A Rare Opportunity for Reflection, Worship and Community

On Wednesday 12th August, our community has the opportunity to revive a beautiful and often forgotten Sunnah: Salatul Kusoof, the special prayer performed during a solar eclipse.

As the moon passes between the earth and the sun, much of the UK will witness the most significant eclipse visible from Britain since 1999. While many will observe this remarkable event as a scientific phenomenon, Islam teaches us to see it as something far deeper: a sign of Allah's power, majesty and perfect control over His creation.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that when such signs appear, we should turn towards Allah through prayer, remembrance, supplication and reflection.

What is Salatul Kusoof?

Salatul Kusoof is a special Sunnah prayer performed during a solar eclipse.

When an eclipse occurred during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ, he gathered the Muslims in prayer and reminded them that the sun and moon are among the signs of Allah. Rather than treating the eclipse as merely something to observe, he encouraged believers to respond with worship, humility and remembrance.

This prayer is a powerful opportunity to reconnect with Allah, seek His forgiveness and renew our faith.

Why Do We Pray During an Eclipse?

The sun rises every day without fail. It provides light, warmth and sustenance to the world. We often take its constancy for granted.

Then, during an eclipse, Allah reminds us that even the mighty sun remains entirely under His command.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The sun and the moon are two signs from among the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. So when you see them, pray and call upon Allah."

An eclipse reminds us to:

• Reflect upon the greatness of Allah

• Recognise our dependence upon Him

• Seek forgiveness and mercy

• Increase in dua and dhikr

• Renew our faith and gratitude

• Remember the temporary nature of this world

• Revive a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

Reflection on the Signs of Allah

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, are signs for people of understanding."

For a brief moment, daylight begins to fade. The familiar appearance of the sky changes. The rhythms of creation seem to pause before our eyes.

The believer sees beyond the scientific explanation alone. While we appreciate the precision and beauty of Allah's creation, we also recognise that every natural phenomenon carries a spiritual lesson.

The eclipse reminds us that:

• The Creator is greater than His creation

• The order of the universe exists by Allah's command

• Life is temporary and every soul will return to Allah

• We should not become distracted from our purpose

• Extraordinary signs should bring us closer to Allah

The Prophet ﷺ did not gather people simply to watch the eclipse. He gathered them to pray.

As we witness this rare event, let us ask ourselves:

If the temporary dimming of the sun captures our attention, how prepared are we for the Day when humanity will stand before their Lord?

Let this eclipse be more than a spectacle. Let it be a moment of gratitude, humility, reflection and spiritual renewal.

When is the Eclipse?

The eclipse will be visible across the UK on:

Wednesday 12th August

• Eclipse begins: approximately 6:15 PM
• Maximum eclipse: approximately 7:10 PM to 7:15 PM
• Eclipse ends: shortly after 8:00 PM

During the peak of the eclipse, around 90% of the sun will be obscured from London, creating one of the most remarkable astronomical sights seen in the UK for many years.

Prayer Time

🕡 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Balham Masjid

47 Balham High Road

London, SW12 9AW

Tooting Islamic Centre

145 Upper Tooting Road

London, SW17 7TJ

The prayer will take place at both centres.

Important Information

No Adhan

There will be no Adhan for Salatul Kusoof.

Instead, the call:

"As-Salatu Jami'ah"

(Prayer in congregation)

will be announced to invite people to gather for prayer.

Eclipse Safety Advice

⚠️ Never look directly at the sun during the eclipse without approved solar viewing protection.

Even when most of the sun appears covered, its light can still cause serious and permanent eye damage.

Safe viewing methods include:

✅ Certified eclipse glasses

✅ Pinhole projection viewers

✅ Approved solar filters for telescopes and binoculars

❌ Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse.

Why This Eclipse is Special

This is the most significant eclipse visible from the UK since the historic eclipse of August 1999.

For many people, this may be the most dramatic solar eclipse they witness in their lifetime and one of the few opportunities they will ever have to perform

Salatul Kusoof during such a major celestial event.

This makes it a unique opportunity for individuals, families and the wider community to come together in worship and remembrance.

The Benefits of Attending

✓ Revive a beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

✓ Earn reward through congregational worship

✓ Strengthen your relationship with Allah

✓ Reflect upon the signs of creation and the greatness of the Creator

✓ Increase in dua, dhikr and repentance

✓ Share a rare spiritual experience with the community

✓ Inspire children and families to connect faith with the signs of Allah in the world around them

✓ Turn an extraordinary natural event into an opportunity for worship and spiritual growth

A Message to Our Community

Moments like these are rare.

While many people will pause to observe the eclipse, let us be among those who pause to remember Allah.

As the light of the sun is temporarily veiled, let our hearts be illuminated through prayer, gratitude, reflection and remembrance.

Join us in reviving this beautiful Sunnah and strengthening our connection with Allah and one another.

All brothers, sisters and families are warmly welcome.