Shab-e-Barat

Shab e Barat or Night of forgiveness is a significant Islamic festival. Observed on the 15th of Shaban, it is believed on this night Allah decides the fortune & future of every creature of the earth.

Tonight many Muslims around the world will celebrate.

The literal meaning of Shab e Barat can be translated to the night of Atonement. Shab-e-Barat has its own traditions based on ethnic diversity & local cultures. It has various names worldwide, such as Cheragh e Barat, Barat Night, Berat Kandili or Nisfu Syaaban.

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On the night of Shab e Barat, many Muslims believe the names of the souls who will be born & those who will leave the world are determined and sustenance sent down. It is also believed that the Doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are wide open on this night.

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Since Shab-e-Barat is a night of forgiveness, many Muslims choose to ask people around them for forgiveness.

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There is no specific verse in the Quran that directly talks about Shab e Barat. But many Muslim scholars relate some verses in the Quran to proof the blessings of Shab e Barat.

“Surely, We have sent it down in the blessed night. Surely, We are the Warner. In this (night) judgment is given on all matters of wisdom (separately) by Our Command.”

(Al-Quran, 44:3-5)

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Shaban is the eight-month in the Islamic calendar and carries immense significance. Muslims prepare for the holy month of Ramadan by doing good deeds and voluntarily fasting.

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Many Muslims consider the 15th Shaban, to be a significant day of worship. However, some do not believe that this particular month or day has any sort of significance from an Islamic perspective.

On Shab e Barat many Muslims spend the night in worship, either individually in their homes or collectively in the mosques in night prayers- ‘Qiyam-ul-Layl’.

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On the night of Shab e Barat, it is believed Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for his family members in the graveyard. Following the gesture, on this night many Muslims visit the graves of their loved ones and seek forgiveness for the deceased.

On Shab e Barat, many Muslims give gifts and sweets to one another as a way of building bridges and strengthening relationships.

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May the blessings of Shab-e-Barat bring peace and prosperity. Let's take this opportunity to seek forgiveness and pray for a better tomorrow.

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Sources of Inspiration & Information

https://zamzam.com/blog/shab-e-barat/

https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/resources/islamic-calendar/shaban/15th-shaban/

https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2019/04/the-importance-of-15th-shaban-night