Which is the second month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar?

The second month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar is Safar. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of twelve months, beginning with Muharram as the first month. Safar follows Muharram and precedes Rabi-ul-Awwal, making it the second month in chronological order.

Historically, Safar has been associated with various events in early Islamic history, though it does not have religious obligations like fasting or Hajj. Pre-Islamic Arab traditions often considered Safar as an inauspicious month; however, Islam removed any superstitions, emphasizing that no month carries inherent bad luck. During this month, Muslims are encouraged to maintain regular worship, prayer, and ethical conduct, reflecting the principles of Islamic life rather than superstition.

Safar also provides a context for understanding the sequence of events in Islamic history and the lunar calendar. For example, early Islamic battles, migrations, and events in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s life can be traced according to Hijri months, with Safar marking a point of continuity after the sacred month of Muharram. It is also used as a reference point for calculating Islamic dates for festivals, anniversaries, and historical commemorations.