Shab-e-Barat is observed by Muslims across the world. Majority of Muslims revere the night of Shab-e-Barat as the “Night of Forgiveness”. In the Islamic calendar, Shab-e-Barat is a salient night that commences on the 14th of Shabaan and concludes on the 15th of Shabaan.

Significance of Shab-e-Barat

The word “Shab” in Persia stands for Night, while “Barat” in Arabic defines the meaning as Salvation or Forgiveness.

On this night, Muslims stay up all night long or most of the night with breathers offering Namaaz, reciting from the Qur’an, asking for forgiveness, and to bestow blessings upon them.

To seek forgiveness for their deceased or departed relatives; many Muslims pay a visit to the nearby graveyards.

Almsgiving is largely practised by Muslims. It is greatly believed that if an individual prays all night long and keeps repenting for his/her bad deeds, forgiveness will be accorded to him/her.

Many Muslims also observe fast on the day of Shab-e-Barat; they consume “Sehri” at the daybreak and break the Fast at sundown.

Virtues of the month of Shabaan

Shabaan is the month that comes before the Holy month of “Ramadan” also referred to as “Ramzan”. Prophet Muhammad (PBHU) said that it is a month in which the deeds of an individual are presented to Allah. To elucidate further- the deeds of a person are presented to Allah on a daily basis, weekly basis; and annually in the month of Shabaan.

One Hadith states that “The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), observed Fasting for the entire month of Shabaan.”

shab-e-Barat begins on the dawn of 14th of Shabaan and ends on the dusk of 15th of Shabaan.

One narrative states, “The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘During the night of the mid-Shabaan or Nisf Shabaan, Allah descends to the lowest Heavens and says “Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness? I will forgive. Is there anyone who wants food? I will provide food. Is there anyone who is distressed? I will relieve stress. ’”

One narrative also stated that Prophet (PBUH) said: ”Whoever spends this night in prayer out of faith, and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven for his previous sins.”

Shab-e-Barat in different countries

Shab-e-Barat is peculiarly not observed by Wahabis, Salafis, and more orthodox Muslims.

In Southeastern Asia, Shab-e-Barat is also known by many names such as Bara’a Night, Shab-e-Raat, Barat Night, Mid-Sha’ban, Berat Kandili or Nisfu Syaaban, Cheragh e Brat (light), or Laylat al-Baraat.

Shab-e-Barat is reverenced by different countries with different names and has/practice various ways for celebrations.

In the Indian sub-continent, Nisf Shabaan is famous by the name Shab-e-Barat, in Arabic countries as Lailatul Barat, Berat Kandili in Turkey and in Malaysia and Indonesia as Nisfu Syaban or Malam Nisfu Syaban.

Conclusion

Many Muslims are oblivious to the excellence of the month of Shabaan. Every single night is special and is a chance to connect with Allah, and to repent.

shab-e-Barat is observed by many Muslims and on this night Muslims seek the forgiveness of Allah.

He offers that opportunity to connect with Him and seek forgiveness for our bad deeds every single night. And with regards to this night, to be precise, one has the opportunity to cleanse his/her heart. In this month, the acts/deeds of people are presented to Allah, and the provisions are purveyed. I wish my deeds to be presented to Allah while I am on a Fast.