PESHAWAR: Citizens in the provincial metropolis and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Sunday offered Namaz-e-Kasoof at time of solar eclipse which created a ring of fire in the sky at noon.
Like other parts of the country, the solar eclipse started in Peshawar at 9:48 am and continued till 1:02 pm.
In the beginning, the eclipse was partial with coverage of 79.44 per cent and later in the noon, it covered the majority of the sun, reducing daylight and leaving people confused if the weather had become cloudy.
According to meteorologists, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between earth and sun obscure sunlight, leaving a thin ring of the solar disc to be visible.
Religious scholars had requested people to follow the teachings of holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who used to offer Namaz-e-Kasoof at time of solar eclipse to seek the mercy of Allah Almighty.
“Namaz-e-Kasoof is a two rakat namaz with long duration as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offered with prolong standing reciting verses of Holy Quran besides long bowing and Sajida (bowing down to earth) during this Salat at a time when there was a solar eclipse in Madina-e-Munawra,” said Peshawar Sheikh Zahid Islamic Center former director and Peshawar khateeb Professor Dr Abdul Ghafoor.
Talking to APP, he said every Muslim should offer two rakat salah at time of solar eclipse as the practice was being done by the holy prophet.
It may be noted here that Namaz-e-Kasoof is an optional prayer which can be offered in the congregation or in isolation.
He said that these days during the Covid-19 pandemic, public gatherings were restricted as a preventive measure for stemming the spread of the deadly virus, therefore, people were asked to offer the prayers at home instead of mosques.
After offering Namaz-e-Kasoof, Muhammad (PBUH) addressed his companions saying, “when you see an eclipse on sun or moon, glorify and supplicate Allah (SWT), observe prayers, give alms”.
Meanwhile, most people remained indoors to avoid the effects of the eclipse while some sky watchers witnessed the ring of fire using protective eyewear.
