Second Islamic Month: Safar

Safarul Muzaffar

Safarul Muzafar marks the second month of the Islamic Calendar. Many baseless misconceptions regarding this month are rife amongst Muslims in general. Some believe that many calamities, illnesses and disease descend upon the earth during this month. But the truth of the matter is that Islamic Law has strongly condemned this belief with regards to Safar.

Hazrat Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be Upon Him) said: "No illnesses, misfortunes, calamities, nor signs of devilish influences descend upon this earth in the month of Safar." Bukhari Shareef also mentions that neither illnesses, misfortunes, calamities, nor any signs of devilish influences plague the earth this month. Furthermore, the belief of common Muslims that the beloved Prophet (Peace be upon Him) was on the way to recovery or had recovered from his illness on the last Wednesday on this month in another misnomer without any supporting evidence. On the contrary, the fatal illness, which eventually resulted in his demise from this mundane world, is said to have commenced on this very day.

In addition, the holding of picnics by some Muslims was a way of expressing their joy at the beloved Prophet’s (Peace be upon Him) recovery, by going to the jungles, parks, sea-side, etc and spending a day in worthless merry-making and indulging in irreligious activities is also a myth; and prohibited by Islam. Time and again, Muslims are warned to refrain from participating in such activities and customs.

Ayyaam-e Beedh

Ayyaam-e Beedh constitutes the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Lunar month. The beloved Prophet (Peace be upon Him) would observe fasts on these days. In addition, he had instructed some of his Companions (RA) to do likewise. In memory of this sunnah, whoever has the physical capacity should keep fast on these days, that is, the 13th, 14th and 15th of each month, as keeping this sunnah alive in an excellent and beneficial virtue.

Hazrat Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with Him) and Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported from the Messenger of Allah that the beloved Prophet (Peace be upon Him) "solemnly counseled me (Hazrat Abu Hurairah) to diligently observe 3 acts, hence I would not omit them in my lifetime." When the Comanions (May Allah be pleased with Them) enquired what these 3 acts were, he (Hazrat Abu Hurairah) replied:

1 – To keep 3 fasts on the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Lunar month.

2 – Perform the Witr prayer (Salah) before retiring to sleep.

3 – To perform Salatul Ishraaq (4 Raka’ats Nafl a little while after sunrise).

The Messenger of Allah has placed great emphasis on the performance of these acts, as they are a means of obtaining the treasured bounties of Almighty Allah.

Hazrat Ali (May Allah be pleased with Him) reports the following Hadith that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) said: "Whosoever observe the fasts of Ramadaan and the fasts of Ayyaam-e Beedh, Almighty Allah will remove from him all the ailments and disorders of the heart." In another Hadith, Hazrat Jabir (May Allah be pleased with Him) reports the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) saying: "Whosoever fasts on the 13th, 14th and 15th of each lunar month will receive the reward of an entire lifetime’s fasting."

Dua for Ayyaam-e Beedh

After Salatul Maghrib read the attached Durood Shareef and the reciter will obtain cure from all his spiritual and physical illnesses (Jawahirul Bahaar: Vol 3, page 40)

-----dua-----

On the 25th of this month (Safarul Muzaffar) the auspicious Urs of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Qadiri (RA) is celebrated in many pats of India, Pakistan, Mauritius, Europe and South Africa. The Urs of the pious sages and Ulema are celebrated on the anniversaries of their death throughout the world. On these auspicious days a huge gathering of their devotees and disciples (murids) assemble at their blessed mazaars (shrines/graves) to express their love and devotion. On these occasions the Holy Quran in recited, Milad-un-Nabi (Peace be upon Him) is recited [salawaat], Na’ats (religious poetry) are rendered and lectures on their pious lives and teachings are given; and duas are offered to convey the reward of these deeds to these blessed souls as well as for gaining baraka; and fulfillment and of our deeds and desires.

It is the consensus of the Ulema of the Ahle Sunna wa Jamaat that holding of Urs are absolutely permissible and the beloved Prophet (Peace be upon Him) too would visit the mazaars of the martyrs of Uhod annually.

During the time of Urs Shareef every precaution should be taken to refrain from indulging in any activity, which is against the teachings of the Shariah.

May Almighty and His beloved Nabi (Peace be upon Him) guide us to follow the true Path of Islam, as it should be observed. Amin!