The Importance and Recommended Acts of the Month of Safar

Published: July 18, 2026
Category: Islam | Islamic Months | Safar

Safar is the second month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Many people still believe that it is an unlucky month. Some avoid starting new businesses, getting married, or traveling during this time. However, Islam provides no evidence for such beliefs. According to the Qur'an and authentic Hadith, Safar is a blessed month like every other month and should be spent in worship and obedience to Allah.

Meaning of the Word "Safar"

The Arabic word Safar (صفر) means "empty" or "vacant." Historians explain that during the pre-Islamic era, after the sacred month of Muharram, the Arabs would leave their homes for travel or warfare. As a result, their towns became empty, which is believed to be the reason the month was named Safar.

Is Safar an Unlucky Month?

Before Islam, many Arabs believed that Safar was an unlucky month that brought misfortune and calamities. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) firmly rejected this false belief.

He said:

"There is no bad omen, no evil associated with owls, and no misfortune in the month of Safar."
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5757

Therefore, considering Safar to be an unlucky month or avoiding lawful activities because of it has no basis in Islam.

Do Not Blame Time

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

"Do not abuse time, for Allah is the Controller of time."
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 5827

This means that time itself has no power to bring good or evil. Everything happens only by the will and decree of Allah.

Important Historical Events in Safar

Several significant victories in Islamic history took place during the month of Safar, including:

• In 7 AH, the Muslims, under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), achieved the Victory of Khaybar.
• In 16 AH, during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), the Muslims conquered Mada'in, the capital of the Persian (Sassanian) Empire.

These events clearly show that Safar is not an unlucky month but rather a month associated with great achievements in Islamic history.

Recommended Acts of Worship in Safar

There are no special prayers, fasts, or supplications prescribed exclusively for the month of Safar in authentic Hadith. However, Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds during this month, just as they should throughout the year.

1. Perform the Five Daily Prayers

Offer the five obligatory prayers on time, preferably in congregation, and increase voluntary (nafl) prayers.

2. Recite the Qur'an

Recite the Holy Qur'an regularly and strive to understand and practice its teachings.

3. Observe the White Days (Ayyam al-Bid) Fasts

It is recommended to fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every lunar month.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Fasting on the White Days is like fasting throughout the entire year."
— Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 2449

4. Fast on Mondays and Thursdays

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regularly observed voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays. Muslims may continue this Sunnah during Safar as well.

5. Engage in Dhikr, Istighfar, and Du'a

Increase the remembrance of Allah by reciting SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, and Astaghfirullah, and frequently seek Allah's forgiveness.

6. Give Charity and Perform Good Deeds

Help those in need, maintain family ties, and perform acts of kindness, as these are among the most rewarding deeds in Islam.

Common Misconceptions About Safar

The following beliefs have no authentic basis in Islam:

• ❌ Safar is an unlucky month.
• ❌ Marriage should not take place during Safar.
• ❌ New businesses or important activities should not begin in Safar.
• ❌ Special prayers or rituals should be performed on the last Wednesday of Safar.

Muslims should avoid these superstitions and follow only authentic Islamic teachings.

Conclusion

The belief that Safar is an unlucky month is a superstition inherited from the pre-Islamic era. Islam teaches that every moment is created by Allah and is blessed. Rather than fearing Safar, Muslims should spend the month in prayer, fasting, Qur'an recitation, remembrance of Allah, supplication, and righteous deeds.

May Allah grant us the ability to remain free from superstition and steadfast upon the correct Islamic belief. Ameen.Click to read more.