Section II: When to Offer the Eclipse Prayer The Prayer and its Adhan
Firstly: When to offer the eclipse prayer
The time for the eclipse prayer starts when the eclipse first appears [614] Astronomical statements that a solar or lunar eclipse will happen at a particular time have no bearing on Sharia rulings. These prayers are not offered until the solar or lunar eclipse is seen. and ends when it disappears. This is the position of the majority: the Hanafis, Shafi`is, Hanbalis, and one position among Malikis.
Secondly: Offering the eclipse prayer during times when it is prohibited to pray
Scholars are of two positions regarding offering the eclipse prayers during times when it is prohibited to pray:
The first position: The eclipse prayer is not offered during times when it is prohibited to pray. This is the position of the majority: the Hanafis, Malikis, and Hanbalis.
The eclipse prayer is offered at all times, even during times when it is prohibited to pray. This is the position of the Shafi`i school, one position according to Malikis, and a narration from Ahmad. It is the position of choice of Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Baz, and Ibn `Uthaymin.
Thirdly: Ending of the solar or lunar eclipse while praying
If the solar or lunar eclipse ends when praying, the prayer is completed according to its normal manner, but quickly. This is the position of the Shafi`i and Hanbali schools, as well as the position of Asbagh of the Maliki school. This is the position of choice of Ibn `Uthaymin.
Fourthly: Where to offer the eclipse prayer
The eclipse prayer is best offered in a mosque. This is by agreement of the four schools of jurisprudence. [615] Hanafis hold that it is prayed in a central mosque or the place of the Eid prayer.
Fifthly: The adhan and iqamah for the eclipse prayer
No adhan or iqamah is legislated for the eclipse prayer. Consensus on this was related by Ibn Battal, Ibn `Abd al-Barr, Ibn Hazm, al-Nawawi, and Ibn Daqeeq al-`Id.
- How to call to the eclipse prayer:
“The prayer is congregating” is the call to the eclipse prayer. This is the position of the majority: the Hanafis, Shafi`is, and Hanbalis. Some Malikis also viewed this position favourably.