The Arabs in the days prior to Islam used to perceive an evil omen in Safar. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), however, negated this by saying:“There is no Safar.“[1] He thus demonstrated the falsehood of pre-Islamic superstitions and showed his Ummah that Allah is the only One who can cause benefit and harm. A specific month or time cannot be regarded as being evil. If the believer spends his time in acts of obedience then that time is blessed. If, however, he uses it to disobey Allah then that time will be a cause of loss and regret for him. It is not the time in that case that is evil and inauspicious but rather the acts of disobedience that he has committed.

Acting on this Prophetic teaching, some of the scholars took to calling the month ‘Zafar‘ (?????) instead of Safar, meaning ‘success‘ or ‘victory.‘

Some of the scholars narrate that on the last Wednesday of the month all the tribulations of the coming year descend. They mention certain du`as to read to deflect any harm that may befall anyone.[2]

The scholars of Tarim traditionally hold gatherings after `Asr on that day in open areas on the edges of the city. In the coming together of the people of knowledge and righteousness there is safety from any tribulation descending. Later in the evening light-hearted gatherings are held, which dispel any gloom that may overcome people at that time.

Further, on the 9th of Safar we commemorate the life of the great Imam, Habib Umar bin Sumayt, the shaykh of many of our teachers. Attached is a short biography in his honor; courtesy of Sidi Amin Buxton (Allah preserve him and his teachers, and allow us to benefit from them).

Al-Hamdu lillah, we are now approaching the “White Days” of the month of Safar.

The “White Days” are the days which follow nights in which the moon is full, namely the 13th, 14th and 15th days of each lunar month. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) encouraged his Companions to fast three days in every month and to fast these days specifically.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “If you fast three days in the month then fast the thirteenth, the fourteenth and the fifteenth.”(Narrated by al-Nasa’i and al-Tirmidhi).

Sayyidi al-Habib `Umar encourages his students in Dar al-Mustafa to combine these two sunnahs. In this part of the world the 13th, 14th and 15th coincide with this Saturday, Sunday and Monday the 7th, 8th and 9th January. Check the moon sighting in your locality to be sure that your fast coincides with the “White Days.”