain the Islamic perspective regarding the eclipse and remove any misconceptions after the Ṣalāh, similar to the clarification provided by the Prophet ﷺ after Ṣalāh. Speeches should be avoided before the Ṣalāh.
It is preferred that the recitation in Ṣalāt al-Kusūf is audible, enabling the people to stand for longer and maintain focus. It is also permissible to recite quietly.
When an eclipse occurs, the following actions are recommended: (a) Ṣalāh in congregation in a Masjid and lengthening the prostration therein. (b) Giving charity. (c) Seeking Allah’s protection from the punishment of the grave and Hell-fire. (d) Freeing slaves. (e) Remembrance of Allah (in particular tasbīḥ and takbīr). (f) Supplicating to Allah. (g) Seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
If a person is unable to attend the Masjid due to work or otherwise, he should attempt to perform two rakʿat Ṣalāh individually or in congregation with colleagues and engage in the remembrance of Allah. Females should also perform the Ṣalāh and engage in the remembrance of Allah at home.

For further information about the eclipse, visit the following links: