Salat-ul-Kusuf

A: A lunar or solar eclipse can be previously realized through studying astronomy. Through this science, one can also discern if the eclipse is partial or total. There is nothing strange in this regard as it is not from the unseen matters for all people. This science is strange only to those who do not know anything about it. Telling the times of the eclipses is not a strange thing for astronomers as this is one of the branches of knowledge. This does not contradict the fact that an eclipse is one of the signs of Allah (Exalted be He) with which Allah frightens His servants in order for them to return to their Lord and to follow His guidance. But one should not believe them or work according to their sayings because they may commit mistakes. The most reliable thing in this regard is to see the eclipse itself. (Part No. 8; Page No. 323) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Verily the sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah by which He frightens his servants and they do not eclipse on account of the death or birth of anybody. So when you see anyone of them, observe the Prayer, supplicate Allah till it is cleared from you." Q 2: Observatories sometimes say that the weather in the next twenty four hours will be fine or there will be clouds that will cover most parts of the country accompanied by thunderstorms. They also say that it will rain here or there or there will be northern or southern wind or the like. What is the ruling on these things? A: Knowing the status of weather or expecting winds, storms, rains clouds in any parts are based upon studying natural phenomena. He who has knowledge of these natural phenomena can expect, but not be sure, through scientific theories the happening of such things. Therefore, he expects and tells others what he expects, but he is not sure about it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.