Shab e Barat

Shab e Barat or Lailatul Barat is an important night celebrated by Muslims worldwide. On this night, Muslims seek forgiveness for their sins from Allah Almighty. The night can be utilized to seek mercy for deceased and ill family members. It is believed that Allah decides the fortune and future of every creature on earth during this night.

Shab e Barat Night of Forgiveness

Shab e Barat occurs between the 14th and 15th nights of the month of Shaban, which is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar. It is also known as The Night of Forgiveness, signifying a night of forgiveness or atonement.

Considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar, it is believed that on this Night, Allah Almighty writes the destinies of all people, considering their past deeds, and forgives sinners. Muslim devotees engage in special prayers, recite from the Holy Quran, and participate in religious gatherings to seek divine blessings for the well-being of mankind.

What is Shab e Barat Exactly?

The eighth month of the Islamic calendar, 'Shaban,' has a unique significance. Allah Almighty showers His special mercy and grace upon the faithful. It is a night of forgiveness, pardoning, and enhancement as ALLAH عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgives those who seek forgiveness, grants sustenance to those who seek it, and alleviates the difficulties of people.

Shab e Barat night edges with goodness as Allah Almighty casts open the doors of blessings and accepts all supplications. The names of those who will die, the allocations of sustenance, and the names of those who will perform Hajj in that year are all recorded. It is related that the ledgers of people’s deeds are changed this night.

To pray for the dead and ask Allah Almighty for the forgiveness of the dead is a ‘the night of forgiveness’ in all cities that hold it. According to a hadith tradition, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ went into Jannat ul-Baqi' on this night, where he prayed. On this basis, some clerics deem it advisable on this night to go to the graveyard of the Muslims to recite part of the Quran and pray for the dead.

There are many Hadees for Shab e Barat relating to the importance and significance of the month of Shaban. In one such hadith, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ said: On the 15th night of Shaban, a caller calls out: "There is someone who wants forgiveness, that he be forgiven be done, is there anyone asking for it to be granted? So, except for a wicked woman and a polytheist, whoever asks for a need, his need is fulfilled." [1]

Significance of Shab e Barat in Islamic Tradition!

On this significant night, Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ prayed in the graveyard. Following this practice, Muslims visit the graves of their loved ones, in search of forgiveness for the deceased. There is a verse mention related to Shab e Barat in Quran: “During it are distributed all the works of wisdom”. [2]

Muslims believe that during this night, Allah Almighty determines the destiny of each individual for the upcoming year. It is believed that the souls of the departed visit their loved ones on this night.

Shab e Barat night holds unique traditions that vary based on cultural diversity and local customs. During the day, Muslims engage in preparing delicious food, which they share with neighbors, relatives, family members, and the less fortunate. Many people visit the graves of their loved ones to offer prayers for the eternal peace of their souls. Some individuals observe fasting on 15th of Shaban.

Mosques are adorned for the occasion, and the event is marked by people staying awake for most of the night. They take short breaks, engage in prayer, and recite from the Quran until dawn. Acts of charity are prevalent, with money and food being distributed among the less privileged. It is widely believed that the Doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are generously open on this night. While nighttime vigils and organized prayers are sometimes part of the celebration, many individuals prefer to pray at home with their families.

Celebrating with Rituals and Radiance

This event is part of the Islamic calendar, occurring just before Ramadan starts. It's a night when Muslims believe that Allah decides the fate of individuals for the upcoming year and descends to earth to offer mercy and forgiveness to sinners. Throughout the night, prayers are conducted where worshippers seek forgiveness for themselves and their deceased ancestors.

 It's a special night for seeking forgiveness, repentance to Almighty Allah, reflecting on past mistakes, and making sincere resolutions to avoid committing sins in the future. In the honored month of Shaban, those dedicated to worship, goodness, and kindness nurture their noble deeds. The roots of these virtuous actions are planted in the month of Rajab that comes before it.

 Muslims engage in prayers of Shab e Barat Nawafil, fulfill their duty of serving their parents, enhance their knowledge by reading the interpretation (Tafseer) of the Holy Quran, and participate in religious gatherings to benefit from the wisdom shared by scholars.

A Soulful Night of Reflection for Muslims

Muslims worldwide engage in prayers on this significant night. Male family members often visit graveyards to honor the deceased, offering prayers for their souls. Families come together for worship, creating a communal atmosphere. Each person is encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah, offering prayers and sharing meals and sweets with relatives, neighbors, and the less fortunate.

Muslims also make heartfelt supplications (dua) for the well-being of their families, friends, and departed loved ones. It's a night of spiritual reflection, communal unity, and extending kindness to others.
As Muslims, it is essential for us to learn from these lessons, rectify our actions, and strive to avoid major and minor sins throughout our lives. We must be cautious not to disobey Allah Almighty, and instead, adhere to the teachings and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ. This commitment enables us to embark on a new phase in our deeds.

As the records of our actions are compiled on the Night of Mid-Shaban, our goal is to have our deeds marked by goodness and righteousness.

Elaborating Shab e Barat Importance in Islam

Shab Barat holds great importance for Muslims, occurring on the 15th night of Shaban. On this night, people engage in prayers, and repentance, and seek Allah's mercy. Emphasizing good deeds, charity, and forgiveness is crucial during this time. Additionally, Muslims take the opportunity to reflect on the past year, aiming to fulfill religious obligations and enhance their spiritual growth.

Annually, Dawat-e-Islami arranges a magnificent gathering to send blessings and peace (Durood and Salaam) on the promising night of the 15th of Shaban. This event includes all the traditional practices of the 15th night of Shaban, conducted with utmost devotion. With impassioned speeches, sincere prayers, and continuous worship throughout the night, the arrival of dawn is celebrated with fasting.

Concerning the importance of Shaban ul Muazzam, the Maktaba tul Madina has published a booklet titled "The Month of My Prophet صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ" authored by Ameer Ahle Sunnat, Hazrat Allama Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Qadri دامت برکاتھم العالیہ. This concise booklet offers valuable insights into Shaban Al-Mubarak, including recommended actions. It is available for download in PDF format on the Dawat-e-Islami website.

Reference:

[1] commentary on Durre Manthur, Surah Dukhan, sub-verse: 1 to 5, volume: 7, page: 402.

[2] Translation from Kanz ul Iman, [Surah Dukhan 44:4]