15th Shaban Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat is a pretty special night in the Islamic calendar, falling right in the middle of Shaban between the 14th and 15th. A night for seeking forgiveness

Shab-e-Barat, often considered a holy night, is observed on the night between the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It’s a time when many Muslims around the world offer special prayers, seek forgiveness, and remember their departed loved ones. The exact date can vary slightly depending on the moon sighting in different regions.

Shab-e-Barat, known as the “Night of Forgiveness” or “Night of Records,” is a significant observance for many Muslims. It’s typically marked by various spiritual activities and customs, aimed at seeking forgiveness and blessings. Here’s a snapshot of what Muslims usually do on Shab-e-Barat:

1. Prayers and Recitations: Many Muslims spend their night in prayer, reciting the Quran, and engaging in supplications. Special prayers, known as Nawafil, are performed to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
2. Visiting Graves: It’s common for people to visit the graves of their loved ones, offering prayers for their souls and remembering the departed.
3. Charity: Acts of charity are emphasized. People often give to the poor and needy, distribute food, and make donations to charitable causes.
4. Reflection and Repentance: The night is an opportunity for introspection. Muslims reflect on their past actions, seek repentance for their sins, and make resolutions to lead a better life.
5. Fasting: Some Muslims observe fasting on the day before or after Shab-e-Barat as a means of purifying the soul and seeking divine blessings.
6. Community Gatherings: In many places, people gather at mosques or homes for communal prayers, lectures, and discussions about the significance of Shab-e-Barat.

Despite these general practices, traditions can vary widely depending on cultural and regional differences, especially during Ramadan and fasting. But at its core, Shab-e-Barat is all about seeking forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and drawing closer to God.

Shab-e-Barat is known by a few different names depending on the region and cultural context. Here are some of them:

1. Mid-Sha’ban: This name is derived from the Islamic calendar month in which the observance falls.
2. Laylat al-Bara’ah: This Arabic term translates to “The Night of Innocence” or “The Night of Emancipation.”
3. Night of Forgiveness: Highlighting the belief that Shab e Barat is a night when Allah forgives sins.
4. Bara’at Night: A simpler version of the Arabic name for Shab e Barat.
5. Nisfu Syaaban: Common in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Each of these names reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Muslim world, but they all refer to the same significant holy night of prayers, reflection, and fasting in Islamic tradition, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

After Maghrib prayer, marking the beginning of the 15th of Shaban, you can offer 2 Rakats of Nafl.
In the first Rakat, after reciting Surah Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlas three times, followed by Surah Falaq.

In the second Rakat, repeat the same but replace Surah Falaq with Surah Naas.
After completing the prayer, make dua, asking Allah Almighty for the protection of your Imaan (faith).

Salat Tasbih is a highly revered Nafl prayer with immense rewards. It is recommended to offer Salat ul Tasbih, also known as the prayer of forgiveness, on Shab e Barat. Begin by making the intention for 4 Rakats of Nafl or Salat ul Tasbih to please Allah (SWT), then start your prayer as usual.

After reciting Sanaa, recite the Tasbih “Subhanallahi Wal Hamdulillahi Walaa Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar” 75 times in each Rakat.

Additionally, you may offer another 2 Rakats of Nafl prayer after Maghrib. In this prayer, recite Surah Yasin once and then read Dua Nisf Shaban. Afterward, make a dua for a righteous and pious life on this holy night, as recommended in Islamic tradition.

Reciting the Holy Quran is another highly beneficial form of worship during Shab e Barat. Whether after Salah or at any other time, recite the Quran as much as possible, as this brings special rewards.

Dhikr is also important on this blessed night of shab e barat. Recite Durood on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as many times as you can.

On the night of the 15th of Shaban, it is recommended to read Surah Yasin three times between Maghrib and Isha prayers. After each recitation, make a dua.

The first recitation should be with the intention for a long life, and the second with the intention for protection from calamities.

Indeed, they alone truly believe in Our verses revealed in this Quran who, when reminded with them, fall to the ground in devotion, bowing their faces down to Allah; and who highly exalt the praise of their Lord; and who never grow arrogant concerning His worship; and whose sides forsake their beds in the night, to call upon their Lord in fear and hope; and who generously spend in charity from all that We have provided them (Surat Al-Sajdah, 32:15-16).

Aisha said: ‘I missed the Prophet, on him be peace, one night [meaning he had left her bower in the middle of the night when she had laid down to sleep]. So I went out, and I found him in the cemetery of the Baqi, raising his face to heaven. He said: ‘O ‘Aisha! Did you fear that Allah and His Messenger would wrong you?’ [meaning by going to others of his wives on her established night with him]. She said: ‘I said: I thought that you had gone to one of your other wives. He said: Indeed, Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, descends on the night of the 15th of Sha’ban to the lowest heaven, and he forgives more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of Bani Kalb’” [an Arab tribe known for its abundant sheep] (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).

By [the Quran,] the clear Book! Indeed, it is We alone who have sent it down in a blessed night. For, indeed, it is We alone who are giving humanity forewarning of a nearing Judgment. In that blessed night, every wise affair is determined by a divine command from Our providence. For, indeed, it is We alone who have been sending messengers to humanity (Surat Al-Dukhan, 44:2-5).