15th Shaban | Shab e Baraat | The Night of Forgiveness

Great Islamic teachings

Mid-Sha’ban | Shab-e-Bara’at

Maulana Ibn-e-Yameen Attari Madani

The 15^th night of Sha’ban-ul-Mu’azzam, commonly called Shab-e-Bara’at, is a night for attaining deliverance from the punishment of Hell because in this night, Allah Almighty showers His special mercy and grace upon the faithful. It is a night of forgiveness, pardoning, and amelioration as He عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgives those who seek forgiveness, grants sustenance to those who seek it, and alleviates the difficulties of people. Hence, Sayyiduna Ali Al-Murtada رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ relates that the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم elaborated on the merits of this night saying: ‘When the 15^th night of Sha’ban-ul-Mu’azzam arrives, stand in worship and then fast during the day. When the sun sets on this night, Allah Almighty sends down mercy to the lowest heaven and announces: ‘Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness, for I will forgive; is there anyone who seeks sustenance, for I will provide; is there anyone who is afflicted by a calamity, for I will grant relief; is there anyone like this, is there anyone like this!’ until the time of Fajr enters.’ (Ibn-e-Majah, vol. 2, p. 160, Hadees 1388)

This night, Shab-e-Bara’at, brims 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. So, instead of wasting such precious moments in sins or worldly affairs, it would be wise to spend the night in worship, imploring our Lord for forgiveness because the hearts of those who worship Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ on this night will remain alive and rejuvenated on that Day when hearts will be filled with terror. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم informed us of this: ‘Whosoever spent the nights of both Eids (i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha) and the 15^th night of Sha’ban-ul-Mu’azzam awake in worship, their heart will not die on that Day when people’s hearts will die.’ (Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, part 8, vol. 4, p. 251, Hadees 24102)

These immense virtues and merits of Shab-e-Bara’at should encourage us all to reap its benefits by spending it in the worship and remembrance of Allah Almighty. Although you have the option of worshipping Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ in private, joining others for collective worship can be an effective motivator and a sure way of overcoming indolence. اَلْـحَمْـدُ لـِلّٰـه, every year, on the occasion of Shab-e-Bara’at, Dawat-e-Islami organises gatherings (Ijtima’aat) for collective worship across the globe. These gatherings are carefully planned to ensure that you remain engaged and motivated to worship Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ throughout the sacred hours of Shab-e-Bara’at.

You are warmly invited to attend the forthcoming gathering of Shab-e-Bara’at in your city. Those who are based in or around Karachi are requested to attend the Shab-e-Bara’at Ijtima’ at ‘Aalami Madani Markaz, Faizan-e-Madinah, Karachi. The Ijtima’ of ‘Aalami Madani Markaz, Faizan-e-Madinah is truly incredible; along with Quran recitation, Na’ats, collective supplications, and speeches, the eminent spiritual mentor, Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, ‘Allamah Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ leads the Madani Muzakarah, in which he answers questions that are posed on various topics. The night ends with an affecting supplication before pre-dawn meals are served to those intending to fast the follow day.

This Ijtima’ is broadcast live on Madani Channel, so that those unable to attend in person can partake from home with their families. May Allah Almighty allow us to appreciate Shab-e-Bara’at and grace us with the ability to worship Him sincerely on this night.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صَلَّی اللہ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلہٖ وَسَلَّم