Safar
/səˈfɑːr/noun
The second month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marked by various cultural and religious observances.
Did you know?The name 'Safar' comes from the Arabic root meaning 'to empty', historically linked to the practice of leaving homes to seek fortunes in the past, evoking themes of loss and longing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*sʕpr
“To be empty, to withdraw.”
Old Arabic
Old Arabic
safar
“Journey, to leave (homes for trade or raids).”
Classical Arabic
Classical Arabic
صفر (ṣafar)
“The month of emptying or taking away.”
8th Century
Arabic
صفر (ṣafar)
“Used to denote the second month in the lunar calendar.”
Modern Arabic
Modern Arabic
صفر (ṣafar)
“Retains the same meaning, associated with cultural and religious significance.”