Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026

By Islamic Portal3rd August 2026Comments Off

Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026

Question

According to media reports, a deep partial solar eclipse will occur on 12 August 2026 in the UK with approximately 90% of the sun expected to be covered by the moon. In Manchester, the eclipse will begin at 6.13pm and end at 8.03pm. The eclipse will be 91.4% and will peak at 7.10pm. Please outline whether there should be congregational Ṣalāh in the Masjids and provide guidelines in relation to this eclipse.

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 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.

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 for the eclipse on 12 August 2026 are outlined here:

The congregational Ṣalāt al-Kusūf can be organised for 6.30pm or 6.45pm. People should 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, the congregation should be requested to engage in the remembrance of Allah and supplications after Ṣalāh.
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.
ʿAsr Ṣalāh should be performed thereafter. On 12 August 2026, the sunset time in Manchester is 8.45pm. ʿAsr Ṣalāh should not be delayed beyond 7.45pm.
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 before ʿAṣr Ṣalāh or before Ṣalāt al-Kusūf, this is permissible.
It is preferred that the recitation in Ṣalāt al-Kusūf is audible, enabling people to stand for longer and maintain focus. It is also permissible to recite quietly.
When solar 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, 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 Ṣalāt al-Kusūf and engage in the remembrance of Allah at home.

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