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1.WHAT IS AN ECLIPSE ?:(scientific explanation)
Passage of an astronomical body through the shadow of
another.
The term is usually employed for solar and
lunar eclipses, which may be either partial or total, but also,
for example, for eclipses by Jupiter of its satellites. An
eclipse of a star by a
body in the Solar System is called an
occultation.
A SOLAR ECLIPSE occurs when the Moon passes
in front of the Sun as seen from Earth, and can happen only at
new Moon. During a total eclipse the Sun's corona can be seen.
A total solar eclipse can last up to 7.5 minutes. When the
Moon is at its farthest from Earth it does not completely cover
the face of the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible. This
is an annular eclipse (from the Latin word annulus `ring´).
Between two and five solar eclipses occur each year.
A
LUNAR ECLIPSE occurs when the Moon passes into the shadow of the
Earth, becoming dim until emerging from the shadow. Lunar
eclipses may be partial or total, and they can
happen only
at full Moon. Total lunar eclipses last for up to 100 minutes;
the maximum number each year is three.
2.AHADEETH ON
ECLIPSES:
1.Hazrat Mughaira bin Shoba(R.A.) reports that in
the lifetime of Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam)the sun
eclipsed on the day on which (his son) Ibraheem died, so people
said that the eclipse had occurred because of the death of
Ibraheem.Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) upon it,
observed that:
" The solar or lunar eclipse did not take
place because of the death or birth of anyone (but it was the
sign of the Power and Splendour of Allah). Thus, when you see
the eclipse, offer salaat and remember Allah much." (BUKHARI,
MUSLIM)
Comments:
During the lifetime of
Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) the sun was totally
eclipsed on the day his infant son Ibraheem(R.A.),died at the
age of about 1 and half years. Some authorities also say that
this took place in 10 A.H. in Rabi-ul-Awwal. Nevertheless,
Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) mentioned that, the sun
or moon are two signs of Allah Ta'ala which do not eclipse on
account of the birth or death of anyone.When such an event
occurs, one should turn to Allah Ta'ala and beseech Him for
mercy and forgiveness with deep devotion.Increase the recitation
of Subhanallah,Allhamdu-lillah,Allahu-Akbar and Istighfaar.
2. Ayesha(R.A.) reports that Rasulullah(sallallahu
aliyhi wasallam) made a prolonged prostration(sajda) at the time
of the eclipse.Afterwards he went away while the sun shone
fully.He addressed the people and praised Allah and eulogised
Him and the said: Verily the sun and moon are signs of
Allah.They do not eclipse for the death of anybody,nor after his
birth.So when you see that,read Takbir,send blessings and give
alms(charity).
Then he said: O People,there is none who is
more enraged than Allah(to see) His servant commits fornication.
O People,had you known what I know,you would certainly laughed
little and wept much. (AGREED)
3. Abu Musa(R.A.)
reported that the sun(once) eclipsed.ThenRasulullah(sallallahu
aliyhi wasallam) stood with horror fearing that the Hour had
come.He came to the masjid and prayed with the longest of
standing,bowing(ruku) and prostrating(sajda) which I did never
see him doing before. He said: These are signs which Allah sends
not for death of anybody,nor for his birth but He produces dread
therewith His servants.So when you see anything of that,hasten
to remember Him and seek forgiveness from Him. (MUSLIM)
4. Abdur-Rahman-bi-Samurah(R.A.) reports that,there was
a solar eclipse,when he hurried to Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi
wasallam) to enquire what has been revealed about the eclipse of
the sun.Then I came to him,while he was in prayer,raising his
hands.;he began to read Tasbih,Tahlil,Takbir and Tahmid and
invoke Allah till he became tired of it.When he was tired of
it,he read two chapters(surahs) and prayed two rakaats. (MUSLIM)
5. Asthma -bin-Abu Bakr(R.A.) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu aliyhi wasallam) ordered manumission of
slaves at the time of the solar eclipse.
3.WHAT TO
DO DURING A SOLAR ECLIPSE:
During the eclipse of the
sun(ie.solar eclipse), it is sunnat to perform two rakaats of
nafl salaat,called Salaatul Khusuf. This salaat will be done in
Jamaat without azaan and iqaamat.People will be informed of this
Jamaat through means other than azaan.
Take the opportunity
of:
1.Making Duaa
2.Think,ponder and Fear the Day of
Judgement
3.Recite Subhanallah,Allhamdu-lillah,Allahu-Akbar
abundantly.
4.Recite Istighfaar profusely.
5.Give
Sadaqa(charity/alms)
4.WHAT TO DO DURING A LUNAR(MOON)
ECLIPSE:
At the time of an eclipse of the moon(ie.lunar
eclipse) it also sunnat to perform two rakaats of Salaatul
Khusuf , but not in congregational form. Jamaat for this salaat
is NOT sunnat. Instead people will offer this salaat
individually,in their homes. They should NOT gather in the
Masjid to do
so. |
