Abu Shurayh Khuza'i, may Allah have mercy on him, says that once during the caliphate of Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani, may Allah be pleased with him, there was a solar eclipse. At that time, Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, was also in Madinah Munawwarah. Sayyiduna Uthman Ghani, may Allah be pleased with him, came out and led the people in the eclipse prayer, performing two bowings (ruku) and two prostrations (sajdah) in each rak'ah. After leading the prayer, he returned to his home, while Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, sat near the chamber of Sayyidah Aisha Siddiqa, may Allah be pleased with her. We also sat around him. He said that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, used to command us to pray at the time of solar and lunar eclipses. Therefore, when you see either of them eclipsed, immediately turn towards prayer, because if it is the very thing you have been warned about (and you are praying), then you will not be in heedlessness, and if it is not that sign of the Hour, then still you have done a good deed and earned virtue.