The lunar calendar, or Hijri calendar, used by the Islamic world is not just a measure of time but also an indicator of spirituality, history and divine order. All of its twelve months have lessons and meanings. There are months, such as Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, the world is aware of them due to fasting and pilgrimage. There are, however, other months that are surrounded by misconceptions – one such month is Safar, the second month of the Islamic year.

Having been associated with bad luck, illness, and misfortune throughout history, Safar has developed myths that run deep. These beliefs had their origins in pre-Islamic Arabia and still have an impact on the lives of certain Muslim communities today. Nonetheless, as Muslim teachings indicate, no month is unlucky, and Safar is as blessed as any other period that Allah has created.

In this blog, we will take a look at the meaning, significance and events during Safar, clear up the myths about Safar and how Muslims can benefit from this month.

What is Safar Month?

Safar is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately after Muharram, and preceding the Rabi al-Awwal. Its start and end, like all the other Islamic months, rely on the sighting of the new moon. The lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar; thus, every year, the month of Safar shifts approximately ten days.

Even though Safar does not bear any special obligations such as Ramadan or Dhul-Hijjah, it has both historical relevance and cultural significance. Learning about this month can assist Muslims in abandoning the wrong superstitions and changing their outlook and accepting the right way to pursue the Islamic religion.

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Meaning of Safar

The word Safar has Arabic roots, and it can have several interpretations. Some of the relevant meanings are as follows; 

• Emptiness (ṣafr) – During this month in pre-Islamic Arabia, people frequently went out of town to war, raids, or trade, leaving the towns and houses emptied out.

• Yellow/ Paleness (ṣufrah) – Some associate this word with the colour of leaves in the fall and/ or pale skin due to sickness.

• Journey/Departure – Safar was the season of the year when people were travelling, especially on trade expeditions and military campaigns.

These meanings are descriptive of life in ancient Arabia and do not imply sacred significance of either misfortune or blessing.

Importance of Safar Month

While the month of Safar may not be as sacred as Ramadan or Muharram, it holds significant importance in the following ways; 

• Islam came to challenge the misconceptions. By explaining that Safar is not cursed, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught Muslims to put all their faith and reliance on Allah.

• Safar is an important month for Muslims, especially because it was during this month that the Prophet (PBUH) left his hometown, Makkah and travelled to the holy Madina to spread the light of Islam.

• There are some major events of Islamic history that took place during the month of Safar, which adds to its value.

• This month serves as a reminder equality of time. It also points out that no month is better or worse unless Allah has specified it. It also reminds muslims to continue their good deeds irrespective of the time of the year. 

• As there are no special rituals prescribed during Safar, Muslims need to concentrate on their self-reflection, enhance their daily prayers and increase their acts of voluntary goodwill.

Safar Dua 

In the Islamic teachings, there is no specific dua that is supposed to be recited during Safar. Muslims are taught to make frequent supplications and to seek the protection, guidance, and blessings of Allah at all times, including the month of Safar. 

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Pre-Islamic Beliefs About Safar

Before the advent of Islam, Arabs were very superstitious about this month. Popular pre-Islamic notions were as follows:

• Disease and Destruction – They believed that illness and calamities were more common in the month of Safar.

• Marriages Brought Bad Luck – Families did not attend or organise weddings during this month because it was believed misfortune would follow.

• Travelling Was Dangerous – People did not want to take long trips in Safar, assuming that it was unlucky and potentially unsafe.

• Safar in the Stomach – Interestingly, some of the tribes would think that even human beings had a “worm” in their stomach, and this worm woke up during Safar, making them fall sick.

Islam dismissed these myths and taught the people that Allah is the only one who possesses power over life, death, fortune and suffering.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“There is no infection, no safar (evil omen in the month of Safar), and no haamah (superstition about owls).” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim]

The superstitions were directly rejected in this hadith. Safar is simply like any other month; neither accursed nor blessed in itself.

Misconceptions About Safar Today 

Even in the present day, traces of these old beliefs survive in some cultures. For example:

• Some individuals believe that they are more likely to encounter bad things in Safar.

• During this month, weddings are generally avoided.

• Innovated prayers or rituals are recited by some communities to “ward off” bad omens during this month.

We should not forget that no such practice is based on the Quran or the Hadith. Islam teaches us that time can neither hurt nor bless us; only Allah can.

Islamic Events in the Month of Safar

Throughout Islamic history, several notable events have occurred during the month of Safar. Some of the notable events are as follows; 

• The Illness of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

At the end of Safar (29th Safar) of 11 AH, the Prophet (PBUH) fell gravely ill. His condition became worse till he passed away in the following month of Rabiʽ al-Awwal.

• Expedition of Khaybar

History tells us that the preparations for the well-known Battle of Khaybar started indeed during Safar, in the 7 AH.

• Ghazwat and Expeditions

Many smaller military campaigns occurred in this month, as tribes considered it a time for raids and travel.

• Passing of Companions & Scholars

Numerous companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and old scholars also passed away during the month of Safar, making it historically significant.

Safar Month in 2025

As the Islamic calendar is lunar, months shift each year. The Safar month in 2025 is expected to begin on 8th August 2025 and end on September 26th, 2025, subject to moon sightings. 

It will be observed by Muslims all over the world, as a usual aspect of the Islamic year, without associating it with bad luck or superstitions.

Lessons From the Month of Safar

Safar has several moral and religious lessons for Muslims. 

• Time is Neutral – Allah has given us every day as a gift, and bad luck is not bound to time; rather, to the decree of Allah.

• Reliance on Allah – A particular time of month cannot affect our lives. The Qur’an says:

 “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our protector.” (Qur’an 9:51)

• Avoiding Superstition – Safar reminds us of the shortcomings of cultural superstition that can overshadow the Islamic faith.

• Historical Reflection – Knowledge and understanding of the various incidents that have taken place during the month of Safar make one cherish Islamic history.

How Muslims Should Spend Safar?

Even though the Safar has no specific special rituals to follow, Muslims can utilise the month for spiritual progress. During this time, the following practices should be considered:

• Daily Prayers (Salah) – Prayers are the key to worship, provided that they are performed with sincerity.

• Voluntary Fasting – Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, or the 13th -15th of the lunar month, is recommended as it was practised by the Prophet (PBUH).

• Charity (Sadaqah) – Giving charity eliminates sins and shields against calamities.

• Seek Knowledge – In the pursuit of Knowledge, read the Qur’an and authentic hadith.

• Correcting Misconceptions – Teaching family and community about Safar and how it is not unlucky is indeed a great task to undertake during this month.

• Making Dua – Supplicating to Allah for protection, health, and blessings.

• Good Deeds – Just like any other month, Muslims should continue their good deeds and visit the sick, assist the needy and dispense kindness.

By focusing on these acts, Safar will become a time of strength, worship, and clarity.

Final Thoughts 

Studies indicate that the second month of the Islamic calendar, Safar, has always been misunderstood. According to pre-Islamic Arab beliefs, it is an unlucky time, and the traces of these beliefs still exist. But Islam has a clear answer to that, as there is no such thing as a bad month. Safar is a blessing just like any other month which was created by Allah.

During this period, Muslims ought to pray, give charity and thanksgiving and disregard myths. And the most important lesson is that time cannot harm us; everything is in the hands of Allah.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is Safar month in Islam?

A. Safar is the second month of the Islamic lunar calendar, coming right after the month of Muharram and immediately before Rabi awwal.

Q. Are there any special prayers for Safar?

A. There are no specific prayers prescribed to be performed during Safar, although every Muslim is supposed to keep up with his/her daily prayers and other voluntary activities.

Q. When is Safar in 2025?

A. It began on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and ended on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

Q. Can Muslims fast in Safar?

A. Voluntary fasting on days such as Mondays and Thursdays or during the “white days” (13th to 15th) is highly recommended, as this act was performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Q. Is Safar considered unlucky?

A. No. Islamic teaching firmly rejects this belief. Misfortune or bad luck cannot be tied to specific months. Safar is a month created by Allah like every other month.