3 Spiritual Facts About the Month of Safar

27 Jul 2025

Safar, the second month of the Islamic calendar, holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims.

It is a month with history, trials, and powerful lessons from the lives and sacrifices of our beloved Ahlulbayt (as).

Here are 3 spiritual facts about Safar that inspire reflection, worship, and renewed faith.

1. A Month of Mourning and Remembrance

Safar is often marked as a month of great trial and sorrow for the Ahlulbayt (as).

Many beloved figures of the Prophet’s (saww) family faced martyrdom and hardship during this time, and it serves as a sacred month to remember and mourn their sacrifices.

Some of the tragic events that occurred in Safar are:

The demise of Prophet Muhammad (saww)

The martyrdom of Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba (as)

The arrival of the captives in Shaam

The martyrdom of Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as)

The Holy Quran reminds us of the importance of loving the Prophet’s (saww) family:

“(O Muḥammad), say (to your followers), ‘I do not ask of you any reward for it (i.e., the task of conveying Allah’s message to you) except love for my near relatives.’ And whoever performs the good deed (by loving The Prophet’s family), We shall increase for him in its goodness. Surely Allah is Forgiving and Thankful (to those who love the Prophet’s family).” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:23)

This month is a time to renew our commitment to the Ahlulbayt’s (as) – with justice, patience, and faith.

2. Safar and Karbala: Arba’een and Its Significance

One of the most important events associated with Safar is Arba’een, which falls on the 20th of the month.

It marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions at the Battle of Karbala – a defining moment in Islamic history that symbolizes resistance against tyranny and the pursuit of justice and truth.

Learn more about Imam Hussain (as) and his sacrifice here.

Millions of Muslims worldwide commemorate Arba’een by reflecting on Imam Hussain’s (as) sacrifice, doing the Arba’een Walk, and reciting prayers.

Imam Al-Ridha (as) emphasized the spiritual reward of mourning Imam Hussain (as):

“O’ Son of Shabib! Should you weep for Hussain (as) in the measure that tears roll down your cheeks, Allah (swt) would forgive all the sins committed by you, whether they be the great sins or the small sins and whether they be meagre or immense.” (Al-Amali of Shaykh as-Saduq, p.111)

This highlights the profound spiritual benefits of connecting with the tragedy of Karbala.

Learn more about the Battle of Karbala here.

3. A Time for Worship and Dua

Safar is a month to deepen our worship and supplication, especially prayers for the relief of the oppressed and the hastening of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (ajtfs).

It is a time to engage in devotional acts of worship like Ziyarat Ashura and to strengthen our spiritual bond with the Ahlulbayt (as).

Imam Ali (as) said:

“Surely, Allah (swt) has chosen for us (the Ahlulbayt [as]) followers (Shias), who assist us and are happy at our happiness and are sad in our sadness.” (Ghurar al-Hikam, v.1)

This is a beautiful reminder to share in the joys and sorrows of the Ahlulbayt (as), coming together as a community to recommit to our beliefs and faith.

Renew Your Faith and Ignite Hope This Safar

Safar is more than a month of mourning. It is an opportunity to reflect deeply, renew our faith, and ignite hope.

Through remembering the legacy of the Ahlulbayt (as), we can find inspiration to strengthen our love for Allah (swt) and recommit ourselves to their teachings of justice, patience, and unwavering devotion.

Here at The Zahra Trust, we are devoted to upholding the legacy of the Ahlulbayt (as).

During the month of Safar, we support zuwaar (pilgrims) during the Arba’een walk, provide aid to those facing emergencies and crises, and work tirelessly to bring hope to those in need.

We invite you to experience the true spirit of Safar – a time of faith, sacrifice, and community.

Get involved today and be part of this noble cause.