Salat al-Ayat (Prayer of the Signs)
An obligatory prayer performed during natural phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses.
Salat al-Ayat (Arabic: صلاة الآيات) is an obligatory prayer in Shia Islam that must be performed upon the occurrence of certain natural phenomena, which are signs (ayat) of Allah's power. These phenomena include solar eclipse (kusuf), lunar eclipse (khusuf), earthquakes, and any unusual natural phenomenon that causes widespread fear.
The prayer has a unique structure consisting of two rak'ah, but each rak'ah contains five ruku (bowings) instead of the usual one. The worshipper recites Surah Al-Fatiha, goes into ruku, rises, recites again, goes into ruku — this is repeated five times in each rak'ah, followed by two sujud. In total, ten ruku and four sujud are performed.
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Salat al-Ayat is obligatory during solar and lunar eclipses, during earthquakes, and during any sign that causes fear" (Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih by Shaykh al-Saduq, vol. 1). If one deliberately neglects this prayer during the phenomenon, one must still pray it as qada (make-up prayer) afterwards.
The prayer can be prayed individually or in congregation (jama'ah). In congregational prayer, the imam is permitted to recite the Quran aloud. Salat al-Ayat reminds the believer of Allah's omnipotence over the forces of nature and the importance of turning to Him in awe.
Related terms
Tartib (Order in Prayer)
The correct sequence of the prayer's actions and the daily prayers.
Irsal (Arm Position in Prayer)
The Shia practice of letting the arms hang at the sides during prayer.
Imamat (Divine Leadership)
The doctrine of the twelve divinely appointed Imams who lead the community after the Prophet.
Ihsan (Excellence)
The highest level of worship: to worship Allah as if one can see Him.
Qabd (Folding the Arms in Prayer)
The practice of folding the arms over the chest or below the navel during the standing position in prayer.
Sahifa al-Sajjadiyyah (The Psalms of Sajjad)
A collection of supplications from the 4th Imam, called "The Psalms of Islam."