Safar: The month of distinction

Safar is the second month of the Islamic (hijri) calendar, the first being the sacred month of Muharram which is one of the four sacred months of the year, ordained by Allah (SWT). Although every minute, hour, week and month of life holds precious opportunities for the Believer, the month of Safar does not offer any specifically significant religious dates for Muslims. It is, however, a period of historical significance due to the events that occurred in the life of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

What is Safar?

The month of Safar is the second month of the Islamic (hijri) calendar. It holds no specific significance from a religious perspective, but there are some interesting historical facts about Safar and in particular, the practices of the Mushrikeen in times of Jahiliyyah (the Age of Ignorance). It is said that the month was called Safar by Arabs of the pre-Islamic period. This is because the word comes from the same root letters as the word in Arabic for travel. Thus it was named to indicate that the Makkans would leave Makkah and travel during this month.. Their  homes would be left ‘empty’ as people travelled out of the town to seek provisions during the winter season, leaving the month open to several misconceptions and superstitions associated with scarcity during pre-Islamic times.

When is Safar?

The month of Safar will begin again on the 5th August 2024. It is the second month of the Hijri calendar and therefore comes after the sacred month of Muharram.

Islamic events in the month of Safar

Safar was  the month in which The Prophet (PBUH) fell ill before he passed away in the next month- Rabi al-Awwal. On 29th Safar 11AH, the Prophet  (PBUH)’s temperature rose extremely high. Despite being in ill health, he continued to lead the Muslims in prayer for 11 days. 

A month in which many trials and tribulations have taken place, it has been opined that Safar was also the month in which Imam Hassan (AS), the grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) was martyred. 

Safar Month Importance

Safar is a very important month for Muslims, particularly because it was the month in which the Prophet (PBUH) left his hometown Makkah  and fled to holy Madina to spread the lights of Islam, which would later spread throughout the world. 

It’s important to learn more about the Hijra Sharif in this month, and to reflect on the immense sacrifices and hardships that the Prophet (PBUH) faced to spread the message of Islam. 

Safar is a good time to revisit the last days of the Seerah and reflect on the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH)’s farewell sermons. 

It is also a good time to learn more about the family of the Prophet and his beloved ones such as Imam Hassan and Hussain (AS) and learn from their immense wisdom.