Assalamu'alaikum!
People all over the globe are gearing up for a rare spectacle on Wednesday, July 22. Yes! We will be witnessing the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st.century where the maximum duration of totality reaches 6 min 39 s. A large number of astrophysicists, solar scientists, astronomers and enthusiasts have begun to gather to witness the rare event, especially in eastern China, which according to experts is the best place to view the event. Malaysia is sending a team to Hangzhou.
The eclipse will begin in the western parts of India, passing through China and ending in the Pacific Ocean. Malaysia, however, will only experience a partial solar eclipse; taking place between 7:29:00 a.m. till 8:48:44 a.m. So, it's in the early morning where most of us will still be catching the school bus or on our way to the office. Hopefully, you don't miss this one, though.
In general, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth so that the sun is wholly or partially obscured. This can only happen during a new moon when the sun and the moon are in conjunction as seen from the earth.
We mention this phenomenon because of its link to ibadah, our conviction, obedience to Allah and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). It is to bear witness and an acknowledgement of the Greatness of Allah for it is He the Almighty that has brought about these miraculous things to ensue. It does not happen by chance or accident nor does it take place due to natural causes.
"Behold! In the creations of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting and lying down on their sides, and contemplate (the wonders) of creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! Not for naught have You created all this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the punishment of the Fire." Surah Ali Imran verses 190-191.
While others may shout, cheer or simply feel awed by the event, Muslims are urged to act differently. What should we do and how should we feel and behave? Below are some of the guidelines for us to follow during this unique experience.
Refer Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 18 Eclipses Hadith 167, 165, 168 and 156.
Narrated Abu Musa:
The sun eclipsed and the Prophet got up, being afraid that it might be the hour (i.e Day of Judgement). He went to the mosque and offered the prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I have ever seen him doing. Then he said,"These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of someone, but Allah makes his worshipers afraid by them. So, when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His Forgiveness."
Narrated Abu Mas'ud:
Allah's Apostle said,"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of some one's death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. So, pray whenever you see them."
Narrated Al Mughirah bin Syu'bah:
"On the day of Ibrahim's death, the sun eclipsed and the people said that the eclipse was due to the death of Ibrahim (son of the Prophet). Allah's Apostle said, "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of some one's death or life. So, when you see them, invoke Allah and pray till the eclipse is clear."
Narrated Aisyah:
"In the lifetime of Allah's Apostle, the sun eclipsed, so he led the people in prayer and stood up and performed a long Qiyam, then bowed for a long while. He stood up again and performed a long Qiyam but this time the period of standing was shorter than the first. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one. Then, he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Rakaat as he did in the first and then finished the prayer; by the the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutbah (sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah he said,"The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse on the death or life of anyone. So, when you see the eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir, pray and give sadaqah." The prophet then said,"O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! There is none who has more ghaira (self-respect) than Allah as He has forbidden that His slaves, male or female commit adultery. O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! If you knew that which I know, you would laugh little and weep much." Salaam.
People all over the globe are gearing up for a rare spectacle on Wednesday, July 22. Yes! We will be witnessing the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st.century where the maximum duration of totality reaches 6 min 39 s. A large number of astrophysicists, solar scientists, astronomers and enthusiasts have begun to gather to witness the rare event, especially in eastern China, which according to experts is the best place to view the event. Malaysia is sending a team to Hangzhou.
The eclipse will begin in the western parts of India, passing through China and ending in the Pacific Ocean. Malaysia, however, will only experience a partial solar eclipse; taking place between 7:29:00 a.m. till 8:48:44 a.m. So, it's in the early morning where most of us will still be catching the school bus or on our way to the office. Hopefully, you don't miss this one, though.
In general, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth so that the sun is wholly or partially obscured. This can only happen during a new moon when the sun and the moon are in conjunction as seen from the earth.
We mention this phenomenon because of its link to ibadah, our conviction, obedience to Allah and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). It is to bear witness and an acknowledgement of the Greatness of Allah for it is He the Almighty that has brought about these miraculous things to ensue. It does not happen by chance or accident nor does it take place due to natural causes.
"Behold! In the creations of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting and lying down on their sides, and contemplate (the wonders) of creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! Not for naught have You created all this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the punishment of the Fire." Surah Ali Imran verses 190-191.
While others may shout, cheer or simply feel awed by the event, Muslims are urged to act differently. What should we do and how should we feel and behave? Below are some of the guidelines for us to follow during this unique experience.
Refer Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 18 Eclipses Hadith 167, 165, 168 and 156.
Narrated Abu Musa:
The sun eclipsed and the Prophet got up, being afraid that it might be the hour (i.e Day of Judgement). He went to the mosque and offered the prayer with the longest Qiyam, bowing and prostration that I have ever seen him doing. Then he said,"These signs which Allah sends do not occur because of the life or death of someone, but Allah makes his worshipers afraid by them. So, when you see anything thereof, proceed to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask for His Forgiveness."
Narrated Abu Mas'ud:
Allah's Apostle said,"The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of some one's death or life but they are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. So, pray whenever you see them."
Narrated Al Mughirah bin Syu'bah:
"On the day of Ibrahim's death, the sun eclipsed and the people said that the eclipse was due to the death of Ibrahim (son of the Prophet). Allah's Apostle said, "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of some one's death or life. So, when you see them, invoke Allah and pray till the eclipse is clear."
Narrated Aisyah:
"In the lifetime of Allah's Apostle, the sun eclipsed, so he led the people in prayer and stood up and performed a long Qiyam, then bowed for a long while. He stood up again and performed a long Qiyam but this time the period of standing was shorter than the first. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one. Then, he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Rakaat as he did in the first and then finished the prayer; by the the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutbah (sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah he said,"The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse on the death or life of anyone. So, when you see the eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir, pray and give sadaqah." The prophet then said,"O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! There is none who has more ghaira (self-respect) than Allah as He has forbidden that His slaves, male or female commit adultery. O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! If you knew that which I know, you would laugh little and weep much." Salaam.
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