Safar al-Khayr (Arabic: صفر الخَیر) is the second month in the Lunar calendar. The month of Safar comes after Muharram. Just like the month of Muharram, this month is also a month of grief for Shia Muslims.
Literal meaning of Safar is Empty. It was called so because people left their homes empty this month. The Arabs were warring nations. They usually did not fight during the four sacred months even in the days of Jahiliya (Pre Islamic Ignorance). The sacred or war-free months were Muharram, Rajab, Zul Qadah, and Zul Hijjah, but in Safar they restarted their battles once again, leaving their houses empty.
Significance of the Month in Shia Islam
On the first day of the month of Safar, the captured family of the prophet and the heads of those who were killed were taken to Syria by the forces of Yazid and subsequently were taken into Yazid’s presence. First, the identity of each head was told to him. Then he paid attention to a woman who was objecting. Yazid asked, “Who is this arrogant woman?” All the audience paused for a moment. Sayyeda Zainab (as) rose to answer and said: “Why are you asking them? Ask me. I’ll tell you who I am. I am Muhammad’s (pbuh) granddaughter. I am Fatima’s (as) daughter.” People at the court were impressed and amazed by her. Sayyeda Zainab (as) bint e Ali (as) thus began to give her sermon.
The Strength and Leadership of Sayyeda Zainab(as)
After the tragic, barbaric martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) on 10th of Muharram, the survival of the fourth Imam Zayn al-Abedin (as), was paramount for the continuation of Imamate. Sayyeda Zainab (as) helped protect him while he was ill, prevented his captors from killing him through her strength, leadership and support, ensuring that the message of Imam Hussain (as) did not vanish from the pages of history. She remained steadfast, protected him physically when necessary, and publicly spoke out when the truth was distorted and covered.
Sayyeda Zainab (as) knew that the responsibility of the care of the orphaned children and widows would fall on her shoulders. The fourth Imam was in no condition, due to his illness, to offer her any physical assistance in standing up against the oppressors. We cannot imagine the strength required of an individual enduring the kind of trauma that the survivors of Ashura witnessed and suffered. There was also the emotional toll of the immense loss of loved ones and the sad reality of the brutality and inhumanity inflicted upon the family of the Prophet of Islam (pbuh).
One of the most important qualities of a leader is confidence. Islam’s foundation is deep-rooted in the contributions and sacrifices of exemplary women like Sayyeda Fatimah (as), Lady Khadijah (as), and undoubtedly, Sayyeda Zainab (as), among many others, as examples of strong, intelligent, and independent women. Sayyeda Zainab’s upbringing raised her with belief and trust in the ultimate salvation and justice of God. It was this personal connection and trust in God that freed her from any fear of her oppressors and made her an immeasurable leader.
NAGEEN ABBAS
(Noida Expressway)
(For the month of Safar)