Safar: The Second Islamic Month

Overview

Safar (صفر) is the second month of the Islamic calendar. Its name is derived either from the Arabic word meaning 'empty' (because pre-Islamic Arabs would leave their homes empty during this month for travel or warfare) or from the yellowing (isfar) of leaves in autumn.

Pre-Islamic Superstitions

The Arabs of Jahiliyyah considered Safar an unlucky month and would avoid marriage, travel, and business during it. Islam abolished these superstitions entirely. The Prophet said: 'There is no contagion, no omen, no hama (superstition about owls), and no Safar (superstitious beliefs about the month)' (Sahih al-Bukhari 5707). This hadith makes clear that attributing bad luck to any month contradicts Islamic monotheism.

Correct Islamic Attitude

There is no specific virtue or special worship prescribed for the month of Safar, nor is there any basis for considering it unlucky. It is a month like any other, in which good and bad occur by Allah's decree alone. Scholars have specifically warned against innovations such as special prayers, fasting, or charity done solely to 'ward off the evil of Safar,' as these have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah.