Regarding the eclipse prayer

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Khusuf or Kusuf literally means to change i.e when the sun/moon loses its light and turns black, partially or fully. [Lisan al-‘Arab 9/298-299, al-Mu’jam al-Wasit 2/787, Mu’jam al-Lughah al-‘Arabiyyah al-Mu’asirah 1/643 & 3/1933]. Also see [75:8]

There is disagreement regarding the difference between Khusuf and Kusuf. The correct opinion is that they hold the same meaning, used interchangeably for the sun and moon as per the narrations. See Ikham al-Ahkam by Ibn Daqiq al-‘Eid with commentary by al-San’ani, al-Bukhari (184, 1043) & Muslim (901, 902)

Allah causes eclipse to happen in order to remind and fear his servants (al-Bukhari 1059 & Muslim 912)

The correct opinion is with the majority i.e that it’s an emphasized Sunnah as there’s only 5 prayers obligatory (al-Bukhari 1395 & Muslim 19). See Fath al-Bari (2/527) and al-Majmu’ by al-Nawawi (5/44)

The correct opinion is that this prayer can be prayed in the prohibited times as it has a sabab (reason)

There is no Adhan nor Iqamah for this by Ijma’ (al-Istidhkar 2/414, al-Muhalla 2/178, al-Majmu’ 3/77). However, one can make an announcement for this congregation by Ijma’ as the prophet ﷺ said “al-Salah Jaami’ah” (Sharh Ibn Battal 3/34, al-Bukhari 1045 & Muslim 910)

It is to be prayed in congregation as per the majority of scholars and generality of the ahadith (Nayl al-Awtar 3/396, Bidayat al-Mujtahid 1/210). Especially in the masjid (Minhaj al-Sunnah 8/218, al-Bukhari 1046 & Muslim 901). Although it is permissible to pray it alone if one cannot do it as the generality of the ahadith show, this is also the opinion of the 4 Madhahib.

It is recommended for women too (al-Bukhari 184 & Muslim 904, 905)

The correct view is that it is to be prayed as the eclipse is seen until it ends (al-Bukhari 1040, 1041, 1060 & Muslim 911, 915) so if it ends during the prayer then the prayer should be made light until it’s finished as the goal has been achieved.

The description is as ‘Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her reported:
“He stood for long, then he bowed for long, then he rose and stood for a long, it being shorter than the first standing. Then he bowed for long, it being shorter than the first bowing. Then he rose and prostrated for long.

Then he stood for long, it being shorter than the first standing. Then he bowed for long, it being shorter than the first bowing. Then he stood for long, it being shorter than the first standing. Then he bowed for long, it being shorter than the first bowing. Then he prostrated, it being shorter than the first prostration. Then he finished (the prayer).“ (al-Bukhari 1050 & Muslim 903)

And as Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with both, reported:
“He stood for long, approximately the length of the recital of Sūrah al-Baqarah. Then he bowed for long. Then he raised and stood for long, and it was less than the first standing. Then he bowed for long, and it was less than the first bowing. Then he prostrated.

Then he stood for long, and it was less than the first standing. Then he bowed for long, and it was less than the first bowing. Then he raised and stood for long, and it was less than the first standing. Then he bowed for long, and it was less than the first bowing. Then he prostrated. Then he finished (the prayer), and the sun had become clear (the eclipse had ended)” (al-Bukhari 1052 & Muslim 907)

This shows that it’s the same structure and Adhkar of a 2 Raka’ah prayer except that every raka’ah has two Ruku’ and recital when getting up from the first one.

The recital is out loud (al-Bukhari 1065 & Muslim 901)

If one misses the first Ruku’ from the first raka’ah then that raka’ah is not counted. This is what shaykh Ibn Baz (Nur ‘ala al-Darb 13/392)

If the prayer has finished before the eclipse, it is not legislated to pray it again but rather to Make Du’a, Do Takbir, give charity (al-Bukhari 1044 & Muslim 901). Especially Asking forgiveness (al-Bukhari 1059 & Muslim 912), protection from punishment of the grave and Hellfire (al-Bukhari 1050 & Muslim 903). Also see Majmu’ al-Fatawa 35/168

This prayer cannot be made up by Ijma’ (Sharh Sahih Muslim by al-Nawawi 5/181, Fath al-Bari 2/528, Nayl al-Awtar 3/389)