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Safar is the Islamic calendar's second month

  • Writer: Adeeba Tour and Travels
    Adeeba Tour and Travels
  • Aug 22, 2024
  • 5 min read

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Safar is the second month after the month of fasting of Muharram. Safar has religious, cultural, and historical importance in the Muslim world, just like all the other months in the Islamic calendar. But in other cultures, it's also a month full with myths and beliefs, which Islam tries to eliminate.


safar is the second month of Islamic calender
Facts about the month of Safar

Safar's Name and OriginThe Arabic word “sifr,” which meaning “empty,” is the source of the name “Safar.” The month was connected to vacancy in pre-Islamic Arabia as, following the end of the bans on the sacred months, many buildings disappeared as people travelled in search of resources and nutrition. Fighting and robbery were not allowed during the sacred months, but thereafter people would frequently return to their normal activities, leaving their homes and towns deserted.


Islamic Meaning of Safar in Terms of Religion

According to Islamic beliefs, Allah created every month of the year, hence no month is naturally lucky or unlucky. According to the Qur'an, time is divided into twelve months, four of which are considered sacred. But Safar is not one of the holy months. That being said, there is no proof in Islam that Safar is connected with any bad luck or terrible signals.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made an intentional choice to expose the myths surrounding Safar. He said, "There is no Tiyara (bad signals), no Adwa (no virus that is communicated without Allah's permission), and no Safar" in a well-known Hadith. This Hadith highlights how it is against Islamic teachings to believe in myths or bad luck associated with any particular time period, especially the month of Safar.


Good Events in Islamic History Throughout Safar

The month of Safar has been connected with many noteworthy and positive events in Islamic history, against popular belief to the opposite. For example:

  1. In the eleventh year of Hijrah, in the month of Safar, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) became unwell. He finally passed away in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal as a result of this sickness, which was a turning point in Islamic history.

  2. Following his successful and joyful journey to Khaybar in Safar, the Prophet (PBUH) returned to Makkah.

These incidents show how, just like every other month, Safar has its share of happy and sad moments. The focus is on Muslims' reactions to life's challenges through patience, faith, and confidence in Allah's guidance.


Safar and Umrah

Safar and Umrah have no particular significance in Islam, however this month can be a good time for Muslims to complete the smaller pilgrimage. In contrast to Hajj, which has set times and customs, Umrah is conducted throughout the year, including throughout the month of Safar.

In actuality, travellers may find that making the Umrah during the month of Safar is beneficial and spiritually fulfilling. Safar is not one of the most popular times of year for pilgrims, therefore there are usually fewer people at the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, which makes it possible for travellers to complete the Umrah processes in a more peaceful and reflective setting. A more personal and spiritually satisfying experience may result from this.


Common Rituals About Safar

Even in some areas, traditions and regional beliefs have maintained certain legends about Safar over the clear teachings of Islam. Among the most common myths connected to this month are:


  • Unfortunate and Bad Luck: Safar is considered in some societies as a month of bad luck, and individuals avoid clear of significant activities, weddings, and new projects during this period.


  • Increased Disasters: Another myth is that sicknesses and disasters are more common during Safar, which makes people take extra precautions or even decide not to travel.


  • Marriage is disappointed: According to some, getting married during Safar will not be good for the couple or will bring them trouble.

    These myths have no basis in Islamic teachings, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) specifically addressed them as part of his effort to destroy these false beliefs. He told Muslims not to fear any certain day or month, but to put their trust in Allah.


  • Teachings and Self-awareness in Safar: Like every other month, Safar provides Muslims with a chance to reflect on their beliefs, actions, and connection with Allah. It serves as a reminder that events depend on Allah's will and our actions, and that time itself is indifferent. As with every month, Muslims are asked to continue their continuous fasting, charity, and good actions during Safar.

    The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the need of having faith in Allah and rejecting to spend one's life in accordance with beliefs. This lesson is especially important during Safar because it calls on Muslims to set aside false anxieties and instead concentrate on doing acts of kindness and spiritual development.


The Advantages of Traveling to Safar for Umrah

Making the decision to perform Umrah during Safar has both practical and spiritual benefits, particularly in regards to Umrah packages. The following are some of the primary benefits of choosing Umrah packages this month:

Discounted Prices: Safar is regarded as an off-peak month for Umrah, accordingly Umrah packages are typically less expensive than those for other months like Ramadan or Rabi-ul-Awwal. Because of this, it's the perfect time for pilgrims on a tight budget to complete the Umrah without compromising the quality of services. In an effort to attract tourists, travel businesses frequently provide exclusive offers and discounts during Safar.


Comfortable Accommodation: Because fewer muslims are going during Safar, there are more options for accommodation in Madinah and Makkah. Travelers can choose from a greater selection of hotels, frequently at lower costs, and have a more enjoyable stay in less distance to the Haram. This makes it possible to spend less time traveling and to reach the holy sites more easily.


Flexible trip Dates: Pilgrims have greater freedom to select their trip dates because Safar is not a busy season. They can arrange their Umrah trip in accordance with their own schedules as well as preferences thanks to this flexibility. Travel demands of all kinds can be met by Umrah packages during Safar, whether they are for a short journey or a longer stay.


Less Crowded Holy places: The smaller crowds at the holy places are one of the biggest benefits of doing Umrah during Safar. When there are fewer people around, it is easier and more focused to conduct the Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. Travelers are able to participate fully in their faith and meditation in this peaceful environment.


Personalized Services: Top travel agency frequently provide pilgrims visiting during off-peak seasons, such as Safar, customized services. Agencies are able to focus on providing excellent services that are customized to meet the needs of specific visitors when they have fewer employees to supervise. In order to ensure an effortless and satisfying Umrah experience, this may include guided tours, help with rituals, and other forms of support.


Conclusion

Islamic beliefs indicate that Safar, which was traditionally connected to fear and fright, does not necessarily indicate bad luck. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted that believers shouldn't allow false worries control their behavior and that every month has the same potential for good. Safar can be a period of self-awareness rebirth, and spiritual development for Muslims nowadays.

Safar is a special chance for individuals wishing to conduct Umrah to begin the holy journey in a more peaceful, less stressful environment. Muslims can strengthen their connection to Allah, eliminate remaining beliefs, and find inspiration in the historical events that took place during this month by starting on this journey during Safar.

In conclusion, Safar is a month of possibilities and promise, unrestricted by belief. Muslims may greet this month with faith and trust in Allah by performing Umrah during Safar, so confirming Islam's message of spiritual development and empowerment.

 
 
 

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