Salat al-Ayat (Prayer of the Signs)

Salat al-Ayat (Arabic: صلاة الآيات) is an obligatory prayer in Shia Islam that must be performed upon the occurrence of certain natural phenomena, which are signs (ayat) of Allah's power. These phenomena include solar eclipse (kusuf), lunar eclipse (khusuf), earthquakes, and any unusual natural phenomenon that causes widespread fear.

The prayer has a unique structure consisting of two rak'ah, but each rak'ah contains five ruku (bowings) instead of the usual one. The worshipper recites Surah Al-Fatiha, goes into ruku, rises, recites again, goes into ruku — this is repeated five times in each rak'ah, followed by two sujud. In total, ten ruku and four sujud are performed.

Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Salat al-Ayat is obligatory during solar and lunar eclipses, during earthquakes, and during any sign that causes fear" (Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih by Shaykh al-Saduq, vol. 1). If one deliberately neglects this prayer during the phenomenon, one must still pray it as qada (make-up prayer) afterwards.

The prayer can be prayed individually or in congregation (jama'ah). In congregational prayer, the imam is permitted to recite the Quran aloud. Salat al-Ayat reminds the believer of Allah's omnipotence over the forces of nature and the importance of turning to Him in awe.