One of the holiest months in the Islamic Calendar, Muharram is coming to an end very soon. In accordance with the Islamic Hijri Calendar, Safar is the second month in the 12-month Islamic Hijri Calendar. As with any Islamic date, the dates are different every year due to the nature of the Hijri Calendar being a lunar calendar instead of the solar Gregorian Calendar. The event's timing or day depends on the moon's sightings.
This year, the month of Safar starts on 29 August 2022 for the Islamic year of 1444 AH.
There is a common belief that the month of Safar was named as such due to the fact that in pre-Islamic times, people used to travel extensively during this month to gather food and other necessities, leaving their houses empty. This relates back to the word “Safar” which when translated from Arabic means empty.
The month of Safar has been a target of the misconception that the month is filled with misfortunes and superstitions. However, when we consult the hadiths it can be understood that Safar is just one of the 12 months of Allah SWT.
“[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 Haamah [disease], nor is there any [bad omen in the month of] Safar…”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 5707; Sahih Muslim, 2220]
“The descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue”
[Muslim]
No specific deeds are recommended during Safar in Islam, but we should always continue our ibadah throughout the year. Let us follow the advice of our beloved Prophet (SAW) and may Allah (SWT) give us ease and guidance to perform our ibadah and forgive our sins. In Shaa Allah.
Cover Image Credit: Photo by Kemo Sahab on Unsplash
