SALATUL KUSOOF (Prayer of the Eclipse)

Answer the following questions:

1. The signs of Allah are manifest everywhere in nature. Discuss.
To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth; all obey His Will. It is He who originates creation. He brings forth the dead from the living. He brings forth the living from the dead. He revives the earth after it is dead. Of His signs is that He created us.

2. What is the most striking phenomenon in the universe?
The most striking phenomenon is the alteration of day and night; the night for rest; the day for work.

3. What incident took place on the day when the Prophet's son died?
On the day of Ibrahim's death, the Prophet's son, not long after burial, there was an eclipse of the sun.

4.  What did the Prophet remark?
The Prophet remarked, "The sun and the moon are two signs of Allah. They do not suffer an eclipse for any man's death or life. If you see them eclipsed, you should glorify the Lord, offer Salah and give charity."

5. We should remember Allah at all times. Explain.
We should remember Him at all times because nothing in the world happens without the will of Allah. He is our Creator and Sustainer and remembering Allah at all times is a way of showing our gratitude to Him.
We should take refuge in Him whenever something bad happens to us. We should glorify and praise Him whenever something good happens to us. He is the Giver of joys and sorrows.

6 What is the Salat-ul- Kusoof?
Salat-ul-Khusuf is the prayer offered during an eclipse. It consists of two Rakahs performed preferably in congregation.

7. How is Salatul Kusoof performed?
     
    1. Before offering the Salah, one must ensure the taharah, purity of the body, the clothes and the place.
    2. Make Wudhu (ablution)
    3. Face the Qiblah
    4. Make the intention in your heart that you are praying Salatul Kusoof.
    5. Pronounce the Takbir Tahreema (that is, Allahu Akbar)
    6. Recite the Surat-ul-Fatihah and then a Surah, preferably a long surah.
    7. Then perform a long Ruku.
    8. Rise from the Ruku and say "Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah, Rabbanaa walakal Hamd."
    9. Again recite a portion of the Holy Qur'an.
    10. This is followed by the second Ruku. This Ruku must be long but shorter than the first one.
    11. Rise from the second Ruku, and say Sami'Allahu Liman Hamidah, Rabbanaa walakal Hamd.
    12. Perform two Sajdahs, one after the other as in normal salah but each sajdah must be of lengthy duration.
    13. Get up and then perform the second Rakah with two Rukus as done before.
    14. After performing two sajdahs like before, sit for the Tashahhud and end the Salah with the Tasleem. (that is by saying Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah first on the right, and then on the left)