Shab-e-barat occurs in the night between 14th and 15th Shaban. Shaban is an important 8th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an essential occasion in Islamic history, which is celebrated by doing worship and prayers. Shab-e-Barat is of utmost importance for Muslims because God Almighty takes big decisions regarding the person’s fate, livelihood, life, and death, etc.
So, to get the decision of God almighty in their favor, people all night worship and offer prayers.
As described in Ahadith, it is also called “ Nisf Shaban” because it happens in the mid-Shaban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar.
The importance of Shab-e-Barat becomes evident by the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad SAW, he said, on this beautiful night, Allah sends his special favor to the world, He also announce the forgiveness of my Ummah in the countless numbers as compared to the wool that bani Kalb goats have on their body.
In another Hadith, Prophet Muhammad SAW said, except Mushrikeen and the spiteful, Allah forgives all the subordinate as the creature in the 15th night of Shaban.”
These ahadith show the authenticity of the Shab-e-Barat, mainly working as the opportunity to get the blessings of God almighty.
Significance of Shab-e-Barat
Importance of Shaban
Shaban holds a prominent place in Islamic history. It is notable for the change in the Qibla direction, and the 15th night, known as Sha-e-Barat, is particularly significant for Muslims.
Divine Blessings on the 15th Night
A hadith narrated by Hazrat Ali (RA) highlights the blessings of the 15th night of Shaban: Muslims are encouraged to pray and fast, as Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heaven, offering forgiveness, sustenance, and relief. This divine call continues until the morning prayer.
Opportunity for Forgiveness
This hadith underscores Allah’s desire to shower His blessings upon us. Despite this, we often fall short of sincerity. Another hadith from Prophet Muhammad (SAW) notes that on this night, Allah forgives all Muslims except for polytheists and those harboring enmity.
Prophet Muhammad’s Actions
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) not only prayed for himself but also visited graveyards to pray for the deceased, demonstrating the importance of including others in our prayers.
Hadith from Hazrat Ayesha (RA)
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) recounted an incident when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) engaged in a prolonged Tahajjud prayer on the night of mid-Shaban. Concerned for his well-being, she discovered he was alive and reciting prayers. The Prophet explained that it was a night of forgiveness and grace.
Further Hadiths on Shab-e-Baraat
Another hadith from Hazrat Ayesha (RA) describes Allah’s abundant forgiveness on this night, likening it to the number of goats in Banu Kaleb. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also mentioned that Allah forgives many people but not those who are polytheists, harbor bad feelings, or sever relationships.
Actions and Deeds
While some traditions may have weak chains, the message remains clear: Muslims should align their actions with Islamic Sharia. The Day of Judgment will reveal that neither wealth, recommendations, nor the influence of elders will protect anyone from the Fire of Jahannam. Each person will be judged based on their deeds.
What should be done in this night?
The 15th night of Shaban offers a valuable chance for sins to be forgiven and for realigning oneself if previous directions were wrong. While these prayers are not obligatory, choosing to engage in them brings great rewards. It is entirely up to the individual to decide whether to pray or to sleep through the night. However, who would want to miss out on the rewards?
There is no need to spend the entire night in prayer and Tilawah. Instead, you can plan a schedule for the night and choose activities that suit your preferences.
Here are some actions you can take on this precious night:
1. Salah
The perfect way to obtain the will of God is the way of Salah. The number of Rakah is not specific, and it is also not necessary to spend the whole night in Salah. Similarly, in these Rakat of Salah, Qayam, Rakho, and Sajdah should belong than usual. It is also the best practice to read the long Surah in these Rakahs of Salah. It is even better to make the schedule before time.
2. Tilawa
Tilawa is in the second position and amongst one of the best works to obtain the will of God. The tilawa of the holly Quaran is not necessary for the whole night. It should be made according to the schedule. The Tilawa of Quaran cannot be completed in the short period of this night. We can select some Sorah to recite in the night, for example, Surah Yaseen, Surah Rahman, Charam Qul. Similarly, these Sorah can recite more than one time. It is also not obligatory.
3. Dua in Shab-e-Baraat
According to the confirmed Hadith,” Dua is the mind of all prayers.” We can see the importance of Dua by this Hadith. It is also beneficial to pray on the 15th night of Shaban. The method of praying is present in the numerous books of Islam. It helps us to get forgiven our sins and makes us near Our God almighty. Dua, offered according to the rules and regulations, must be acceptable near God almighty.
According to the Hadith Qudsi, prophet Muhammad SAW said,” Allah says that he feels shame if a person offers due and I reverse than without accepting.”
4. Dhikr in shab-e-baraat
Dhikr is an excellent method for seeking God’s grace, easily performed whether sitting or lying down. Though not obligatory, Dhikr holds great value for aligning with God’s will. As mentioned in a Hadith, “Without Dhikr, the heart of the person becomes hard.”
Dhikr cleanses the heart and mind and can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines. There is no need to spend the entire night in Dhikr.
The significance of Salah, Tilawa, Dua, and Dhikr is evident from the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Regular practice, even in small amounts, is crucial for protecting oneself from Jahannam. Shab-e-baraat offers a valuable chance to seek God’s assurance for our well-being.
