The 15th night of Shaban, commonly known as Shab-e-Bara’at or the Night of Forgiveness, holds great significance in Islam. It is also referred to as "Jagne Ki Raat" (The Night of Awakening) and is considered a night of divine blessings and mercy.
Numerous authentic Hadiths (Ahadith Sahihah) confirm the virtues of this night. According to Ibn Majah, Hazrat Ali (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"When the fifteenth night of Shaban arrives, worship during the night and fast during the day. For Allah descends to the nearest heaven from sunset and proclaims: ‘Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking sustenance so that I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering from a hardship so that I may grant him relief?’ This continues until the break of dawn.” (Ibn Majah - Kitab Aqimus Salah)
The Virtue of Shab-e-Bara’at
Similarly, Mishkat Sharif records a narration from Hazrat Aisha (RA):
"One night, I could not find the Prophet (PBUH) beside me. I went out searching for him and found him in Jannat-ul-Baqi (graveyard). He (PBUH) said: ‘O Aisha! Did you fear that Allah and His Messenger would wrong you?’ She replied, ‘I thought you had gone to one of your wives.’ The Prophet (PBUH) then said: ‘Indeed, on the fifteenth night of Shaban, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and forgives a number of people greater than the hairs on the sheep of the tribe of Kalb.’” (Mishkat - 411)
This Hadith highlights the great mercy and forgiveness that Allah bestows on this night.
What is Shab-e-Bara’at? Why is it Special?
Shab-e-Bara’at, also known as "The Night of Forgiveness", is one of the most sacred nights in Islam. It falls on the 15th night of Shaban, the month before Ramadan.
🔹 It is a night of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness.
🔹 Allah opens the doors of His mercy and forgives countless sinners.
🔹 It is an opportunity to repent for past sins and seek a fresh start.
🔹 Many Muslims pray, fast, and give charity on this night.
Wouldn’t you want to make the most of this blessed night? Read on to learn what makes this night special and how you can maximize its blessings!
Visiting the Graveyard on Shab-e-Bara’at
It is also a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to visit graves on this night and pray for the deceased.
Hazrat Buraidah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"I had previously forbidden you from visiting graves, but now I permit you to do so." (Muslim Sharif)
Hazrat Ibn Masud (RA) also reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Visiting the graves makes one disinterested in worldly matters and reminds one of the Hereafter." (Ibn Majah)
Even Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself visited the grave of his beloved mother, Hazrat Amina bint Wahb (RA) and offered supplications for her. (Muslim Sharif)
This Sunnah teaches us that we should remember our deceased loved ones and pray for their forgiveness and peace.
Acts of Worship and Charity on Shab-e-Bara’at
Muslims engage in various good deeds on this blessed night, including:
✅ Offering Nafl (voluntary) prayers
✅ Reciting the Quran
✅ Making abundant Istighfar (seeking forgiveness)
✅ Reciting Durood Sharif (Salutations upon the Prophet)
✅ Visiting graves and making Duas for the deceased
✅ Giving charity and feeding the poor
Many people organize Quran recitation gatherings and distribute food to the needy, as acts of charity hold great rewards on this night.
Avoiding Un-Islamic Practices
Unfortunately, in some places, un-Islamic traditions and baseless activities are observed on this night, which have no connection with the teachings of Islam.
❌ Some youth spend the night roaming the streets, making noise, and engaging in unnecessary activities, believing that simply staying awake has religious merit.
❌ Fireworks and other non-Islamic celebrations distract from the true purpose of this night.
💡 Reality: The true essence of Shab-e-Bara’at is worship, reflection, and turning towards Allah with sincerity. If one cannot engage in meaningful acts of worship, it is better to sleep rather than waste time in useless activities.
Sincerity in Worship
Worship should be done with full devotion and sincerity, as stated in Hadith. The deceased souls wait for gifts (Eisale Sawaab) from their loved ones on this night.
If one cannot physically visit graves, they should still make Eisale Sawaab (sending rewards) through recitation of the Quran, charity, and supplications.
What to Do on Shab-e-Bara’at? (Step-by-Step Guide)
1️⃣ Offer Extra Salah (Nafl Prayers)
📖 Pray Tahajjud and Salatul Tasbeeh for extra blessings.
2️⃣ Make Duas for Forgiveness
🤲 Ask Allah to forgive past sins and guide you on the right path.
3️⃣ Recite the Quran
📖 Surah Yaseen, Surah Ikhlas, Surah Mulk, and Surah Rahman are highly recommended.
4️⃣ Visit the Graveyard & Pray for the Deceased
🌿 Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself visited graves on this night. If you can’t visit, still pray for your loved ones from home.
5️⃣ Give Charity & Help the Poor
🍲 Feed the needy, donate to the less fortunate, and spread kindness.
6️⃣ Fast the Next Day (16th Shaban)
🌅 It is Sunnah to fast on the day following Shab-e-Bara’at, as the Prophet (PBUH) recommended it.
👉 Make the most of this night! These simple acts can bring countless rewards.
Special Prayers (Nawafil) and Dua-e-Nisf-e-Shabaan (15th Night of Shaban)
Engaging in specific Nafl (voluntary) prayers and Dua-e-Nisf-e-Shaban on Shab-e-Bara’at is a great way to seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.
1. Performing Ghusl (Ritual Bath) After Maghrib
✅ Purpose: To purify oneself and seek protection from sins for the coming year.
✅ Method:
- After Maghrib prayer, perform Ghusl (ritual bath) for spiritual purification.
- After Ghusl, pray 2 Rakats of Nafl with the following recitations:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (once)
- Ayatul Kursi (once)
- Surah Ikhlas (three times)
2. Nafl (Voluntary) Prayers for Shab-e-Bara’at
These special prayers can be performed after Isha or during the night.
🟢 8 Rakats of Nafl (in sets of 2 Rakats)
- After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlas 10 times in each Rakat.
🟢 2 Rakats of Nafl for seeking long life and protection from calamities
- In each Rakat, recite:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (once)
- Surah Yaseen (once)
🟢 2 Rakats of Nafl for seeking sustenance (Rizq)
- In each Rakat, recite:
- Surah Al-Fatiha (once)
- Surah Waqiah (once)
🟢 6 Rakats of Nafl for seeking forgiveness of past sins
- After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times in each Rakat.
3. Dua-e-Nisf-e-Shaban (Special Supplication for the Night of Bara’at)
Dua-e-Nisf-e-Shaban is a powerful dua for forgiveness and mercy. It should be recited after Isha prayer or during the night.
📖 Translation of the Dua:
"O Allah! If You have written me among the unfortunate ones in the Book of Decrees, then erase my name from it. And if I have been deprived of sustenance, bless me with Rizq. O Most Merciful of the Merciful!"
Recommended Practice:
- Recite this dua multiple times during the night.
- Make sincere repentance (Taubah) for past sins.
- Ask for protection from hardships and calamities.
What Else Can You Do on Shab-e-Bara’at?
🌙 1. Fast on the 15th of Shaban
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended fasting the next day (16th Shaban).
- This helps in gaining closeness to Allah and preparing for Ramadan.
🌙 2. Seek Forgiveness from Allah
- Sincerely repent for past sins and promise to improve.
- Recite Astaghfirullah 100 times.
🌙 3. Visit the Graves (Ziyarat-e-Quboor)
- The Prophet (PBUH) visited Jannat-ul-Baqi on this night and prayed for the deceased.
- If possible, visit the graveyard and make dua for your loved ones.
🌙 4. Read Surah Yaseen & Surah Mulk
- Reciting Surah Yaseen three times is believed to bring special blessings.
- Surah Mulk is recommended for protection from the punishment of the grave.
🌙 5. Give Charity (Sadaqah)
- Donate to the poor and needy.
- Sponsor iftar or meals for the less fortunate.
Common Misconceptions About Shab-e-Bara’at
🚫 Thinking that just staying awake brings blessings – Worship and sincere repentance are required.
🚫 Engaging in unnecessary celebrations – Fireworks, noise, and entertainment distract from the purpose of this night.
🚫 Socializing all night instead of praying – Shab-e-Bara’at is about connecting with Allah, not just people.
🚫 Forgetting to make Dua – This night is the best time to seek forgiveness and guidance.
🚫 Spending time on social media – Instead, focus on worship, dhikr, and introspection.
Make the Most of This Blessed Night
✨ Shab-e-Bara’at is a once-a-year opportunity to erase sins, seek Allah’s mercy, and prepare for Ramadan.
💡 Checklist for Shab-e-Bara’at:
✔️ Perform Nafl prayers & Dua-e-Nisf-e-Shaban.
✔️ Fast on 16th Shaban for extra rewards.
✔️ Seek forgiveness for past sins.
✔️ Visit the graveyard & pray for the deceased.
✔️ Give charity & help those in need.
✔️ Recite Quran & make sincere Duas.
📢 Your Turn!
How do you observe Shab-e-Bara’at? Share your thoughts in the comments below and inspire others! ✨
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