Monday, April 8, 2024, was the day when life paused and communities came together to witness a rare total solar eclipse. Schools were closed, people stopped working, and some even traveled to witness this unusual event.
My family and I enjoyed the solar eclipse in the comfort of our backyard. Many neighbors came to watch as well. Fortunately, we were able to see the beauty of the solar eclipse perfectly. As darkness fell and the moon passed between the Earth and the sun, blocking out the light, all the neighbors watched in awe. It was a moment of shared excitement as we all stood there, mesmerized by the view of the cosmos unfolding above us.
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I felt a sense of unity with the neighbors. Standing together, each of us experienced a solar eclipse as if time had stopped for a moment, allowing us to witness the beauty of the universe. It served as a reminder that we are interconnected with each other and with the heavenly forces that shape our world.
As a Muslim, this eclipse took on even more spiritual meaning. A remarkable incident involving a solar eclipse occurred during the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Immediately after the death of his son Ibrahim, a solar eclipse occurred, and some companions speculated that this was due to his death. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made it clear that solar eclipses are not about the life or death of any individual, but are events that require prayer, worship, and reflection on the greatness of God. I did (Vol. 2, Vol. 18, Vol. 2 153).
Narrated by Abu Musa, it is said that when the sun was eclipsed, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expressed deep concern that it might mean the Day of Judgment. It is being The Prophet immediately went to the mosque, where he prayed for the longest time Abu Musa had ever witnessed him pray (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, No. 18, No. 167) .
Therefore, it is highly recommended that Muslims follow his example and increase their acts of worship and supplications during the eclipse. A particular act of worship performed during such events is the optional eclipse prayer known as Saratul Khusuf. This special prayer includes an additional bow to Allah (God) and the recitation of verses from the Quran, making it different from other Islamic prayers.
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When I observed the moon passing between the Earth and the sun during a solar eclipse, I was fascinated by the significance of this celestial event. It served as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of the Almighty. This resonated within me and I dedicated ample time during the eclipse to increase my worship and deepen my spiritual connection. As I did so, I found myself expressing gratitude for the blessings I have been given and praying for the well-being of all those experiencing injustice and suffering in the world.
Witnessing a solar eclipse reminded us of the wonder and complexity of the universe. These rare events provide us with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recalibrate our priorities, allowing us to deepen our connection to each other, nature, and God. This eclipse brought a sense of unity to our community and reminded us of our close connection to the universe. As people of faith, now is the time to recognize the wonders of creation and express gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. With this in mind, let’s try to put these values into practice in our daily lives.
Yusra Abdullahbou is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent.
This article was originally published on The Alliance Review: Voices of Faith: Unity, Spirituality find a place while eclipse
