Feb 21, 2008

Significance of the lunar eclipse


Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
Insha'Allah you are all doing well.

This is a picture I took last night during the total lunar eclipse. SubhanAllah, it was both beautiful and scary to stand there by the window and see the shadow of the earth creep over the moon. Beautiful because Allah (SWT) has created something so magnificent and scary because it makes me think of Youm Al-Qiyamah (The Day of Resurrection). If we think a lunar eclipse is breathtaking, what will the Day of Judgment be like?
This is one of the reasons why it is important for Muslims to be humble before Allah (SWT) during an eclipse. The lunar eclipse is very frightening and when we get scared, we turn to our Lord for patience and perseverance. Abu Bakr (radia’Allahuanhu) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The sun and the moon are two signs amongst the signs of Allah and they do not eclipse because of the death of someone, but Allah frightens His devotees with them."
Contrary to popular belief, Muslims pray during this time, not because of any superstition, but because we know that similar things will happen at the end of the world. We do not know when the end of the world will come, but when such signs appear, we pray to Allah (SWT) to remember Him and to seek His forgiveness.

He question: “When is the Day of Resurrection?”
At length when the sight is dazed
And the moon is buried in darkness
[eclipsed]
And the sun and the moon are joined together, that Day will man say;
“Where is the refuge?”

Surah al-Qiyamah (6-10)

When I offered my two rakats last night, I felt relaxed. SubhanAllah, it is all just so amazing. This was the first lunar eclipse that I actually took time to look at and think about and it opened my eyes a little wider. Insha'Allah, you have benefited from this and may Allah (SWT) keep you on the straight path. Ameen.

ma'asalaam =)

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