Laylat al Bara'at

Laylat al Baraat is the 14 th night of the month of Shabaan in the Islamic Hijra Calendar.

This night is known as 'Night of Emancipation'. This night is mentioned both in the Holy Quran and in the authentic a Hadith of the prophet Mohammad SAW (peace be upon him).

Also known as:

Lailat ul Bara'tLailat ul BaraatLailah el BarahShabe-e-BaraatShabe e Baraat

Shab-E-Barat means the night of forgiveness or Day of Atonement. People pray to god both in preparation for Ramadan and for the forgiveness of the sins committed by them

This night has a great significance as pointed by the Prophet himself. This is the night wherein God the almighty makes decisions of life, death, health, wealth (collectively referred to as 'Rizkh' in Arabic, knowledge, relationships, and other matters that drive the Universe. It is the time when Muslims can turn to their creator ask for forgiveness.

hab-e-Baraat Customs in Different Countries

This occasion is celebrated with great reverence, pomp and gaiety all over South Asia including India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Central Asia including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kirghistan.

In Iran and Azerbaijan the festival is celebrated differently. In Shiite Islam this is the birth date of Imam Al Mahdi, the twelfth Imam.

In Arab world the festival is celebrated with enthusiasm by Shias and Arabs with Sufi heritage. The Salafi and Wahabi Arans do not celebrate this holiday.

The Significance of Shabe Baraat

This night is called Shabe-Baraat (the night of freedom) because Allah frees all His sinful servants who were destined for Jahannam. This month begins Ramadhaan, as Shawwal ends it.

During this night, beginning at sunset, Allah Ta’ala ’s special attention descends upon the first sky. He proclaims:

Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may pardon him?Is there anyone requesting sustenance that I may provide for him?Is there anyone afflicted with difficulty (so that he may ask for assistance) that I may help him?Is there anyone with any other need?

All deeds done during the year shall be presented before Allah Ta’ala in this month.

Nabi stated that the month of Sha’baan which is between Rajab and Ramadhaan, is such a month that the people are negligent of its blessedness. It is during this month that the actions of the servants are presented before Allah Ta’ala .Therefore Nabi loved that his deeds be presented while he was fasting.

During the 15th of Sha’baan Allah Ta’ala shows special attention to all His servants, he pardons those who seek forgiveness and He showers mercy on those who show mercy to others.

It is mentioned by Nabi that a person’s life in the coming year and his sustenance and whoever shall be afforded the opportunity to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage) shall be written on this night.

During this night, the names of the souls of all those who are born and of all those who are to depart from this world and one’s actions are raised and sustenance sent down.

Nabi has prohibited one from fasting after the 15th of Sha’abaan. This prohibition does not cause the fast to become Haraam. Fasting is prohibited after the 15th of Sha’baan so that followers of Islam may gain strength for Ramadhaan.

It has been proven, from authentic sources, that the noble Sahaba and the Taabi’een used to remain awake during the entire night and practice upon the Sunnat Aamals. Our noble predecessors also used to honor this night and prepare for well in advance.

Committing sins during this night deprives a person of its blessings.

As the reward of a virtue increases respective to the time and place, so does the degree of sin. When during a significant time any amal is more virtuous so does the the evil and sin committed in that time be more abhorred. The law of place and time falls under the same category, e.g.. one may commit the same wrong in the Musjid and the degree of that sin shall increase. In the same manner this night is so blessed that committing a sin during this night shall be more severe.

Sunnat and Mustahab actions during the 15th of Sha’baan.

One should stay awake and perform Salaah, keep oneself busy with Zikr, recitation of the Holy Quraan and other worship. Do also recite the Masnoon Du’a of this night excessively. ( Dua on item no. 7 ).

To ask Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness, health, happiness and all our needs for this world and the Hereafter.

To busy onself with Ibaadat (worship) during the entire night of Shabe Baraat.

It is Mustahab (preferable) to fast on the 15th of Sha’baan. Our predecessors did so too.

one should visit the Qabarastaan (graveyard), make Du’a and seek forgiveness on behalf of the deceased.

It is stated in a Hadeeth that Nabi said “One who performs Esha salaat with Jamaat and Fajr Salaah with Jamaat, Allah Ta’ala will grant him the reward of staying the night.” There are glad tidings for the weak and those engaged in business, that if they are not able to stay awake the entire night, they should try to remain awake as much as possible and to perform Fajr and Esha Salaat with Jamaat, so that they may not be completely deprived of the blessings of this night.

Hazrat Ayesh Sidiqah Radiallhu Anha say, ” I heard Nabi reciting the following Du’a whilst prostating in Nafl Salaah:”

Translation: I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your Wrath, and seek shelter in Your pleasure from Your displeasure, and I seek safety with You from You, I cannot praise You as You are deserving and You are worthy of praise as You have praised Yourself.

This Du’a was taught to the Ummat by our beloved Nabi .

The following sins are so severe that they deprive worshipers of the blessings of this great night:

1. To associate any partners to Allah Ta’ala , regarding His Being and Qualities.2. To have enmity for one’s fellow brothers.3. Not fulfilling the rights of our close relatives and treating them unkindly.4. To allow the trousers and pants to hang below the ankles.5. To be disobedient to the parents.6. To drink wine.7. To oppress and take bribes8. To be involved in witchcraft.9. To inform people of the unseen or to cast spells and be involved in fortune telling.10. To read the palms in order to tell the future.11. To play the guitar, drum or any other musical instrument.12. To play any game that requires the use of dice.

After writing the virtues and blessings of this month we will have to include that due to the evil nature of our actions, we have converted all our actions to punishment and our blessings into worldly and hereafter losses. The Muslims were once those who used to draw some good from bad, some virtues from staying away from evil and benefit from troubles we encounter today. As a consequence of the evil nature of our actions, the tables have turned and we have lost out in all places of good and achieve loss in all places of benefit. May Allah Ta’ala grant all the Muslims the ability to practice good deeds and follow the Sunnah of our beloved Nabi .