Safar is the second Islamic month. It is a common belief that this month is associated with calamities. First and foremost, it is on the 28^th day of this month in 11 A.H. that our Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family, left this world for the hereafter. The world was thus deprived of the source of Divine Mercy-RAHMATAN LIL AALAMEEN. Over all above that, two other Masoomeen, our second Imam and our Eighth Imam were martyred in this month: Imam Hasan (a.s) was martyred on the 7^th or the 28^th day of Safar and Imam Reza (a.s) was martyred on the 17^th or the 29^th of this month, in the years 50 A.H. and 203 A.H. respectively.

Other than that, to the lovers of Ahlul Bayt, the month of Safar is also devoted to the remembrance of the martyrs of Kerbala. The peak of the remembrance of these martyrs comes on the 20^th of Safar – popularly known as Arbaeen or Chehlum. Throughout the world, wherever there are the lovers of Ahlul Bayt, Arbaeen is the final day of the commemoration of the martyrs of Kerbala, and is observed with intense mourning. Our Eleventh Imam, Hazrat Hasan Askari (a.s) is quoted to have said that among other signs of a believer of the madhab of Ahlul Bayt, the said believer would recite ‘Ziyarat’ (salutation) of Imam Hussein (a.s) and other martyrs of Kerbala on the day of Arbaeen.

Lucky are those who manage to be close to the shrine of Imam Hussein (a.s) and other martyrs in Kerbala on the day of Arbaeen. For those who cannot make it to be in Kerbala, suffice it for them to send their salutations to the martyrs of Kerbala from wherever they are on the day of Arbaeen. This year the day of Arbaeen here in New York falls on Friday 5^th of February 2010. Those who love the Ahlul Bayt should remember to send their salutations to the martyrs; the recommended time for this act of worship is between sunrise to the time before Zohrain prayers.

May Allah grant our prayers and make it possible for us, at least once in our life time. to be present in Kerbala, close to the shrine of Imam Hussein and other martyrs on the day of Arbaeen.

Finally, to remain safe from calamities of this month, it is recommended to give “sadaqa” (charity) as much as one can afford.