Shab e Barat: This is an Islamic month’s night regarded as a night of forgiveness or a night of salvation or even known as a great festival. This is celebrated on the tenth of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Sha’ban depending on the sighting of the crescent moon which falls on the eighth month of the Islamic calendar Every year, on the night of the 14th/15th of Sha’ban,
Muslims enjoy the event for its blessings of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness as well as the decree. Refocusing means engaging Muslims in self-introspection, asking for Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness and enhancing the cordiality of the relationship between Muslims and Allah (SWT).
Meaning of Shab e Barat
The name finally is derived from Persian and can be explained where ‘Shab’ is night and ‘Barat’ can be translated as salvation or deliverance. Altogether, it means the night of their deliverance from sins. This is when much forgiveness is gotten from Allah and true supplication is always permitted by the Almighty.
The Quran, while not explicitly naming Shab e Barat, mentions Allah’s mercy and willingness to forgive:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Hayyun! Allâh is indeed Forgiving and Merciful.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:173)
This verse helps the believers to remember the continuous blessings of Allah which is one of the main focuses of Shab e Barat.
Relating to Shab e Barat Some References from the Hadith
The significance of this night is supported by various Hadiths:
The permissibility of forgiveness of debts on the night of mid-Sha’ban
إِذَا كَانَتْ لَيْلَةُ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَطَّلِعُ إِلَى خَلْقِهِ، فَيَغْفِرُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ، وَيُمْلِي لِلْكَافِرِينَ، وَيَدَعُ أَهْلَ الْحِقْدِ بِحِقْدِهِمْ حَتَّى يَدَعُوهُ
They say that on this night Allah looks at His creation and forgives the believers, postpones the death of the disbelievers, leaves the people of evil doings to their doings until they leave it.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1390)
This Hadith gives light on the night as being one of the best times for the act of repentance and forgiveness.
Practices and Worship on Shab e Barat
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَطَّلِعُ فِي لَيْلَةِ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَيَغْفِرُ لِجَمِيعِ خَلْقِهِ إِلَّا لِمُشْرِكٍ أَوْ مُشَاحِنٍ
“Indeed, Allah looks at His creation on the night of mid-Sha’ban and forgives all of them except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who harbors hatred against others.”
(Musnad Ahmad: 6646)
There is an emphasis on forgiving others and cleansing the heart of ill feelings in this Hadith.
Practices and Worship on Shab e Barat
Muslims engage in various acts of worship to maximize the blessings of this night:
- Night Prayers (Tahajjud):
The believing men and women stand in devotion in the hours of the night asking Allah for forgiveness and guidance. - Recitation of the Quran:
Reading the Quran is a usual thing since it enhances faith and helps people remain loyal to Allah’s word. - Dua (Supplication):
Some of the duas are prepared with repentance and pardon and supplications therefore and for the whole Muslim ‘Ummah. - Fasting:
Many Muslims fast and also others choose to fast on the 15th of Sha’ban since it is among the Sunan of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Role and significance of Shab e Barat in preparation for the fasting month of Ramadan.
Shab e Barat is believed to be the night of curse and the night before Ramadan is also called the night of search. It enables spiritual detox, reconciliation of relationships and a new commitment to Islam and all that comes with it.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
رَغِمَ أَنْفُ رَجُلٍ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ رَمَضَانُ ثُمَّ انْسَلَخَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُغْفَرَ لَهُ
If Ramadan catches a man and then releases him before his sin is washed off, may his nose be rubbed in dust, the poet said.
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi: 3545)
This Hadith explains the need to repent and prepare spiritually at least from nights such as Shab e Barat.
Conclusion
Shab e Barat is a night of blessing for Muslims and on this night they can pray to Allah and ask for His blessings and forgiveness also can forgive all those who have done wrong with them and purify themselves religiously. Thus, petition, supplication, charitable deeds, and other supplications may help followers get ready for a spirit-filled Holy Month. The message often conveyed during this night calls for kindness, introspection and most importantly forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
In light of the Quran and Hadith, Shab e Barat allows reflection on Allah’s forgiveness and mercy in efforts to forge a spiritual connection and greed for purity by every striving Muslim.