What is Safar in Islam? Myths vs. Facts

Introduction:

The Safar month in Islam is viewed, and sometimes maligned, by myths, misunderstandings, and cultural fears. There is significant belief attached to the month of Safar as a month of misfortune, which leaves people hesitant to celebrate or travel during this time.

However, sound authentications of the Qur’an and Sunnah illustrate that Safar is not unlike any other month for mankind, even though we will always have the opportunity to remember, reflect, and connect with the Divine.

The intent of this blog is to reveal the truth about the month of Safar in Islam, dispose of fallacies and superstitions, and ignite hearts with faith based on the proportionality of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ️ and Sunni Sufi scholars.

Summary:

• Safar is the second month of the Islamic calendar.
• Some misconceptions regard this month as cursed or unlucky.
• Authentic Islamic teachings challenge any misconceptions of this type.
• The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ️ himself rejected the idea of any bad luck during Safar.
• The Safar month in Islam is for spiritual cleansing and getting closer to Allah.

Features of Safar Month in Islam:

1. Debunking the Myth

• There is no authentic hadith or verse in the Qur’an confirming Safar is unlucky.
• The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “There is no ‘Adwa (contagion without the will of Allah), nor evil omen, nor Hama, nor Safar” (Bukhari).
• This hadith indicates that the month of Safar in Islam has nothing to do with bad luck.

2.  A Time of Reflection and Renewal

• Establish new habits, ask for forgiveness, and make serious dua.
• Pray Salah at-Tasbih, pray extra prayers, and read more Qur’an.
• Fast voluntarily to cultivate a closer relationship with Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

3. True History, Not Myths

• Prior to Islam, the Arabs considered Safar a cursing month based on tribal wars.
• Islam was there to correct the wrong beliefs, and remove fears and replace with faith.
• Believers are reminded to trust in Allah all the time.

4. A Month to Make Iman Stronger

• Safar is the best time to clean the heart, abandon innovations, and return to the Sunnah.
• Make new intentions for the Islamic year, especially after Muharram.

Safar Month in Islam – From Fear to Faith

In many cultures today, the month of Safar is often feared in Islam. Weddings are postponed, travel is avoided, and major decisions are put on hold in fear of the superstitions passed down by family and communities for generations. Yet Islam stands in opposition to irrational fear.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ️ survived Safar each year. He traveled, educated and inspired his companions and future generations in every year of Safar. There are no accounts of him acting differently during the month of Safar or avoiding action out of fear.

To the contrary, he taught that all months are under the command of Allah and that nothing can hurt or benefit you unless it is the Will of Allah.

A mother shared this story: She had a child in Safar and her family elders were fearful about what that meant for her, expecting hardship. She lovingly named the child, Saifuddin which means “Sword of the Religion.” This child grew to be a Hafiz of Qur’an which means he memorized the entire Book of Quran by 11 years old and was teaching other kids. “This is the baraka of reliance on Allah”, she joyfully said through tears.

This is what Safar month is about in Islam, not fearing the month, but fearing to lose hope in Allah.

Religion, Beliefs & Facts:

• Safar is the 2nd month of the Islamic calendar.
• The month is not cursed and has no divine curse.
• Islam does away with cultural innovation (Bid‘ah) and teaches the Qur’an and Sunnah.
• Faith should always be in Allah, not in the time or number.
• Deepen your faith with real Islamic knowledge and learning。
• Learn the stories of the Sahaba and Ahl al-Sunnah.
• Study with a qualified Sunni scholarship.
• Learn about Islam with classes that happen weekly and to learn about the Islamic Calendar and its blessings.
• Participate in Qur’an and Tajweed sessions for adults and children.
• Engage through Sufi spiritual traditions and traditional recitation.

Conclusion:

Safar month in the Islamic calendar is a period of mercy and contemplation, not doom, bad luck or misfortune. Let us not be swayed by cultural influences or fear. Instead, let’s renew our faith, turn to Allah and follow in the footsteps of Prophet ﷺ️ who said, “There is no evil omen in Safar.”

“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.” (Qur’an 9:51)

Let’s take back Safar; let’s bring back Light, not darkness.

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