Perform eclipse prayer at home, says Islamic body

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments has urged Muslims to perform the eclipse prayer at home in compliance with the preventive and precautionary measures taken in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to WAM.

“The solar- and lunar- eclipse prayer is an emphasised sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the manner of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him). It is obligatory for every mukallaf (sane mature person),” said the Authority in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the prayer begins and ends with the eclipse, namely when the sun is at a spear’s height above the horizon and continues until noon.

“Man can perform it at home or wherever he is single or accompanied by his family; women can likewise perform it at home singly,” said the Authority, affirming that it’s not permissible under the current circumstances to congregate and perform the prayer collectively in jama’ah at home, mosques or workplaces or anywhere else.

“Muslims are strongly advised to perform their prayers and acts of worship in a way that doesn’t pose a threat to the safety or health of themselves or others,” added the statement.

Residents in the UAE will witness a rare celestial phenomenon on the morning of 21 June: a partial solar eclipse.

This will be marked by an 86.31% coverage of the disc of the sun by the moon that will be visible in the UAE sky.

It will begin at 08:14:47 local time when the moon will begin moving in front of the sun. The eclipse will be over at 11:12:04.

Hasan Al Hariri, CEO, Dubai Astronomy Group, advises the public to observe this amazing celestial event with precautions. He says this is an opportunity for us to understand the space science and movement of objects surrounding the earth.

This level of coverage of solar disc will not be seen in the next 25 years.

Recently, the Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Public Facilities Committee of the Federal National Council, FNC, discussed the policy of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, during its meeting held remotely via video conferencing, chaired by Hamad Ahmed Al Rahoumi, First Deputy to the FNC Speaker and Chairman of the Committee.