Voices of Faith: Unity, spirituality find a place during eclipse
Monday, April 8, 2024, was a day when routines paused, and communities came together to witness the rare occurrence of a total solar eclipse. Schools closed, people called off work, and some even traveled to witness this extraordinary event.
In the comfort of my backyard, my family and I enjoyed watching the eclipse, while many of our neighbors came out to watch as well. Fortunately, we were blessed with a perfect view of the eclipse in all its beauty. As darkness descended, and the moon passed between the earth and the sun, blocking its light, my neighborhood collectively watched in awe. It was a moment of shared excitement as we all stood mesmerized by the cosmic spectacle that unfolded above us.
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I felt a sense of unity with my neighbors. Standing together, each of us experienced the eclipse as if time itself had momentarily paused, allowing us to witness the beauty of the universe. It served as a reminder of our interconnectedness with each other and with the celestial forces that shape our world.
As a Muslim, this eclipse held added spiritual significance. A notable event involving a solar eclipse occurred during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Shortly after the passing of his son, Ibrahim, a solar eclipse occurred, leading some companions to speculate that it was due to his death. However, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) clarified that eclipses are not connected to the life or death of any individual but are occurrences in which you should increase prayer, worship and reflection on the greatness of God (Volume 2, Book 18, Number 153).
Narrated by Abu Musa, it is recounted that when the sun eclipsed, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) reacted with a deep sense of concern, fearing it might signify the Day of Judgment. The Prophet immediately proceeded to the mosque, where he engaged in prayer for such a prolonged duration in which Abu Musa had never witnessed him pray before (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 18, Number 167).
As such, it is highly encouraged for Muslims to follow his example and engage in increased acts of worship and supplication during eclipses. A specific act of worship that takes place during such an occurrence is the optional eclipse prayer known as Salatul Kusoof. This special prayer involves additional bowing to Allah (God) and recitation of Quranic verses, making it unique from any other Islamic prayer.
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As I observed the moon's passage between the earth and the sun during the solar eclipse, I was mesmerized by the significance of this celestial event. It served as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of the Almighty. With this resonating in me, I dedicated ample time to increase my worship and deepen my spiritual connection during the eclipse. In doing so, I found myself expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon me and praying for the welfare of everyone experiencing injustice and suffering in the world.
As we witnessed the solar eclipse, we were reminded of the magnificence and complexity of the universe. These rare events offer us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign our priorities, deepening our connection with each other, nature, and the divine. This eclipse created a sense of unity in our communities, reminding us of our close ties with one another and the universe. As people of faith, this is the time to appreciate the wonders of creation and show gratitude for the blessings granted to us. Let’s keep this in mind and strive to implement these values in our daily lives.
Youssra Abdrabou is community outreach coordinator for Islamic Society of Akron and Kent.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Voices of Faith: Unity, spirituality find a place during eclipse
