the second rakʿah in the same fashion, with two long bowings and two long prostrations, just as he had done in the first, after which he sits for the tashahhud and ends the prayer with the salām.
Such is the description of the eclipse prayer as performed by the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—and as reported from him through multiple chains, some of which appear in the two Ṣaḥīḥs. One of these is the ḥadīth narrated by ʿĀʾishah, may Allah be pleased with her: “The sun was eclipsed in the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. The Messenger of Allah came out, stood, and pronounced the takbīr, and the people lined up behind him. He recited a long recitation, then bowed in a lengthy bowing. When he raised his head he said, ‘Allah hears those who praise Him. Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.’ He then stood and recited again—a long recitation, though shorter than the first—pronounced the takbīr, and bowed in a lengthy bowing that was shorter than the first. He then said, ‘Allah hears those who praise Him. Our Lord, to You belongs all praise,’ and prostrated. In the second rakʿah he did the same until he had completed four bowings and four prostrations, and the sun cleared before he concluded.” Agreed upon.
It is recommended to perform the eclipse prayer in congregation, following the practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him; yet it is permissible to pray it individually like other supererogatory prayers, though congregational performance is preferable.
It is also recommended that, after the eclipse prayer, the imam admonish the people, warn them against heedlessness and self-delusion, and instruct them to increase their supplications and seeking forgiveness. In Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī there is the report of ʿĀʾishah—may Allah be pleased with her—that when the Prophet finished, he addressed the people, praised Allah, extolled Him, and said: “Indeed, the sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah; they are not eclipsed because of anyone’s death or life. So when you …”