Does the one praying alone perform the eclipse prayer, and if he does not know it, does he pray two rak'ahs?
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The questioner : If the prayer is not performed in congregation in a city or town, does a person pray alone? And if he does not know how to perform the eclipse prayer, is it permissible for him to pray two rak'ahs?
The Shaykh : It appears that if he does not know the eclipse prayer, it means he does not know that the eclipse is a cause for the prayer.
The questioner : Most people know that there is a prayer for the eclipse, but they do not know the manner of the prayer.
The Shaykh : We say: Fear Allah as much as you are able. He should pray, even if it is just according to custom. We might say that he is excused in this case. But it is obligatory for you, O students of knowledge, to clarify this for the people. Do you mean that in some countries people do not know this?
The questioner : In some countries, they do not pray at all; instead, innovations are performed in its place, and Allah knows best about them.
The Shaykh : They beat drums, I think.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : It appears that if he does not know the eclipse prayer, it means he does not know that the eclipse is a cause for the prayer.
The questioner : Most people know that there is a prayer for the eclipse, but they do not know the manner of the prayer.
The Shaykh : We say: Fear Allah as much as you are able. He should pray, even if it is just according to custom. We might say that he is excused in this case. But it is obligatory for you, O students of knowledge, to clarify this for the people. Do you mean that in some countries people do not know this?
The questioner : In some countries, they do not pray at all; instead, innovations are performed in its place, and Allah knows best about them.
The Shaykh : They beat drums, I think.
The questioner : Yes.