Sign prayer explained

The signs prayer (Arabic: صلاة الآيات|Ṣalāt al-ʾĀyāt) is one of the Muslim prayers that is optional for Sunni Muslims, but mandatory for Shīʿa Muslims. When solar or lunar eclipses, earthquakes, thunder, or other natural phenomena (or signs, hence the name signs prayer) occur, Muslims may have to pray Ṣalāt al-ʾĀyāt. In Twelver Shia Islam, al-Ayat Prayer consists of two Rakats, and there are five Ruku in each. It is for specific conditions and have been described in detail in resalah of marja's.

Background

On the same day that Ibrahim, the son of Muhammad died, people thought that a solar eclipse that occurred was due to his death.^[1] To this, Muhammad replied: “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death or life (i.e. birth) of someone. When you see the eclipse pray and invoke Allah.”^[2]

Necessity in Shia Islam

Although optional for Sunnis,^[3] Salat al-Ayat is obligatory for Shias upon the occurrence of the following phenomena:^[4]

• Solar and lunar eclipses: Even if it was partial eclipse, and the phenomenon does not frighten the person.
• Earthquakes: Even if none becomes afraid of it.
• Thunder, lightning, black and red winds that frighten most people.

Manner of performing

Shia Islam

Twelver

Al-Ayat Prayers consists of two Rakats, and there are five Ruku in each, performed as follows:^[5]

Method 1

• After making niyyah of offering the prayers, one should say takbir (Allahu Akbar), then recite Surah al-fatiha and another Surah, then perform the Ruku.
• Thereafter, one should stand and recite Surah al-fatiha and a Surah, then perform another Ruku.
• Repeat this action five times. After the fifth Ruku, perform two Sujud.
• Then one should stand up to perform the second Rakat in the same manner as done in the first.
• At last, recite Tashahhud and Salam.

Method 2

• After making niyyah to offer al-Ayat Prayers, a person is allowed to say takbir and recite Surah al-Fatiha, then divide the verses of the other Surah into five parts, and recite one verse or more or less, thereafter perform the Ruku.
• Stand up and recite another part of the Surah (without reciting Surah al-Fatiha) and then perform another Ruku. Repeat this action and finish that Surah before performing the fifth Ruku.

See also

• Salat
• Asr prayer
• Maghrib prayer
• Isha prayer

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sahih Muslim 911c. Sunnah.
2. Web site: Sahih al-Bukhari 1043. Sunnah.
3. Web site: The Ruling of the Eclipse Prayers And Other Prayers Offered Upon the Occurrence of Cosmic Phenomena. Dorar.
4. Book: Ayatullah Seestani. Ali al-Husaini. Salat al-Ayaat. 24 January 2013 . World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities.
5. Web site: Ayatullah al-Khui. Sayyid Abulqasim . Prayer of the Signs (Salat al-Ayat). Al Islam. 12 May 2015.