Discover the true meaning of Safar in Islam—free from superstitions and cultural myths. Learn about its religious significance and the major historical milestones that occurred in this important Islamic month.
Safar: Separating Myths from Truth
Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar, has been burdened with misconceptions and cultural superstitions. Some view it as a month of bad luck or illness and avoid weddings and travel during this time. However, Islamic teachings refute all such beliefs with clarity and wisdom. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is no contagious disease (without Allah’s will), no bad omens, no evil in owls, and no evil in the month of Safar.” (Sahih Bukhari: 5705)
Islam does not allow belief in ill fortune or superstitions about any time or event.
Baseless Practices to Avoid
- Labelling the first 13 days as “unlucky”
- Avoiding weddings
- Breaking dishes
- Celebrating the “last Wednesday” of Safar
- Wearing charms or amulets for protection
- Distributing sweets or performing “Puri” rituals
All these have no basis in Islam and are discouraged.
What to Do in Safar
No specific act of worship has been prescribed for Safar.
Continue regular worship: prayers, fasting, Qur’an recitation, charity, and good deeds.
Major Historical Events in Safar
✅ Permission for Jihad revealed in 2 Safar, 2 AH
✅ Battle of Abwa, 2 Safar, 623 CE
✅ Incidents of Bi’r Mauna and Rajee’
✅ Victory of Khalid ibn al-Walid over Persian armies
✅ Arrival of Muslims at Qadisiyyah under Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas
✅ First Friday prayer in the White Palace of Madain
✅ Conquest of Iran’s Badan and Egypt’s Fortress
✅ Death of Umayyad Caliph Sulayman and rise of Umar bin Abdul Aziz
✅ Collapse of Abbasid rule by Hulagu Khan in Baghdad (1 million Muslims killed)
✅ Births and deaths of many rulers and scholars (e.g., Ibn Khaldun, Ahmad Sirhindi, Bahadur Shah Zafar)
✅ 1940: Pakistan Resolution passed
✅ 1967: Six-Day Arab-Israel War
✅ 1979: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
✅ 1998: Pakistan becomes the first Islamic nuclear power
Safar is neither cursed nor a month of disaster; it is a chapter of immense historical triumphs, sacrifices, and leadership. Muslims must treat this month with the same dignity and devotion as others and reject all baseless cultural beliefs.
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Usman Ayub is an experienced journalist, anchor, and lecturer based in Islamabad. He has been associated with several national and international media organizations, including Tehzeeb TV, Alert, Zajil News (Dubai), IBC Ar/Ur/En and The Pakistan Gazette. Over the years, he has worked as a reporter, anchor, and news editor, and has also hosted religious programs. He is actively engaged in writing blogs and articles on social, educational, and religious issues.
Currently, Usman Ayub serves as a Lecturer of Arabic at the Academy of Languages and Professional Development, The University of Lahore.
Alongside journalism, he has contributed to social and welfare organizations as a media organizer and volunteer. His professional skills include reporting, research, content writing, video editing, team management, and strong communication skills.