Eclipses in Islam; why Muslims observe special prayer

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Originally Published in The Middletown Press on February 6th, 2018

As an Ahmadiyya Muslim, I joined Muslims the world over recently in observing a special prayer called Khusoof as a rare phenomenon occurred in the heavens. A lunar eclipse took place. It was also a super blue blood moon, which is when the moon is closest to the Earth, the brightest, the second full moon of the month, and when it takes on a reddish tint.

So, why is this so significant for Muslims? In the words and practice of the holy founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “the sun and the moon are two special signs among the signs of almighty Allah, they don’t eclipse because of the birth or death of someone, so when either eclipses, invoke Allah, observe prayer, and give alms.”

They would also be powerful signs signaling the coming of the Messiah. According to Prophet Muhammad and Jesus’ prophecies, in those days the moon and sun would both eclipse within the same month of Ramadan. This is exactly what happened in 1894 and again in 1895 during the lifetime of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad corroborating his claim to being the true latter-day Imam Mahdi or divine guide and Messiah.

Let’s promote “love for all, hatred for none” by understanding each other and our practices.

— Zahir Muhammad Mannan, director of outreach, holy Quran education and devotion, Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Baitul Aman House of Peace Mosque, Meriden; Middletown resident

About the author

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Zahir Muhammad Mannan

Zahir Mannan is the Head Teacher and Administrative Associate at the Early Learning Program, Inc. at Central Connecticut State University, and a previous Associate Research Scientist at Yale University School of Medicine. He leads a weekly Holy Quran study group at Baitul Aman "House of Peace" Mosque in Meriden, CT, where he also teaches an advanced Holy Quran class for Tahir Academy. He has served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in diverse capacities including national follow-up coordinator for 1-800-WHY-ISLAM, local Youth President, local Interfaith Outreach Director, local Holy Quran Education and Temporary Devotion Director, and local Youth Publication Director.

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