The month of Safar is one of the most significant months in the calendar of Muslims. According to scholars, it was the period in the pre-Islamic era when people used to empty their homes and go out to gather food.
Safar comes after Muharram and is named after the emptying of Makkah when pilgrims have completed their journey.
Another tale says that the name Safar was given to the month because around this time people would attack a tribe, take their belongings and leave them empty-handed with nothing to cling on. It is the second month in the calendar, and it means empty.
Important Islamic events in Safar month
The importance of the month is defined by the occurrence of some of the greatest events related to Prophet Muhammad. Some of these are:
The Prophet migrated to Madinah from Makkah in the month of Safar
He fell ill in this month Prophet’s daughter, Fatima (RA) got married
Hasan Ibn Ali (RA) and grandson of Prophet PBUH attained martyrdom
Of all these events and many more, martyrdom is the most respected and remembered in this month. In gatherings, called majalis, sermons are delivered and elegies are recited from the minbar, the Islamic pulpit. It narrates the sufferings borne by al-Imam al-Husayn and his companions.
A few believe that the disasters or misfortunes during Safar month bring one closer to Allah. It makes people god-fearing and obliging to the almighty. It restores faith in one supreme power that is Allah. As long as people realise that fortune and misfortunes are gifts from God, it will get them only a step closer to Him. Source: www.islamicity.org/qa
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
