The correct answer is Solar eclipse. The Kusouf prayer is a special Salah in Islam that is performed during a solar eclipse. This prayer is known as Salat al-Kusuf (صلاة الكسوف), and it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, which means it is a strongly recommended practice by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, causing the sunlight to be partially or completely blocked for a short time. During this unusual and powerful event in the sky, Muslims are encouraged to pray and remember Allah.

The Kusouf prayer was established during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. One day, during a solar eclipse, the Prophet came out to the mosque and led the people in prayer. He gave a sermon after the prayer, reminding the people that these natural signs are not caused by the life or death of anyone but are signs from Allah. He explained that when we see these signs, we should pray, make dua (supplication), and ask for Allah’s forgiveness.

Kusouf prayer is performed in congregation, though it can also be prayed individually. It consists of two rak’ahs (units of prayer), but each rak’ah is different from the usual prayers. In each rak’ah of Salat al-Kusuf, there are two bowings (ruku) instead of one, and the recitation of the Qur’an is long. The Prophet ﷺ recited long chapters of the Qur’an during this prayer, and he prayed with deep humility and focus.

This prayer reminds Muslims to be humble and recognize the power of Allah over all things, including the sun and the moon. The eclipse is a moment of reflection, not celebration. Muslims are taught not to panic, but to turn to Allah in worship when such events occur.

It is important not to confuse Salat al-Kusuf (solar eclipse prayer) with Salat al-Khusuf, which is the prayer for a lunar eclipse. Both are similar in nature, but Kusouf is specifically for the solar eclipse.

In summary, the Kusouf prayer is a special prayer that Muslims perform during a solar eclipse. It was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and teaches Muslims to remember Allah during extraordinary events in the universe.