Muslims across the country 鈥� including in Hampton Roads 鈥� will gather at mosques Monday afternoon for a special eclipse prayer called “Salat-ul Kusoof.”
The prayer is considered sunnah – meaning that Muslims believe it is a voluntary act of worship done to follow the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Eclipses are considered signs of God’s power and greatness, according to Islamic teachings, and the eclipse prayer is performed as a way to recognize and remember this.
In Hampton, the Peninsula Islamic Community Center paired the prayer with a safe viewing event and a talk with a NASA scientist. Some parents planned to pull their children out of school a little early to witness the rare occurrence and attend the prayer.
This solar eclipse falls during the final days of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
