SHAB-e-Barat occurs on the night between the 14th and 15th of the month of Sha’ban. It is an essential occasion in Islamic history, celebrated through worship and prayers. It holds utmost importance for Muslims, as it is believed that on this night, God Almighty makes significant decisions regarding individuals’ fate, livelihood, life, and death. To seek Allah Almighty’s favourable decisions, people engage in worship and prayers throughout the night. Described in Hadiths, it occurs in mid-Sha’ban. The importance of this night is underscored by the Hadith of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), who stated that on this auspicious night, Allah sends special favours to the world and announces the forgiveness of numerous sins committed by his followers. In another Hadith, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) mentioned that Allah forgives all His servants, except unbelievers and the spiteful, on this night. These Hadiths authenticate the significance of this night, emphasizing it as an opportunity to seek the blessings of Allah Almighty.
In a Hadith, Hazrat Ali (R.A) narrated: During the 15 night of Sha’ban, The Muslim should stand at the (Particular) night with the day fast, It is due to Allah Almighty, who comes in this night on the opening heaven and announces, who wants to be forgiven by me mainly who did sins without any break, is there anyone who finds sustenance, so that I sustain, and those who are in affliction, so that I manifest. This continuation runs till the Morning Prayer.
If Allah offers such blessings, how can we neglect them? Despite our flaws, Allah desires to forgive us, as emphasized by the Prophet. On the 15th night of Sha’ban, Muslims are forgiven, except the unbelievers and the spiteful. We’re human and err, but Allah’s forgiveness is abundant. This night is a divine opportunity for redemption. Moreover, The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) did not only emphasize to worship and pray for himself only. But, he went to the graveyard and offered to pray for the buried people there. By taking such a move, he also told us to include those persons who were with you some time ago but not now.
Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) recalled a deeply moving incident involving Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) during his night prayers. She described how his prostration lasted so long that she feared he had departed from this world. Anxious, she gently moved his thumb to reassure herself of his continued presence. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), upon noticing her concern, tenderly reassured her, reaffirming his commitment to seeking Allah’s pleasure above all else. Reflecting on the significance of the night, he disclosed its identity as Mid-Sha’ban, a period when Allah showers His mercy upon His servants, granting forgiveness to many and bestowing grace upon those who earnestly seek it.
As Muslims, we should pay attention to our deeds and action. And if these actions are not according to Islam, we should pay attention to it because at the end of life; we would be met the day of judgment where no recommendation, capital, and our elders would save us from the Fire of Hell. Everyone would get their share according to their deeds.
This night has confirmed the opportunity to get our sins forgiven by Allah Almighty and the opportunity to get our direction right if the previous one is wrong. But, these prayers are not obligatory. It is up to the person either he or she chooses to offer prayer and spend this night in sleeping. But, who can prevent himself or herself from getting the reward? It is also not necessary to spend the whole night in prayers and, Recitation. We can select a timetable before the night comes and can easily do whatever we want. It is also not necessary to spend the whole night in Worship.
Prayer and recitation have also been confirmed by the Life of Our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). These are essential ways to get the will of Allah. If fact, we should do it regularly, no matter if we do it in little quantity. Because these are the few crucial ways by which we can save ourselves by the fire of Hell. It can also be done on the occasion of this night. This night is an opportunity to get the assurance of Allah regarding our betterment.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
