A Celestial Event: Performing the Special Ayat Prayer During Tonight’s Lunar Eclipse
On Sunday evening, Iran and many regions across the globe will witness one of the most significant astronomical events of the year.
The Obligation of the Ayat Prayer
According to Islamic teachings, the performance of the Ayat (Signs) prayer becomes obligatory for Muslims due to four natural phenomena:
- A solar eclipse (even if partial).
- A lunar eclipse (even if partial).
- An earthquake.
- Thunder, lightning, and extraordinary severe winds that cause fear among the populace.
Tonight’s lunar eclipse falls directly under this obligation, making the prayer a recommended and timely act of worship.
Structure and Methods of the Prayer
A common question regarding this prayer concerns its structure and the permissible methods for its performance. The Ayat prayer consists of two rak’ahs (units). However, each rak’ah contains five ruku’s (bowing) and two sujoods (prostrations). There are four recognized methods for performing this prayer:
Method One: After the opening takbir and intention, the worshipper recites Surah al-Fatiha and another full surah, then goes into ruku. They rise from ruku, recite al-Fatiha and a surah again, and go into a second ruku. This is repeated five times in a single rak’ah, making five sets of recitations followed by five ruku’s. After the fifth ruku, the worshipper performs the two customary sujoods. The second rak’ah is performed identically, followed by the tashahhud and salam.
Method Two: After the opening takbir, the worshipper recites al-Fatiha and then a single verse from any other surah before going into the first ruku. They rise, recite another single verse from the same surah, and go into the second ruku. This continues for five ruku’s, with one new verse recited before each one. The chosen surah may be completed by the fifth ruku. The two sujoods are then performed, and the second rak’ah is conducted in the same manner.
Method Three: It is permissible to perform one rak’ah using the first method and the second rak’ah using the second method, or vice versa.
Method Four: This method involves beginning a longer surah and completing it over the course of several ruku’s within the same rak’ah, with specific guidelines on when to recite al-Fatiha again in subsequent standings.
This guidance provides the faithful with the necessary religious knowledge to properly observe this special prayer in response to the awe-inspiring natural event, reflecting a harmonious blend of spiritual practice and celestial wonder.
Source: Intitar