Jakarta, NU Online
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across Indonesia on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, following the Maghrib prayer time. Muslims throughout the archipelago are encouraged to perform the eclipse prayer, known as khusuf al-qamar. The event offers a moment for spiritual reflection and communal worship.
Ustadz Alhafiz Kurniawan explained that performing the eclipse prayer, particularly in congregation, is highly recommended, citing the book Nihayatuz Zain in an article titled Tata Cara Shalat Gerhana Bulan on NU Online.
The lunar eclipse prayer differs slightly from regular prayers. Specifically, both Surat Al-Fatihah and the bowing (ruku) are performed twice within each cycle (rak’ah). After the first bowing, worshippers stand to recite Surat Al-Fatihah and another verse before returning to the bowing position and then standing up again.
This prayer can be performed collectively with audible recitation (jahar) or individually (munfarid).
The prayer begins with the following intention (niat):
أُصَلِّي سُنَّةَ الخُسُوفِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ إِمَامًا/مَأمُومًا لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى
Ushallî sunnatal khusûfi rak‘ataini imâman/makmûman lillâhi ta‘âlâ
This translates to, “I intend to pray the sunnah prayer for the lunar eclipse, two cycles, as an imam/follower for the sake of Allah SWT.”
The sequence of the sunnah lunar eclipse prayer is as follows:
- State the intention in your heart during the initial takbiratul ihram.
- Recite the takbir while entering prayer and holding the intention in your heart.
- Recite taawudz and Surat Al-Fatihah, followed by Surat Al-Baqarah or another surah, reciting audibly.
- Perform the bowing (ruku) while reciting tasbih for approximately the length of reciting 100 verses of Surat Al-Baqarah.
- Rise (i’tidal), without reciting the doa i’tidal, and recite Surat Al-Fatihah again. It’s recommended to then recite Surat Ali Imran or a similar length surah.
- Perform the bowing (ruku) again, reciting tasbih for approximately the length of reciting 80 verses of Surat Al-Baqarah.
- Rise to a standing position (itidal) and recite the doa i’tidal.
- Perform the prostration (sujud) while reciting tasbih for the same duration as the first bowing.
- Sit between the two prostrations.
- Perform the second prostration, reciting tasbih for the same duration as the second bowing.
- Sit briefly before rising for the second cycle.
- Rise and perform the second cycle, mirroring the movements of the first. During the first standing position of the second cycle, it is recommended to recite Surat An-Nisa, and during the second standing position, Surat Al-Maidah.
- Conclude with the salam.
- The imam or designated leader should deliver two sermons (khutbah) offering guidance to the congregation to seek forgiveness, increase piety, repent, supply charity, and advocate for marginalized communities.
According to data from the LF PBNU, the timing of the total lunar eclipse phases on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, will be as follows:
- Beginning of the partial eclipse = 16:50:01 WIB
- Beginning of the total eclipse = 18:04:28 WIB
- Peak of the eclipse = 18:33:37 WIB
- End of the total eclipse = 19:02:24 WIB
- End of the partial eclipse = 20:17:13 WIB
