Is the lunar eclipse prayer legislated?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Eclipse Prayers (Solar and Lunar)
Primary text
The majority of scholars hold that the lunar eclipse prayer (Kusuf al-Qamar) is legislated. This view is supported by the action of Ibn Abbas, as well as the opinions of Ata, Al-Hasan, Al-Nakha'i, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq. The evidence is the Prophet's unified command to pray when either event occurs. Furthermore, Ibn Abbas performed the prayer during a lunar eclipse in Basra, stating he did so because he saw the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) perform it. It is argued that since it is one of the two eclipses, it is analogous to the solar eclipse.
Supporting text
Imam Malik maintains that there is no established Sunnah for the lunar eclipse prayer. Ibn Abd al-Barr narrated from Malik, and also attributed to Abu Hanifa, the view that people may pray two rak'ahs individually for the lunar eclipse, but not in congregation, due to the hardship involved in gathering them.