What No One Tells You About the Month of Safar

The month of Safar occupies a unique place in Islamic history. Once burdened by the superstitions of the pre-Islamic era, it became, under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, a month of significant events, strategic victories, and moments of sacrifice for the Muslim Ummah.

Far from being a time of misfortune, Safar witnessed treaties that secured the safety of Medina, courageous expeditions that expanded the influence of Islam, and landmark battles that altered the course of Muslim history.

Understanding Safar through authentic Qur'anic and Prophetic teachings allows us to replace myth with fact, and to appreciate the steadfastness and vision that shaped the early Muslim community.

1. Refuting Superstitions through Revelation and Prophetic Wisdom

Islam sharply rejects pre-Islamic superstitions that labeled Safar as inauspicious. The Prophet ﷺ stated:

"There is no 'Adwā (contagion without Allah's leave), no ṭīrah (bad omen from birds), no hammah, nor any bad omen in the month of Safar..."
(Narrated in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and related by Muslim)

This clear negation, echoed in both Bukhārī and Muslim collections, emphasizes that time itself holds no inherent misfortune, and all occurrences unfold by Allah's decree, not cosmic luck. Qur'an reminds us that:

"What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil... is from yourself." (Qur'an 4:79)

2. Historical Milestones: Military Campaigns & Early Diplomacy

Safar witnessed pivotal early moments in Islamic history:

b. Expeditions in 3-4 AH:

• In 3 AH, the Prophet sent scholars to 'Adal and al-Qarah to teach Islam. Tragically, they were betrayed and ambushed at ar-Rajī'; some were killed, others taken captive.
• In 4 AH, the Expedition of Bi'r Ma'ūnah ended with the martyrdom of around 70 companions, highlighting the perilous early da'wah (preaching) efforts.

c. Battle of Khaybar, 7 AH: A major Muslim victory, opening economic and strategic gains.

d. Expedition of Qutbah ibn 'Amir (9 AH): A raid on Khath'am tribe ended with successful captures of livestock and prisoners. The Muslims escaped due to a divine flood that hindered their pursuers.

3. Migration (Ḥijrah) & Personal Trials

Safar included key personal and communal milestones:

• Migration (Hijrah) planning and initiation: Late in Safar 1 AH, the Quraysh plotted against the Prophet ﷺ. Allah informed him via Jibrīl, and he began the secret Hijrah plan with Abū Bakr. The actual departure took place on the 27th of Safar.
• Onset of his final illness: At the end of Safar 11 AH, the Prophet ﷺ's final illness began, culminating in his passing in Rabi' al-Awwal.

4. Key Religious Remembrances and Pilgrimage Traditions

Safar holds significance in remembrance and pilgrimage traditions:

• Arba'īn pilgrimage: On the 20th of Safar, the head of Imam Husayn was reunited with his body in Karbalā. Jabir ibn 'Abdullah al-Ansārī and his companion Atiyah ibn Sa'd became the first pilgrims - a practice that evolved into the annual Arba'īn pilgrimage attended by millions today.
• Grand Magal of Touba: Celebrated on the 18th of Safar in Senegal, this commemorates the life of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, with millions participating-among the world's largest pilgrimages.

5. Qur'anic Reminder: All Months Are from Allah

Allah says:

"The number of months with Allah is twelve months as ordained on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth." (Qur'an 9:36)-reflecting that each month merits equal respect and opportunity.