Total Lunar Eclipse to be Visible Across Indonesia on March 3, 2026

A total lunar eclipse will be visible from all regions of Indonesia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the Maghrib prayer time. Muslim communities throughout the archipelago are encouraged to perform the lunar eclipse prayer (khusuf al-qamar).

Lunar Eclipse Prayer Practices

Ustadz Alhafiz Kurniawan explained that performing the lunar eclipse prayer is highly recommended, particularly when done in congregation.

The eclipse prayer differs slightly from regular prayers. Specifically, the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and the bowing (ruku) are performed twice in each rak’ah. After completing the first bowing, worshippers stand again to recite Surah Al-Fatihah and additional verses before bowing again and continuing with i’tidal.

This prayer can be performed individually (munfarid) or collectively with the congregation, with the recitation being done aloud (jahr) or silently.

Intention (Niyyah) for the Prayer

The intention for the prayer is as follows:

“I intend to pray two rak’ahs of the sunnah prayer for the lunar eclipse as an imam/follower for the sake of Allah Almighty.”

Sunnah Rak’ataini Imam/Makmûman Lillahi Ta’âlâ

Order of the Lunar Eclipse Prayer

1. Begin with the intention in the heart during the takbiratul ihram.
2. Recite the takbir during the takbiratul ihram while intending it in the heart.
3. Recite taawudz and Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by Surah Al-Baqarah or a surah of comparable length, reciting aloud.
4. Perform ruku (bowing) while reciting tasbih for a duration equivalent to approximately 100 verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
5. Rise to i’tidal, without reciting the i’tidal prayer, and then recite Surah Al-Fatihah again. It is recommended to then recite Surah Ali Imran or a similar surah.
6. Perform ruku (bowing) again, reciting tasbih for approximately 80 verses of Surah Al-Baqarah.
7. Return to i’tidal and recite the i’tidal prayer.
8. Prostrate while reciting tasbih during the first prostration.
9. Sit between the two prostrations.
10. Perform the second prostration while reciting tasbih.
11. Sit to rest briefly before rising for the second rak’ah.
12. Stand up and perform the second rak’ah, following the same movements as the first. In the first standing position of the second rak’ah, it is recommended to recite Surah An-Nisa, and in the second standing position, Surah Al-Maidah.
13. Conclude with salam.

Following the prayer, the imam or a designated individual should deliver two sermons (khutbah) offering guidance to the congregation to seek forgiveness, increase piety, repent, practice charity, and advocate for the marginalized.

Eclipse Timings (WIB)

• Beginning of the partial eclipse phase: 16:50:01
• Beginning of the total eclipse phase: 18:04:28
• Peak of the eclipse: 18:33:37
• End of total eclipse phase: 19:02:24
• End of partial eclipse phase: 20:17:13