Mawaddah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Islam
Vol 4 No 1 (2026): Mei

Between Theology and History: Re-evaluating the Solar Eclipse Narrative in the Karbala Tragedy through Islamic Historiography and Astronomy

Riza, Muhammad Himmatur (Unknown)
Rofiuddin, Ahmad Adib (Unknown)
Ardliansyah, Moelki Fahmi (Unknown)
Wardani, Restu Trisna (Unknown)
Firdiansyah, Ahmad Roihan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 May 2026

Abstract

This study critically examines the widely circulated claim that a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Ḥusayn ibn ʿAli’s martyrdom during the Karbala tragedy (10 Muḥarram 61 AH / 10 October 680 CE). While the narrative appears in classical sources such as Tārīkh al-Khulafā’ by al-Suyuthi, it has rarely been subjected to rigorous interdisciplinary verification. This research addresses that gap by integrating historical-textual criticism with astronomical data analysis. Using a qualitative library-based approach, the study evaluates the reliability of the narrative through isnād and matn criticism, while cross-referencing it with NASA eclipse records and Stellarium simulations. The findings demonstrate that no solar eclipse occurred or was observable in the region on the stated date, thereby contradicting the historical claim. This suggests that the eclipse narrative functions primarily as a symbolic and theological construct rather than an empirical event. The study contributes to Islamic historiography by emphasizing the importance of methodological integration between traditional scholarship and modern scientific tools, offering a clearer distinction between symbolic religious narratives and historically verifiable facts.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

mawaddah

Publisher

Subject

Religion Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Mawaddah: Journal of Islamic Family Law, an electronic journal that provides a forum for publishing research articles, literature reviews, field research and or book reviews on Islamic family law. The scope is as follows: 1. Marriage 2. Divorce 3. Joint Property 4. Child Custody 5. Inheritance 6. ...