Misconceptions in Safar

In a Hadith, Jaabir (R.A.) reported that: “I have heard the Prophet saying, the descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue.” (Muslim) Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar, comes after one of the sacred months (al-Ashhur-al-hurum or ‘Arba’atunn Hurum) — Muharram. In the days of the […]

In a Hadith, Jaabir (R.A.) reported that: “I have heard the Prophet saying, the descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue.” (Muslim)
Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar, comes after one of the sacred months (al-Ashhur-al-hurum or ‘Arba’atunn Hurum) — Muharram. In the days of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) battles were prohibited in the course of these months). In fact Muslims are enjoined to redouble effort in doing good deeds and steering clear of breaching the admonishment of Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW), so as to enjoy the bounteous blessing of their creator and benefactor, multiples of times as compared to the other months of the calendar.
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is 12 months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” (at-Tawbah 9:36)
The four select months are: Rajab (7th), Dhul Qadah (11th), Dhul Hijjah (12th, the month of Hajj), and Muharram (1st). In all these months war was prohibited.
Indeed increasing effort in abiding by the injunctions of the Qur’an and Hadith — reverence of all that Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (SAW) honour — and refraining from any act that negates them is another struggle that the ummah should sustain across all the months; in fact all through life’s thick and thin.
However, Islamic scholars have cautioned against misconceptions leading to superstition and shirk in the month of Safar. They state that though no specific mode of worship or other special rules are set by the Shari’ah to be observed during the month, yet going way back in history (the Jahiliyyah, pre-Islamic period) some people have held the belief that Safar is a calamitous and unlucky period. They, therefore, shelve many rewarding activities such as marriages and even venturing into business activities among others during the month based on totally baseless superstitious belief.
Many important events, though, have occurred in the month of Safar.
The Qur’an says: “What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness. (An-Nisa 79).
The Prophet (SAW) also said: “No adwaa [transmission of infectious disease without the permission of Allah], no tiyarah [superstitious belief in bird omens], no haamah [refers to a Jaahili Arab tradition described variously as: a worm that infests the grave of a murder victim until he is avenged; an owl; or the bones of a dead person turned into a bird that could fly], and no Safar [the month of Safar was regarded as “unlucky” in the Jaahiliyyah].” [Translators notes are in square brackets]. (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Safar, which literally means empty, derives its name from the fact that during the month, houses used to be empty and deserted because the ban on war in the month of Muharram, had come to an end and the people have gone to the battlefield. Allah (SWT) and His Most Beloved Prophet (SAW) have however given us irrefutably clear guidelines over incorrect beliefs such as those above and even newly fabricated ones.
Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an: “No misfortune befalls except by Allah’s command …” (Surah Tagabun).
Another Hadith of the Prophet tells us: There is no superstitious owl, bird, no star-promising rain, no bad omen in the month of Safar. [Sahih Bukhari). And also that, “There is no bad omen in the month of Safar and no Ghouls (evil spirits).” (Sahih Muslim).
     We should therefore strive earnestly to be guided by proper knowledge of Islam to enable us shun all manner of erroneous beliefs, not only regarding the month of Safar but all other times and phenomena of life as Muslims. Allah says: “Fas’alu ahla adh-Dhikri in kuntum la ta’lamun” (Koran 21:7). (Ask the followers of the Reminder if ye know not).
It must be understood that the most unfortunate person is he who disobeys the commandments of Allah (SWT); one who neglects to abide by and perform his religious duties. Allah says: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.” (4:59)
All conditions which befalls us — good or bad, favourable, or unfavourable — are from Allah Ta’ala, (as a result of our actions). Allah (SWT) says: “ Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is due to the things your hands have wrought, and He forgives many a sin.” (Koran 42:30).
May Allah give us guidance and blessing. Amin.