II. 16

On Prayers in Case of Natural Phenomenon

Namazé-ayat is the name given to the prayer to be said when one witnesses natural phenomena which inspire fear. This prayer is required in the four following cases: total or partial eclipse of the sun; total or partial eclipse of the moon; earthquake, even though it be not fearsome; thunder, lightning, and black or red winds.

If several of these phenomena occur simultaneously, for instance if an eclipse should be accompanied by an earthquake, two prayers are recovered.

In case of earthquake or lightning or thunder, one must pray immediately. Failing to do so is a sin which is not pardoned until after this prayer is said, no matter how much later, even to the last day of a person’s life.

If a woman is having her period during a solar or lunar eclipse and until the eclipse is over, no prayer for this natural phenomenon is required. Nor is she obliged to say it at a later date.