Muslims in the country today did not miss the opportunity to perform the ‘two rakaah kusuf’ prayers in conjunction with the solar eclipse phenomenon, which usually occurs every four years.

In KUALA LUMPUR, about 200 Muslim community performed the prayers in congregation at the National Mosque or Masjid Negara at 8.45am.

The prayers was led by the grand imam of the mosque, who also delivered a special sermon about the eclipse entitled ‘Exploring the Secret Glory of Allah’.

Also joining the congregation for the prayers was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Among the highlights of the sermon was the eclipse phenomenon which was evidence of the Greatness of Allah shown to His creatures in order for them to do tafakkur (reflection).

The phenomenon also reminded Muslims to always stay away from negligence and forgetfulness of the Creator, and constantly improve on their good deeds.

In KOTA BARU, a congregation of 500 Muslims performed the solar eclipse prayers at the state mosque, Masjid Muhammadi at 8.45am.

The congregation was led by the imam tua of the mosque Rosli Che Soh, who also read out a sermon about the solar eclipse phenomenon.

The prayers was held by the management of the mosque during the partial solar eclipse phenomenon from 7.24am until 9.30am.

Apart from the Masjid Muhammadi, most of mosques and surau in the state also took the opportunity to organise the prayers.

The partial solar eclipse phenomenon reached its maximum phase at 8.24am when the moon’s shadow began to cover the sun slowly for about two hours. The eclipse ended when the shadow of the moon completely moved away from the sun.

In KUANTAN, over 1,000 Muslims performed the solar eclipse prayers at 8.30am at the Masjid Negeri Sultan Ahmad 1 led by Imam 1 of the mosque Mohd Khalil Mohd Zari, followed by a special sermon on the phenomenon.

Meanwhile, Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) assistant director (Mosque Management Division) Nik Ibrahim Nik Abdullah said over 600 mosques statewide had been asked to hold the prayers today.

- Bernama