Solar Eclipse in Morocco: Ministry clarifies details on not holding the eclipse prayer in August 2026

Official clarifications regarding the eclipse prayer in Morocco

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has issued an official statement to the national public, revealing its religious and organizational position regarding holding the eclipse prayer (Salat al-Kousouf), coinciding with the astronomical phenomenon that will be witnessed in the Kingdom’s sky on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Timing of the astronomical phenomenon

Based on precise astronomical reports, large areas of Morocco will experience a solar eclipse on the mentioned date, with the phenomenon extending from the afternoon until moments before sunset. This timing was the decisive factor in determining the religious stance regarding the prayer.

Why will the eclipse prayer not be held?

The Ministry explained in its statement that the decision not to hold the prayer is due to the phenomenon’s timing coinciding with the “time of disapproval” (waqt karaha) for voluntary prayers in Islamic law. Based on the Maliki school of thought adopted in Morocco, the time for performing the eclipse prayer is legally limited to the period when voluntary prayers are permissible.

Due to this temporal conflict between the expected time of the eclipse and the period in which voluntary prayers are discouraged, the Ministry decided not to call for the eclipse prayer in mosques.

Religious guidance for citizens

Concluding its statement, the Ministry called on all citizens to limit themselves to turning to God Almighty with supplication and seeking forgiveness during the eclipse, in line with the Prophetic traditions of reflecting on the Creator’s greatness during such cosmic events, rather than engaging in collective rituals that do not conform to the mentioned jurisprudential standards.