Across the world, Shab-e-Barat, the night of forgiveness or the night of salvation, is being observed by Muslims as a day when Allah bestows blessings and forgives them for the sins they have committed. This holy event takes place in the month of Shaban, which lies between the months of Ramadan and Rajab. A number of practices are being followed, and duas are being offered to Allah. Scroll down below to learn more about Shab-e-Barat in Islam.
Shab-e-Barat in Islam is considered the night of forgiveness when Muslims seek forgiveness from Allah for their sins. The Shab-e-Barat is held during the month of Shaban, when Muslims are encouraged to perform extra acts of worship in a sincere manner. As per Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him), Allah descends to earth and offers mercy to the sinners. Throughout the night, worshippers are seen asking for forgiveness for themselves and for their dead ancestors.
What Does the 15th of Shaban Mean?
The 15th of Shaban refers to the Shab-e-Barat, meaning the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. On this day, worshippers can ask for forgiveness from Allah for themselves as well as for their dead relatives. You can witness lamps are lit outside the mosques and is also celebrated as the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is worshipped as the saviour of mankind. It is also considered the prelude to the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims start preparing for their upcoming spiritual journey.
Significance of Shab-e-Barat in Islam
Many Muslims believe that on the night of the Shab-e-Barat, Allah writes their destiny for the following year. Muslims see this night as a night to gain divine blessing, hope and mercy. The night prayer, “Qiyan-ul-Layl”, is seen to be prayed by the Muslims either in their homes or collectively at a mosque. In Islamic traditions, Shab-e-Barat acquires a firm moral and spiritual ground that helps in shaping the destiny of Muslims, based on their daily life and spiritual practices.
It holds the value of being humble and kind to others, fulfilling their duty and submitting themselves to Allah. However, the manner of celebration of Shab-e-Barat differs from one place to another, as in some places you can observe that Muslims focus on personal religious activities, while some go for collective prayer and enjoy their celebrations and some prefer fasting during Shab-e-Barat.
History of Shab-e-Barat
Shab-e-Barat is a significant day in the Islamic faith, with no specific date for its origins. However, it is celebrated on the 15th of the 8th month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed that on the night of forgiveness, Shab-e-Barat, Muhammad al-Mahdi was born. Again, the Sunni Muslims believe that Allah has saved Noah’s Ark from the flood. However, no Hadiths show a direct connection to visiting the burial ground by the Prophet (PBUH) to seek forgiveness for his family.
Dua’s Offered for Seeking Forgiveness
Below are the two du’as that are being offered to Allah by Muslims when seeking forgiveness for their sins.
رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا
“Rabbana la tuakhidh na in nasina aw akh ta’na”, meaning O Allah, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
“Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee”, meaning O Allah, You are the Oft-Forgiving. You love to forgive, so forgive me.
Read Also: Duas for Travelling
Things to Do on Shab-e-Barat
Around the globe, Shab-e-Barat is being observed differently, with customs varying from one another among the Muslim communities. Here are some of the things that should be done on Shab-e-Barat:
Charity
Engaging in the acts of charity helps a person earn good deeds and also helps to cleanse their soul. Helping the needy people during this night is considered an act of worship and receives both blessings and forgiveness from Allah.
Quran Recitation
Recitation of the holy Quran is considered one of the most essential acts during Shab-e-Barat. The Muslims believe that the Quran contains the words of Allah and that reciting them at night would bring them abundant blessings.
Offer Extra Prayers
Muslims are seen to offer extra prayer, also called Salat al-Tawbah, known as the prayer of repentance.
Making Dua
On Shab-e-Barat, people seek protection, guidance and forgiveness from Allah. One can make dua for the entire Muslim community, friends and family.
Seeking Forgiveness
Muslims seek forgiveness for their past sins or for the sins that their family members have committed when they were alive.
Fasting
Fasting is encouraged to be practised during Shab-e-Barat; however, it is not a compulsion.
Real Also: Religious Sites in Islam
Different Prayers for Shab-e-Barat
On the night of Shab-e-Barat, Muslims seek forgiveness and strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah. Here are some of the prayers that are being offered on Shab-e-Barat.
Tahajjud
Experience an immersive spiritual reward as you seek guidance and forgiveness from Allah. This night prayer is recommended to be prayed all year round.
Nafil
Muslims can offer an extra prayer, Shab-e-Barat Nafil, which is performed individually, and there is no particular set of units to be performed.
Salat al-Tasbih
Salat al-Tasbih is a very spiritually rewarding prayer and is recited in every posture of the prayer.
Read Also: Importance of the Fajr Prayer
Conclusion:
On the 15th of Shaban, Shab-e-Barat is celebrated to seek protection, guidance and forgiveness from Allah. Muslims get their souls cleansed to help them pass judgment day. During Shab-e-Barat, it is believed that Allah descends to the Earth to forgive the sinners as well as their deceased family members. During the month of Ramadan, travel with Call for Umrah to strengthen your bond with Allah. We offer a variety of Umrah packages that are bound to fit your budget and preferences. If you would like to modify an itinerary, you can also contact our travel expert to create a personalized itinerary tailored to your tastes and budget.
FAQs
Shab-e-Barat is the night of forgiveness, when Muslims believe that Allah forgives them for their sins.
Shab-e-Barat is expected to be held on either February 3rd or February 4th, depending on the Islamic calendar.
During the night of Shab-e-Barat, Muslims offer special prayers, duas, and seek forgiveness.
No, fasting for Shab-e-Barat is not mandatory; however, it is encouraged to be followed.
Muslims believe that on Shab-e-Barat, Allah writes their destinies for the upcoming year and also bestows forgiveness.
