Are you unfamiliar with the widely known assumptions about the second Islamic month, Safar? Then this article is meant to enlighten you and clear all your doubts!
There are many misconceptions and whims prevalent among the people regarding the month of Safr, just like there are misconceptions about Muharram. Bad lucks and ill-omened have been associated with this month. Some of these misconceptions were created by the Pagans of Makkah and also followed by some sects of this Ummah and they associated many others to them. Safar this year started on 18th September 2020, for the Islamic New year of 1442.
As you might already know, Arab knew the sacredness of the Dhū al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Ḥijjah, and Muḥarram and thus refrained from war & battle throughout this period. However, as soon as the month of Safar started, they used to leave their houses empty and do their best to go to war and do raids to collect as much war-booty as they could. They would also indulge in committing crimes; theft, robbery, fighting other tribes, and leave their homes vacant. Thus, this month was named Safar. The month of Safar got its name from ‘emptying of the houses’ because one of the literal meanings of Safar is ‘Empty’.
The Meccans, in their superstitions, believed that the month of Safar is “a serpent that dwells in the stomach of Man.” What’s more striking is that some Muslims, even today, believe in this myth of 14th century. The Meccans, during the Jahiliyyah period, were so skeptical about the month of Safar that they labeled this month as the month of misfortune. Therefore, the Meccans were not engaging in any good activities during the month, especially during the first 13-days of the month.
As Muslims, we cannot blame a certain time for a calamity or ill-fortune. Everything that occurs is from Allah (SWT). There is no such a thing as evil time or a month of bad luck. We create our own evil with our own superstitious. It was narrated by Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (SWT) stated:
“[There is] no 'Adwa [no contagious disease is conveyed without Allah’s permission], nor is there any bad omen [from birds], nor is there any Haamah [disease], nor is there any [bad omen in the month of] Safar…” (Sahih Bukhari 5707)
Hadhrat Jaabir (RA) has said that he heard the Prophet Muhammad(SAW) saying:
The descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue” (Muslim).
Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, when she was asked whether marriage in the month of Safar bring bad luck, she said:
“Prophet [Peace be with Him] married me in the month of Safar… And I’m the luckiest woman by marrying the Prophet of Islam.”
Reluctance of Marriage and Business
A major misconception associated with Safar is that we should not begin or start any good thing in our life during this month. If we do, the evil spirit will not let us flourish and we will suffer a terrible loss. Therefore, many people make it a point to not to conduct Nikah or marriages during Safar, to not start or inaugurate a business during Safar and to delay their major steps in life until the month of Safar ends. This misconception is also totally baseless and does not find any source in the Quran and the collection of Ahadith.
First 13 days of Safar
Another misconception about the month of Safar is that its first thirteen days are particularly difficult. It is considered that first to thirteen of this month are evil and of ill-fortune. In particular, the 13th of this month (known as Teira Tezi) is believed to being unlucky or ill-omened.
It is also believed that evil spirit descends during these thirteen days on kids, young girls and brides and that no major or good step should be taken during these 13 days. This misconception, like others, is also based on the first misconception, which is of the month Safar being unlucky. There are many other misconceptions, stated as follows:
-Considering this month to be hard for the dead.
-The one who distributes food or give money in charity on the 13th of this month will be saved from its bad luck and ill-fortune.
-Celebrating the last Wednesday of this month, regard it as a holiday and praying particular prayer in it.
-Making 365 balls of flour and throwing them into the water so that ill-omens, bad lucks misfortunes are driven away and provision is increased and blessed.
Holding beliefs like these led man to associate fate and destiny with these things, which is not only a great misguidance but a great sin ‘Shirk’ because no one other than Allah (SWT) has the power and control over man’s fate. All the things from which good or bad portents are derived are nothing but creations of Allah (SWT) who have no control over other creations. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Taking omens is shirk; taking omens is shirk. He said it three times. Every one of us has some (superstition), but Allah removes it by trust (in Him).” (Sunan Abi Dawood)
How to spend the Month of Safar?
There are no specific deeds recommended during Safr in Islam and there is no particularly special virtue or merit attached to this month. We should worship Allah (SWT), make Duas, do Dikhr and try our best to follow the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) throughout the year, just like this month too.
We should understand that all conditions which we face or befall us, good or bad, favorable or unfavorable are from our Lord. In the Quran (view quran online), Allah(SWT) says:
“And whatever strikes you of disaster, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” (Surah Shura:30)
Allah is the only creator and sustainer of this world, and nothing happens except by His will. May Allah (SWT) enable us to live according to His will and follow the best example of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW) in every aspect of our lives. Ameen.
At an individual level, we should try to shun these misbeliefs and acts of Shirk by spreading awareness among people. To make your loved ones aware, share this article and spread the message!
