Month 2 of the Hijri calendar
Safar: the Second Month of the Hijri Calendar
Safar is the second month of the Hijri year. Its name is often explained as “empty”, because homes were left empty when people travelled or went out to war after the sacred month of Muharram.
No bad luck in Safar
Before Islam, some Arabs considered Safar a month of misfortune and avoided marriages or journeys in it. The Prophet ﷺ rejected this belief, saying “there is no … Safar” among other superstitions (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). A Muslim plans weddings, trade and travel in Safar as in any other month.
Events in Safar
Historians place several events of the early Islamic period in Safar. According to many biographers, the Prophet ﷺ left Makkah for the Hijra at the end of Safar and reached Quba in Rabi‘ al-Awwal; the expedition of al-Abwa’, his first military expedition, took place in Safar 2 AH. No particular acts of worship are linked to the month.
When does Safar start?
| Hijri year | First day | Last day | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1446 AH | Monday 5 August 2024 | 3 September 2024 | 30 |
| 1447 AH | Saturday 26 July 2025 | 23 August 2025 | 29 |
| 1448 AH | Wednesday 15 July 2026 | 13 August 2026 | 30 |
| 1449 AH | Monday 5 July 2027 | 2 August 2027 | 29 |
| 1450 AH | Saturday 24 June 2028 | 22 July 2028 | 29 |
| 1451 AH | Wednesday 13 June 2029 | 12 July 2029 | 30 |
| 1452 AH | Monday 3 June 2030 | 1 July 2030 | 29 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
Safar: questions
When does Safar 1448 start?
On 15 July 2026; it ends on 13 August 2026 after 30 days, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
When does Safar 1449 start?
On 5 July 2027, and it lasts 29 days.
Is Safar a sacred month?
No. The four sacred months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qa‘dah and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Which months come before and after Safar?
Muharram comes before it and Rabi‘ al-Awwal after it.