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Safar is the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar and comes after Muharram.
Safar carries historical significance from events in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While Safar does not have specific religious observances, several key events in Islamic history occurred during this month. These events underscore its religious and historical importance.
Let’s explore the meaning, history, pre-Islamic superstitions, Key historical events, and innovation of the Safar month:
The word "Safar" in Arabic carries various meanings, each rooted in historical and environmental contexts.
The word "Sawd" in Arabic has several meanings that provide insight into its significance. One interpretation is "to turn yellow," referring to the autumn season when leaves change color.
One interpretation is that the term means 'empty.' It refers to when Arab homes were often empty because people went out to collect food and resources after the sacred month of Muharram.
Another meaning of Safar is the 'whistling of the wind,' reflecting the strong, windy conditions in the desert during this time.
While Safar was originally named based on these seasonal elements. Its occurrence no longer aligns with specific weather conditions because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles. This is similar to other months, such as Rabi al-Awwal, which means 'the first spring.’
Before Islam, the Arabs referred to ‘Safaran,’ which means ‘the two Safars,’ linking Muharram and Safar together. They associated Muharram as a sacred month, a period when pilgrims returned home from Hajj. Similarly, they connected Safar with the pilgrimage time.
It was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who clarified the distinction. He (PBUH) designated Muharram as ‘the sacred month of Allah’ and left Safar as an unrelated month. Thus, Safar is neither one of the four sacred months nor linked to Hajj.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the pre-Islamic Arabs believed that performing Umrah during the months of Hajj was a major sin.
They regarded Safar as a forbidden month, asserting,
“When the wounds of the camel's back heal after returning from Hajj and the signs of those wounds disappear, and the month of Safar passes, then Umrah is permissible for those wishing to perform it.”
On the morning of the 4th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet (PBUH) and His companions arrived in Makkah in the state of Ihram for Hajj.
He (PBUH) instructed them to make their intentions for Umrah instead.
His (PBUH) companions were taken aback by this order, asking,
“O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)! What kind of finishing of Ihram is allowed?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Complete the Ihram like a non-Muhrim (you are allowed everything).”
(Bukhari: 1564)
This narration illustrates that the Prophet (PBUH) reminded the companions about the original months created by Allah (SWT). He (PBUH) also emphasized the need to abandon pre-Islamic customs that were not aligned with Islamic teachings.
The false belief that Umrah should not be performed during the sacred months, including Safar, was a misconception.
By performing Umrah with them in Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet (PBUH) reassured them that it was indeed permissible. He (PBUH) also reaffirmed that Safar was not a sacred month.
The Arabs held two deeply problematic practices concerning the month of Safar:
First, they tampered with its position in the calendar, arbitrarily moving it forward or delaying it. This act of manipulation disturbed the natural order set by Allah, who created the heavens and earth.
He (SWT) created the year with twelve months, four of which are sacred. During these sacred months, fighting was prohibited to honor their sanctity.
Second, they considered Safar unlucky, treating it as a time of heightened caution and misfortune. These beliefs, however, were rooted in superstition, as there is no Islamic basis for considering Safar inauspicious.
Believing in superstitions can lead individuals to label permissible things as forbidden. This association of fate with these beliefs is a serious misguidance and a grave sin known as ‘Shirk.’
Only Allah (SWT) holds authority over one's fate. All perceived good or bad omens are merely creations of Him (SWT) without any power over others.
As Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says in the Qur’an al-Kareem:
“No misfortune befalls except by Allah’s command...”
(Surah Tagabun, Verse 11)
According to a hadith about the month of Safar, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against superstition, declaring it a sin.
Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud:
“Taking omens is shirk; taking omens is shirk; taking omens is shirk,” repeating it three times. While everyone may have some superstitions, Allah alleviates these through trust in Him.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 3910)
He (PBUH) further explained that if someone derives bad luck from something and refrains from their intended actions, they have committed shirk.
When asked by his companions about its expiation, the Prophet (PBUH) advised them to say,
“O Allah, there is no portent other than Your portent, no goodness other than Your goodness, and none worthy of worship other than You”.
(Musnad Ahmed)
In pre-Islamic times, the Arabs viewed Safar as an unlucky month, linking it to misfortune, calamities, and the presence of evil forces. This superstition made people approach the month with caution, believing it brought about suffering.
Many unfortunate events that occurred during Safar led people to believe it was an inauspicious month. However, Islamic scholars emphasize that any misfortune during Safar is by the will of Allah, not because the month itself was cursed.
As Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said,
“There is no 'Adwa (no contagious disease is conveyed without Allah's permission), nor is there any bad omen (from birds), nor is there any Hamah, nor is there any bad omen in the month of Safar, and one should run away from the leper as one runs away from a lion.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5707)
Furthermore, Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) declared,
“There is no ‘Adwa, no omen, no Hamah and no Safar.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3539)
These superstitions have given rise to unfounded beliefs.
However, there is no basis for these claims in the Quran. Many scholars and educated Muslims assert that Allah did not designate any month as unlucky. Hardships are not caused by evil spirits but are the result of one's actions or Allah's will.
Following are the historically important events of the Safar month of Hijri calendar:
During Safar, one of the most significant events in Islamic history took place: the Hijrah. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), along with His devoted companions.
He (PBUH) embarked on a dangerous journey from Makkah to Madinah, escaping the persecution they faced. Leaving their homes, families, and familiar comforts, they showed great faith and courage in following their divine mission.
As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) escaped from the Quraish. The people of Quraish wanted to capture the Prophet, so they sought shelter in the Cave of Thawr. While hiding, the Quraish soldiers came dangerously close.
Hazrat Abu Bakr, fearful of being discovered, said to the Prophet (PBUH),
“If one of them looks down, they will see us.” The Prophet (PBUH) reassured him, saying, “What do you think of two when Allah is the third?”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 4663)
Miraculously, a spider spun a web across the cave entrance, and two doves nested nearby, making it appear untouched. It leads the soldiers to abandon their search. This divine protection is described in Surah Tawba (9:40), where Allah’s tranquility was sent down upon them, and they were shielded from harm.
In the year 7 AH (628 CE), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led a military campaign against the people of Khaybar. They had long conspired against the Muslims. After years of hostilities, the Muslim army, by Safar, succeeded in capturing Khaybar, ending the ongoing threats.
This victory was a pivotal moment for the Muslim community, bringing peace and stability to the region. The triumph marked a new chapter of strength for the early Muslim state.
On the 29th of Safar in the year 11 AH, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fell gravely ill after attending a funeral at Al-Baqi cemetery. Despite his illness, He (PBUH) continued to lead prayers for eleven days.
His (PBUH) condition worsened, and he eventually passed away on the month of Rabi'ul Awwal, leaving an immense void in the Muslim world.
The month of Safar witnessed several key battles and campaigns led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
One such event was the Battle of Abwa, also known as the Waddan campaign, which occurred a year after the Prophet (PBUH) migrated to Madinah. This marked his first military expedition and led to important alliances with local tribes, including the Banu Damrah.
Another notable event during Safar was the Battle of Bi’r Ma‘oonah, where seventy of the Prophet’s companions tragically lost their lives.
These battles were not merely military engagements but also pivotal moments that tested the faith of the early Muslim community. This underscored the immense challenges they faced in spreading Islam.
In conclusion, the Islamic month of Safar holds a significant place in the Hijri calendar. While some superstitions and false beliefs have come up over time, Muslims should understand this month based on Islamic teachings.
The Safar month is neither inherently sad nor cursed. By following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Muslims can view Safar as a time for spiritual growth and strength. This approach allows them to remain unaffected by unfounded fears and superstitions.
Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar, does not hold any particular significance.
Yes, Safar is a perfectly good month for marriage. In Islam, there are no prohibitions or negative beliefs about getting married in Safar. Superstitions that discourage marriages or other activities during this month have no basis in Islamic teachings. Every month is considered suitable for marriage as long as the couple adheres to the principles of the faith.
The month that comes after Safar is Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar. It is known for significant events in Islamic history, including the birth and death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
No, Safar is not considered a sad month; it is simply the second month of the Islamic calendar. Islamic teachings do not designate any month as inherently sad or unlucky.
Islamic teachings do not prescribe a specific dua for the month of Safar. Muslims are encouraged to consistently engage in supplication throughout their lives. Seek Allah’s protection, guidance, and blessings in all situations, particularly concerning what they believe about Safar Islamic month.
In Safar, Muslims maintain their regular religious practices and daily routines, similar to other months in the Islamic calendar. There are no specific rituals associated with this month. Superstition leads the Muslims astray and instead relies on Allah’s wisdom rather than unfounded beliefs. So, they should focus on prayers, acts of charity, and ethical values.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Islamic Jurisprudence)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
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