10 Things That You Need To Know About Shab-e-Barat

Every worship is only for Allah (S.W.T) and to seek His pleasure. Muslims believe that worship is a way to nurture spirituality. There are some special days and nights when the worshipping is more lovable to Allah. Shab e Barat is one of the night when Allah (S.W.T) comes to the first heaven to accept Muslim’s prayers and have mercy on them.

What is Shab e Barat?

Shab e Barat means the night of forgiveness or freedom from hellfire. It is observed on the night between 14 and 15 of Shaban (the eighth month of the Islamic calendar). This night is considered as the blissful night where Allah (S.W.T) forgive the sinners. Muslims also believed that on this night, Allah (S.W.T) write the destinies of all the people for the coming year.
Muslims spend the whole night doing ibadat and asking for forgiveness from Allah. Our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, “Shaban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of Allah (S.AW)”. The whole month of Shaban is full of blessings, but Shab e Barat is the special night when Allah’s mercy is on its peak. It is also believed that Shab e Barat is one of the special nights when all the supplications of Muslims are answered.

everything to know about shab e barat for muslims

↓ 10 – Who Will Not Be Forgiven On Shab-e-Barat

↓ 9 – When Is Shab-e-Barat 2020?

Shab-e-Barat 2020 is expected to begin on Wednesday 8th April 2020 and it will end on the evening of 9th April, 2020. You can watch this video of Maulana Tariq Jameel in which he explains the significance of Shab-e-barat (in Urdu language). You can also go through these

↓ 8 – Fasting On Shab-e-Barat

Our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) used to fast on 15th Shaban, although fasting is not obligatory for this month but still Muslims also fast in this month to follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). You can also go through our detailed post on Sunnah Fasting & Its Benefits.

↓ 7 – Shab e Barat in Quran:

There is no specific verse in the Quran that directly talks about Shab e Barat. But most of the 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)

↓ 6 – Ahadith on Shab e Barat:

Hadith narrated by Hazrat Aisha (R.A) states that the Holy Prophet asked her, “Do you know what happens this night?” (that is, Shab-e-Barat). She submitted: “O Messenger of Allah, what happens in it?”; He replied: “In it, the record is made of every human being who will be born, and who will pass away this year. In it, their deeds are taken up to heavens, and in it, their provisions are sent down.”

Hazrat Aisha (R.A) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, “On the middle night of the month of Shaban (that is Shab e Barat), Allah (S.W.T) approach to the first paradise and forgive the greater number of sins than the hair of the goats of Banu Kalb.”

Hazrat Ali reported that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, “When the middle night of Shaban comes up, spend it worshipping and fast the next day. On this night, Allah approaches to the first heaven and asks, Is there anyone asking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone asking provision that I may grant him provision? Is there anyone afflicted that I may relieve them? Is there any such and such? (He keeps asking) till the dawn comes.”

Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal states that Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) said: “Allah (S.W.T) forgives everyone on this night who ask for His mercy except the ones who associate partners with Him, or the ones who have bitterness in their hearts”

↓ 5 – Shab-e-Barat Dua

Pray to Allah as much as you can for forgiveness and also do “astaghfar”. Here is a dua recommended by scholars that can be recited. It is preferable to memorize the dua in Arabic but if that’s not possible, you can always pray in your own language.

shab e barat dua

↓ 4 – How Muslims Celebrate Shab e Barat:

Muslims celebrate Shab e Barat by seeking the closeness of Allah. They pay close attention to asking for forgiveness from Allah and make the most of this night. They recite the Holy Quran, pray special salah (nafil), distribute meals to the relatives, neighbors and the needy people, attend religious gatherings and try to please Allah. Muslims also visit the graves of their loved ones to pray for their eternal peace.

↓ 3 – Are Shab-e-Barat Fireworks Allowed?

Anything that brings harm to any human being or animal is prohibited in Islam. But there is an unfortunate trend going on in society. A large number of Muslims play with firework on this blessed night which is genuinely opposed to the teachings of Islam. Islam is the religion of peace. Shab e Barat is the night in which Allah (S.W.T) gives freedom from the hellfire, but unfortunately, some people waste their hard-earned money to buy fire in the form of various firecrackers and stuff. They are the ones who violate the holiness of this night.

It is believed that a king named Namrood invented fireworks. He wanted to put Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) in the fire. But that fire was extinguished and became a garden of flowers by the will of Allah (S.W.T). Doing firework on any occasion is prohibited in Islam. It is just like burning your wealth and in return, receiving the burden of Allah’s disobedience. This sinful activity is a serious risk to one’s own life, wealth and assets. Parents must teach children about the halal and the haram so that they have awareness about what to do and what not to do.

↓ 2 – Praying Nafal On Shab-e-Barat

Offering six specific nawafil after maghrib salah was the practice of religious people of Islam. It is believed that these nawafil are very necessary to perform for the prosperity of the coming year. These six nawafil are offered in sets of two.

Before starting the first set of rakaat, one must make the intention: “O Allah! by the goodness of these two rakaat, give me a prosperous life with health so that I can please YOU.”

In the second two rakaat, make the intention, " “O Allah! Please protect me from the troubles of this world and hereafter.”

In the third two rakaat, make the intention, “O Allah! I want to be dependent on You only.” In these six rakaat, one can recite any Surah after Surah Fatiha, but it is preferable to recite Surah Ikhlaas three times after Surah Fatiha in every rakaat.

After completing these six nawafil, one must recite the Dua of Mid-Shaban and pray for the happiness of this life and hereafter.

May Allah (S.W.T) accept all our prayers, give us hidayah and make us among those who please Allah Ameen.

shab e barat greetings for muslims

↓ 1 – Don’t Overburden Yourself

Remember that as with all other days, the Prophet has instructed us to not overburden ourselves or test our limits when it comes to ibadat. And don’t forget that Farz prayers are more important than nafal ones so don’t stay up so late praying nafals that you miss out the farz prayers of Fajar. Also note that it is not mandatory to stay up all night so do as much ibadat as you can conveniently manage.

↓ Shab-e-Barat Wishes For Friends & Family

Here are some images that you can share to wish shab-e-barat to your loved ones. They can also be shared as Facebook, Instagram or Whatsapp Status.