What is the ruling on performing the eclipse prayer as two sets of two rak'ahs (four total) versus other configurations?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Eclipse Prayers (Solar and Lunar)
Primary text
It is permissible to perform the eclipse prayer according to any authenticated narration from the Prophet (PBUH), as with the prayer of fear (Salat al-Khawf). The preference according to Ahmad's school is the specific description detailed earlier (four rak'ahs, four sujuds, with differing bowing/standing lengths). Interpretations based on narrations from Ibn Abbas and Aisha suggest four rak'ahs and four prostrations. The validity of performing it as two separate units of two rak'ahs, each with two bowings, is also supported by narrations from Ibn Abbas and Muslim.
Supporting text
Ali narrated a version involving six rak'ahs and four prostrations, a view also held by Ishaq and Ibn Al-Mundhir, and Ibn Abbas is also reported to have performed six rak'ahs and four prostrations. There is a narration from Abu Hanifa based on Al-Nu'man ibn Bashir's report that the Prophet performed two rak'ahs and gave the salutation, then two rak'ahs and gave the salutation, repeating until the sun cleared. Another narration from Qabisa suggests praying like the most recent obligatory prayer performed. These are considered weak or conflicting against the more established and numerous narrations concerning the prolonged structure.