Morocco Declines to Organize Eclipse Prayer Amidst Astrological Event
In a recent announcement, the Moroccan Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs has confirmed that the traditional prayer known as Salat al-Kusuf, which is performed during a solar eclipse, will not be conducted in light of the anticipated partial eclipse on the evening of August 12. This decision was made public on August 10, clarifying that the eclipse will occur after the Al-Asr prayer and before sunset—a timeframe during which the performance of optional prayers is generally discouraged according to the Maliki school of thought, which is followed in Morocco.
The eclipse is expected to begin around 6:44 PM and last until approximately 8:40 PM, with its visibility concluding at sunset. During this event, over 90% of the sun will be obscured by the moon in Tangier, while Casablanca will witness nearly 87% coverage. The European Space Agency indicates that Morocco will experience this partial eclipse, while the path of totality will traverse regions including Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and parts of northeastern Portugal.
For public safety, it is advisable for observers to utilize eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard or appropriate solar filters, as direct observation of the sun can lead to irreversible eye damage. This decision reflects the Ministry's commitment to adhering to Islamic guidelines while ensuring the well-being of the community during celestial phenomena.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
