Partial lunar eclipse to be visible over Saudi Arabia on August 28

A partial lunar eclipse will be visible over Saudi Arabia before dawn on Friday, August 28, 2026, marking a significant astronomical event that will also be seen in parts of the Arab world and several continents.

Lunar eclipse details

According to the Saudi Space Agency, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing the moon to pass through Earth's shadow.

The agency explained that the beginning of the penumbral phase will be visible across all regions of the Kingdom. The start of the partial eclipse will be observable in western, northern, and southwestern areas, as well as parts of central Saudi Arabia. The remaining phases will not be visible, as the moon will have set below the horizon in the Kingdom.

Eclipse timings (Saudi local time):

04:23 a.m.: Penumbral phase begins (visible in all regions)

05:33 a.m.: Partial eclipse begins (visible in some regions)

07:12 a.m.: Maximum eclipse (not visible)

08:51 a.m.: Partial eclipse ends (not visible)

10:01 a.m.: Penumbral phase ends (not visible)

During the partial phase, Earth's shadow will cover about 93% of the moon's surface. The eclipse will be visible in areas where the moon is above the horizon at the time, including North and South America and parts of Europe and Africa.

The entire eclipse, from start to finish, will last approximately five hours and thirty-eight minutes, while the partial phase will last about three hours and eighteen minutes.

How to perform the eclipse prayer

The eclipse prayer (Salat al-Khusuf) is a confirmed Sunnah that may be performed individually or in congregation from the start of the eclipse until it ends. The prayer consists of two units (rak'ahs), each with two standings, two recitations, two bows, and two prostrations. In the first unit, begin with the opening takbir, the opening supplication, recite Al-Fatiha and a long surah, then perform a lengthy bowing, stand up, recite Al-Fatiha and a shorter surah, bow again, then perform two long prostrations. The second unit is performed in the same manner but is shorter in duration, followed by the final sitting and salutation.

The call for this prayer is made by announcing "As-salatu jami'ah" (prayer is gathering), without the regular adhan or iqamah. The prayer is performed once the eclipse is visibly confirmed, and its observance in mosques depends on this. It is also recommended to increase supplication, seek forgiveness, proclaim Allah's greatness, and give charity until the eclipse ends and the moon is fully visible again.