The Last Friday of Safar, Proper Guidance for Worship in Light of the Qur’an and Hadith
Dr. Muhammad Mahtab Hossain Mazed
The second month of the Islamic calendar is Safar. During the pre-Islamic era, Arabs considered this month inauspicious. They believed that poverty, disease, wars, and calamities would occur during Safar. Some even considered the last Wednesday of Safar (known as Akheri Chahar Shamba) unlucky and refrained from performing certain acts. However, Islam abolished these superstitions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared: “There is no bad omen, and Safar carries no misfortune.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5757, Sahih Muslim: 2220)
Therefore, considering the month of Safar or its last Friday as unlucky or attributing special acts of worship to it is completely baseless. However, Friday (Jumu’ah) itself holds great importance in Islam. Hence, maintaining the proper respect for every Friday, including the last Friday of Safar, is a key responsibility of Muslims.
The Significance of Jumu’ah: In the Light of Qur’an and Hadith
1. Attending Jumu’ah
Allah Almighty says:- O you who believe! When the call is made for the Friday prayer, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade. That is better for you if you only knew.(Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 9)
2. Virtues of Jumu’ah Prayer
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever performs Ghusl (ritual bath) on Friday, wears nice clothes, goes early, sits close to the Imam, and refrains from idle talk—every step he takes will earn the reward equivalent to a year of fasting and standing in prayer.(Sunan Abu Dawood: 345)
3. Recitation of Surah Al-Kahf
Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will have light from one Friday to the next.(Al-Hakim, Sahih)
4. Reciting Salawat abundantly
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"The best day is Friday. On this day Adam was created, on this day he passed away, and on this day the Hour (Day of Judgment) will occur. So send abundant Salawat upon me on this day."
(Sunan Abu Dawood: 1047)
5. Special time for acceptance of supplications The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: -On Friday, there is a moment when a servant’s supplications are granted by Allah.(Sahih al-Bukhari: 935)
Common Misconceptions Regarding the Last Friday of Safar
In Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent, the last Friday of Safar is often given special importance, and practices such as Salatul Tasbih or other specific prayers are performed. Some believe that performing prayer on this Friday erases sins for the year. However, there is no authentic hadith to support this. Islam forbids such innovative acts of worship (bid’ah). The Qur’an clearly states:-This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.(Surah Al-Maidah: 3)Thus, Islam is complete, and there is no need to create new acts of worship.
> Our Responsibilities
1. Maintain correct belief
Do not consider the month of Safar or its last Friday as unlucky. Understand that all good and bad is in Allah’s hands.
2. Prepare for Jumu’ah
Perform Ghusl, wear clean clothes, use fragrance, go to the mosque early, and attentively listen to the Khutbah—these are Sunnah practices.
3. Be diligent in prayer and worship
Perform the five daily prayers on time, offer Nafl prayers, and recite the Qur’an.
4. Recite Surah Al-Kahf
Reciting Surah Al-Kahf every Friday brings divine light.
5. Increase Salawat and Istighfar
Send abundant Salawat and seek Allah’s forgiveness on Friday.
6. Charity and good deeds
Help the needy, give charity, visit the sick—these acts carry great reward.
7. Observe optional fasts
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays (Sahih Muslim: 2565). One may observe these Sunnah fasts during this month.
8. Promote a superstition-free society
Educate family and society about misconceptions, innovations in worship, and superstitions.
In conclusion, although various misconceptions exist regarding the last Friday of Safar, the Qur’an and authentic Hadith have not prescribed any special acts of worship for this day. Islam clearly declares that no month or day is unlucky. Muslims must focus on worship according to the Qur’an and Sunnah, away from superstitions. By performing regular prayers, sending Salawat, making supplications, giving charity, and doing righteous deeds, every Friday—including the last Friday of Safar—can become a source of mercy, blessings, and spiritual liberation.
The writer is a columnist & researcher founder & chairman, Jatiya rogi Kalyan Society. He can be reached at Email: drmazed96@gmail.com
