The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar with twelve months, each with its own significance. One important month is Safar, the second month of the Hijri calendar. Unfortunately, many people have misunderstandings and false beliefs about Safar. To avoid these misconceptions, it is important to gain an authentic understanding of this month based on the Quran and Hadith.
Historical Context of Safar
Before Islam, Arabs believed Safar was a month of misfortune, avoiding significant activities like marriages and travel. Islam challenged and dispelled these baseless beliefs. The Quran emphasizes the importance of all twelve months, instructing Muslims to avoid wrongdoing during these times:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them….” (Quran 9:36)
Although this verse does not specifically mention Safar, it highlights the importance of all months and rejects any unfounded superstitions.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ addressed superstitions about Safar in several Hadiths, such as:
“(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…” (Bukhari: 5707)
“There is no ‘Adwa nor Safar nor Hamah…” (Muslim: 2220)
These Hadiths clarify that superstitions about Safar have no basis in Islam.
Common Misconceptions about Safar
One common misconception is that Safar is a month of bad luck and misfortune. The Hadiths clearly refute this notion, teaching that no month, including Safar, holds any inherent misfortune. All occurrences are by the will and decree of Allah alone.
Another misconception is the practice of specific rituals or prayers to ward off perceived misfortune during Safar. Authentic Islamic teachings do not support these practices. Islam encourages regular acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and seeking forgiveness, regardless of the month.
Importance of Understanding Safar
Understanding the month of Safar is important to dispel myths and align our practices with true Islamic teachings. By educating ourselves and our communities, we can foster a more accurate understanding of Islamic teachings.
Conclusion
Like every other month in the Islamic calendar, the month of Safar is a creation of Allah and should be respected as such. Islam provides clear guidance on viewing and observing each month, free from superstition and baseless beliefs. By understanding and following the authentic teachings of the Quran and Hadith, Muslims can ensure that their practices align with the true spirit of Islam.
Action Points
- Educate Yourself: Study the authentic teachings of the Quran and Hadith regarding the months of the Islamic calendar.
- Dispel Myths: Actively challenge and correct any superstitions or misconceptions about Safar within your community.
- Consistent Worship: Maintain regular acts of worship such as daily prayers, reading the Quran, and giving charity.
- Promote Authentic Knowledge: Share reliable Islamic knowledge with family and friends.
- Reflect on History: Learn about significant historical events in Safar to appreciate its place in Islamic history.
By following these steps, we can foster a more accurate and faithful understanding of the month of Safar, free from superstition and rooted in the true principles of Islam.
Mohammed Furqan Falahi, HoD, Research Department, Understand Quran Academy