SAEDNEWS: Salat al-Ayat, or the Prayer of Signs, is performed when significant events or signs cause fear among people. In such circumstances, performing this prayer becomes obligatory for Muslims. Here are the key rules and details of Salat al-Ayat.
According to Saednews, The religious causes that make the Prayer of Signs (Salat al-Ayat) obligatory include a solar eclipse and lunar eclipse, even if only a small portion of the sun or moon is obscured; earthquakes; and other unusual events that cause fear among most people, such as extraordinary black, red, or yellow winds. Other examples mentioned include severe darkness, the sinking of the earth, landslides or collapsing mountains, a heavenly cry, and fires that occasionally appear in the sky.
Except in the cases of solar and lunar eclipses and earthquakes, the event must generally cause fear or alarm among most people. An event that is not frightening, or that frightens only a small number of individuals, does not make the prayer obligatory.
Salat al-Ayat consists of two rak'ahs, with five bowings (rukūʿ) in each rak'ah. There are two commonly described methods for performing it.
After making the intention and saying the opening takbīr (Takbīrat al-Ihrām), recite Surat al-Fatihah and another surah, then perform rukūʿ.
Rise from rukūʿ, recite al-Fatihah and another surah again, and perform another rukūʿ. Continue in the same manner until five rukūʿ have been completed, reciting al-Fatihah and another surah before each rukūʿ.
After the fifth rukūʿ, perform two prostrations (sajdahs). Then stand for the second rak'ah and perform it in the same manner. After the two sajdahs of the second rak'ah, recite the tashahhud and conclude the prayer with salām.
After the intention and opening takbīr, recite al-Fatihah followed by one verse from a surah, then perform rukūʿ.
Rise from rukūʿ and recite another verse from the same surah, then perform rukūʿ again. Continue in this manner until the fifth rukūʿ, completing the chosen surah before the final rukūʿ.
Then perform the fifth rukūʿ followed by two sajdahs. Stand for the second rak'ah and repeat the same procedure. Finally, perform the tashahhud and salām.
If only one verse is recited before each rukūʿ, al-Fatihah should be recited only once at the beginning of that rak'ah.
If a solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, or earthquake is established through personal observation, the testimony of two trustworthy people, or reliable astronomical or seismological instruments and experts, Salat al-Ayat becomes obligatory.
The obligation applies to people living in the area where the event occurs or where it is observable.
For a solar or lunar eclipse, the time for Salat al-Ayat begins when the eclipse starts and continues until the eclipse begins to clear. It should therefore be performed during the eclipse. If it is not performed during that period, it must subsequently be performed with the intention of seeking closeness to God rather than specifically intending it as either a performed-on-time or make-up prayer, subject to the relevant ruling concerning partial eclipses.
In the case of an earthquake or a terrifying thunderstorm and similar events, the prayer should be performed as soon as possible. According to the ruling described here, if it is neglected, the obligation remains until it is eventually performed.
If such events occur repeatedly, Salat al-Ayat must also be repeated.
Salat al-Ayat is a prayer associated with significant natural and extraordinary events such as solar and lunar eclipses, earthquakes, severe lightning and thunder, and unusual winds that cause widespread fear.
Before Islam, some communities responded to eclipses with superstitious practices. Some people believed that a gigantic creature, such as a dragon or serpent, was attempting to swallow the sun or moon, and they would beat drums in an attempt to frighten it away. The emergence of Islam rejected such beliefs and redirected people's attention toward God.
According to the traditions cited in the source, Salat al-Ayat is intended to remind people of God's power and to turn their attention away from superstition.
During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, a solar eclipse occurred on the day his son Ibrahim died. Some people believed that the eclipse had occurred because of the Prophet's son's death. The Prophet rejected this belief and explained that the sun and moon are signs of God and that eclipses do not occur because of the death or life of any person. He then performed Salat al-Ayat with the people.
Imam Ali is reported to have described prayer as a means through which a person draws closer to God. Imam al-Sadiq is also reported to have said that when an important difficulty arose for Imam Ali, he would turn to prayer and recite the Qur'anic instruction: “Seek help through patience and prayer.”
These traditions emphasize the idea that prayer connects a person with the divine power upon which believers rely during difficulties. In frightening or extraordinary circumstances, this spiritual connection is understood to help a person overcome fear, weakness, and despair while turning toward God with patience and faith.
Several purposes are traditionally associated with Salat al-Ayat:
1. Turning away from superstition:
The prayer reminds people that eclipses and other extraordinary natural events are not caused by mythical creatures, the anger of the sun, or similar superstitious explanations. Rather, they are viewed as signs of God's creation and power.
2. Remembering the events associated with the Day of Judgment:
The darkness, earthquakes, and other extraordinary phenomena are understood as reminders of the signs associated with the Hereafter.
3. Remembering God during times of difficulty:
People may forget God during times of comfort and remember Him more readily during hardship. Extraordinary events such as earthquakes can therefore serve as reminders to pray, repent, reconsider one's actions, and seek to make amends for the past.
