How to Perform the Eclipse Prayer: Salatul Kusoof

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A complete guide for setting intentions & performing this special prayer

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: March 18, 2026 Fact Checked

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Performing Salatul Kusoof

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Completing the Prayer and Service

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Is this obligatory?

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If You Miss the Eclipse

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When will there be an eclipse?

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Video

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Q&A

Salatul Kusoof (or Salatul Kusuf) is a Muslim prayer known as the "eclipse prayer.” It’s meant to be performed any time there is a full or partial solar or lunar eclipse. The prayer is unique because there is no first call or second call to prayer. We’ll walk you through this encouraged act of worship, from how to perform the two rak’ahs to whether it’s obligatory and what to do if you miss the eclipse.

How do you perform Salatul Kusoof?

Make your intention and say the takbir, “Allahu Akbar.”
When the eclipse starts, recite the Fatiha.
Recite a long surah, like the Surah al-Baqarah.
Bow down in Ruku’ for a long time.
Stand and recite Fatiha and a second surah, like Surah ali-Imran.
Bow in a second Ruku’ that’s slightly shorter than the first.
Complete two sujood prostrations.
Repeat these same steps, slightly shorter, for the second rak’ah.

Section 1 of 5:

Performing the Two Rak’ahs of Salatul Kusoof

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1
Make an intention for the prayer and say the opening takbir. Just before the eclipse starts, set your intention for your prayer. Think about how the sun and the moon represent the different aspects of your faith, and how one of these disappearing might be frightening. Then, say the takbir—“Allahu Akbar”—and move into the next part of the prayer.
- For example, a common intention for the eclipse prayer is confirming and trusting one’s faith even when it’s hard to see a higher power at work. You can also make your intention something more personal, like the health of your family and friends.
- It’s recommended (but not required) to perform ghusl (wash your hands, arms, legs, and feet) before praying Salatul Kusoof. If you’ve just woken up, are menstruating, or have had sex since the last time you prayed, perform wudu (wash your entire body).
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Recite the Fatiha when the eclipse starts. As with any other prayer, read or recite the opening chapter of the Qur’an, known as the Fatiha. You can do this quietly or in your head. There won’t be a call to prayer (adhan or iqamah), but try to begin your recitation as soon as the eclipse begins.^{[1]
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- The Fatiha is: “Bismillaah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem / Al hamdu lillaahi rabbil ‘alameen / Ar-Rahman ar-Raheem Maaliki yaumid Deen / Iyyaaka na’abudu wa iyyaaka nasta’een / Ihdinas siraatal mustaqeem / Siraatal ladheena an ‘amta’ alaihim / Ghairil maghduubi; alaihim waladaaleen / Aameen.”^{[2]
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- In English, that translates to: “In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful / Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds. The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning. You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those who have received your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.”
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3
Recite a long surah. Recite the second chapter of the Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah, or choose a different one that’s around the same length. If you’re in a mosque, recite the surah that the Imam has chosen for the prayer.
- Make sure you’re standing for this part of the prayer.
- Many people choose to recite the Surah an-Nisa or the Surah al-Imran in place of the Surah al-Baqarah.
4
Bow down in Ruku’ position for a long time. Make this first ruku longer than a usual prayer, with your back straight as you bow down. Keep your voice quiet, and recite "Subhana Rabiyyal Adheem,” meaning “Glory be to Allah who is my Lord, the Greatest.” If you don’t want to say anything, you can simply pray silently.^{[3]
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- If you’re in a mosque, listen closely to the recitation from the Imam and follow along in your head.
5
Say "Sami Allahu liman hamidah” and stand back up. As you say this, slowly return to a standing position. If you’re in a mosque, follow the movements of the Imam and other congregants to know when it’s time to stand up.
- This phrase means “Allah listens to the one who praises Him,” and is usually said after a ruku to acknowledge that God hears your prayers.
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Recite Fatiha and another surah. This is different from other prayers, when you would usually go into prostration. In Salatul Kusoof, repeat the ruku once more by restarting the prayer session. Pick a surah that isn’t as long as the one in the first ruku, such as Surah ali-Imran, or another surah that is around that same length.
- If you’re in a mosque, listen to the Imam and follow along with the surah in your head.
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Bow for a second time, slightly shorter than the first. Enter into the second ruku of the first rak’ah. Again, recite "Subhana Rabiyyal Adheem,” and keep your voice quiet. As a general rule, hold the position for 30-45 seconds longer than you would in your everyday prayers.^{[4]
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- If you’re worshiping in the mosque, follow the Imam to see when you should bow.
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Go into sujood prostration to complete the first rak’ah. Hold the position for longer than you would in a normal prayer, and then straighten your back to sit up in a kneeling position. Return to sujood after a few moments of kneeling to finish the rak’ah.^{[5]
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- Some Imam’s may not enter into a second Sujood immediately if they plan to recite a sermon.
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Complete the second rak’ah as you did the first. Salatul Kusoof requires two rak’ah, or units. Like the first rak’ah, make sure the second rak’ah has 2 bows, 2 standing positions, and 2 prostrations. Say the same surahs as you did in the first rak’ah, or pick different ones for this repitition.^{[6]
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- Typically, for the second rak’ah, you’ll stand for a slightly shorter time than you did in the first.
- In most cases, if you’re worshipping at a mosque, the second rak’ah will begin immediately and include the same surahs as the first rak’ah.

Section 2 of 5:

Completing the Prayer and Service

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1
Remain sitting for the At-Tashahhud. Once you finish the final sujood of the second rak’ah, sit up into a comfortable kneeling position. Say the At-Tashahhud for both rak’ahs, which is a testimony of faith. This may be longer than you’re used to, since you are saying 1 for the testimony of faith, and another for blessings.^{[7]
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- Some congregations also say a third At-Tashahhud during special prayers. If you’re worshiping alone, it’s up to you to decide how many you’d want to do.
- To recite the At-Tashahhud, you say: “At Tahiyyaatu lilaahi was Salawaatu wat tayibaatu As Salaamu 'alaika ayyuhan nabiyyu wa rahmatul laahi wa barakaatuh As Salaamu 'alainaa wa 'alaa 'ebaadillaahis saaliheen, Ash hadu allaa ilaah ilallaah Wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhuu wa rasuuluh.”
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Say the Tasleem to finish the prayer. Turn to the right and say "As-salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah,” meaning “And unto you peace.” Then, turn to the left, and say the same. If you’re worshipping in a mosque, your neighbors might also smile and nod as you say this, as signs of peace and blessing.
- Some people may place their hands over their heart or offer to shake hands during the Tasleem. This is a personal practice that can be common in some mosques.
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Continue making dua if the eclipse isn’t over. Total eclipses may not be completely finished by the time the prayer is over. If the eclipse is still happening, continue making Dua by praising Allah and calling on Him for blessings for yourself and others.
- If the eclipse ends before Salatul Kusoof is over, finish your prayers quickly—don’t just cut them off.
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Listen to the Imam’s sermon if you’re praying at a mosque. Normally, after a special prayer, such as the Salatul Kusoof, the Imam will briefly talk about why the event is important. Be respectful and listen to the sermon to gain more insight into the significance of the eclipse.^{[8]
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- Make sure to allot enough time in your day to listen to the sermon for 5-10 minutes after the prayer.

Section 3 of 5:

Is Salatul Kusoof obligatory?

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Salatul Kusoof is Sunnah, or a highly-recommended necessary duty. The Prophet instructed the people to pray during eclipses. According to Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1043, there was a solar eclipse on the same day that the Prophet’s young son Ibrahim died. Some people thought that Ibrahim’s death caused the eclipse, but the Prophet said that eclipses are not caused by anyone’s birth or death, but instead are signs from Allah. The Prophet added, “When you see the eclipse pray and invoke Allah.”^{[9]
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- Salatul Kusoof is highly recommended for all Muslims who have reached the age of majority and who are of sound mind. It must be done for full and partial solar and lunar eclipses.^{[10]
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- Salatul Kusoof is most commonly prayed as part of a congregation, but you can pray it alone if needed.^{[11]
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Section 4 of 5:

Do you have to pray if you miss the eclipse?

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The time to pray is from right when the eclipse starts to right when it ends. If you miss the eclipse—like you sleep through it or you didn’t know an eclipse was happening—you do not have to pray.^{[12]
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Section 5 of 5:

When will there be an eclipse?

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Use an online calendar to look up upcoming solar or lunar eclipses. Solar eclipses happen when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, which occur around 2-5 times every year. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon enters the shadow of Earth, which occurs only 3 times per year. Search online for a calendar of the year’s eclipses so you know when they are.^{[13]
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- Lunar eclipses can last for up to 100 minutes and can only happen during a full moon.
- Solar eclipses can last up to 7 and a half minutes and can only happen during a new moon.

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Question

I haven't memorized the longest surah, so what should I do?

Sobi

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It's sunnah to recite a long surah. If you have not memorized all the surahs, then recite the longest surah that you know.

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Can I recite any short surahs for this prayer?

Sobi

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That is permissible. However, it is sunnah to recite a either one of the longest surahs in the Qur'an or the longest surah you know.

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What if I don't want to miss the eclipse?

Sobi

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If one is able to, they are encouraged to attend the eclipse prayer rather than looking at the eclipse themselves.

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