Safar

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What is Safar?

Safar is the second month of the Hijri calendar, following Muharram. It does not carry the sanctity of the four sacred months, but it holds a distinct place in Islamic history because of the superstitions that once surrounded it and the way the Prophet ﷺ corrected them.

Linguistically, "Safar" is thought to derive from the Arabic word for "empty" (ṣifr), possibly because pre-Islamic Arabs would leave their homes empty as they went out raiding or traveling during this month, or because their stores of food ran low after the preceding sacred month of rest. Other explanations link the name to the yellowing (iṣfirar) of vegetation at that time of year.

Historically, pre-Islamic Arabs regarded Safar as an unlucky or ill-omened month, associating it with misfortune and illness, much as some cultures today treat certain days or numbers with suspicion. This superstition was widespread enough that it shaped social customs, such as delaying marriages or journeys during Safar.

Islam directly addressed and dismissed this superstition. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that there is no inherent bad luck in any day, month, or animal, and that all months are equally within Allah's decree. This teaching freed Muslims from fatalistic fears and redirected trust toward Allah's will (qadar) rather than omens.

There are no special acts of worship uniquely prescribed for Safar. Instead, its main lesson is the importance of relying on Allah, avoiding superstition, and treating every month of the year, including Safar, as an equal opportunity for good deeds and sincere worship.

Significance of Safar

• Second month of the Hijri calendar: Safar follows Muharram in the twelve-month Islamic lunar year.
• Name rooted in "emptiness": The month's name likely reflects pre-Islamic Arabia's custom of leaving homes empty during travel or raids.
• Once wrongly viewed as unlucky: Pre-Islamic Arabs superstitiously associated Safar with misfortune, a belief Islam explicitly rejected.
• A lesson in trusting Allah: Safar reminds Muslims that no day or month carries inherent bad luck, only what Allah decrees.

References in Qur'an & Hadith

The Prophet ﷺ said: "There is no 'adwa (no disease is contagious without Allah's permission), no bad omen from birds, no evil omen in Safar, and no truth to the fear of the owl." — Sahih Muslim 2220

"Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely." — Surah At-Tawbah 9:51