SHAB-E-BARAT THE NIGHT OF BLESSING

[muhammadmohsinali]

Mid-Sha'ban is the 14th day of the eighth month (Sha'ban) of the Islamic lunar calendar. The preceding night is known as Laylatul Bara’ah or Laylatun Nisfe min Sha’ban in the Arab world, and as Shab-e-barat (شب برات) in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, India and Afghanistan. These names are translated to the night of records, the night of assignment and the night of deliverance, and the observance involves a festive nightlong vigil with prayers. In some regions, this is also a night when one's deceased ancestors are commemorated.Muslims observe Mid-Sha'ban as a night of worship and salvation. Various hadiths have been transmitted in this regard; some weak and others graded hassan or sahih. Scholars including Imam Shafii, Imam Nawawi, Imam Ghazzali and Imam Suyuti have declared praying on the night of mid shaban as acceptable.In his Majmu`, Imam Nawawi quoted Imam al-Shafi`i's Kitab al-Umm that there are 5 nights when dua (prayer) is answered, one of them being the night of the 15th of Sha`ban.The hadith by Imam Ibn Hajr Haythmi, states: Narrated by Muadh bin Jabal (RA) from Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) who said: Allah turns towards his creation in the Night of "MID-SHABAN" and He forgives all of them except for a Mushrik and one who hates other people.In the Islamic culture, Shab-e-Barat has great importance and is celebrated with enthusiasm by Muslims all around the globe. For Muslims, this night has great importance regarding worship as well. Muslims would spend the entire night praying and worshipping, asking and requesting Allah for things that they desire. However, before delving into the customs followed during Shab-e-Barat, it is best to first understand the concept of this day.The Concept of Shab-e-Barat in IslamAccording to Islamic beliefs, on the night of Shab-e-Barat, Allah decides and determines the affairs of the coming year. During the night, Allah determines the destinies of all humans by taking into consideration the deeds of the previous year.Muslims typically celebrate Shab-e-Barat on the 15th of Shaban, usually around fifteen days before the month of Ramadan begins. This year, Shab-e-Barat will be celebrated on the 17th of July, 2011. The celebration generally includes worshipping Allah all night, asking for His forgiveness and requesting for things that you desire.According to a Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that any individual who fasts for three days during the month of Shabaan and recites durood three times at Iftar, Allah will forgive his sins and will increase his provisions. Additionally, the person will enter Paradise on a female camel on the Day of Judgment.NawafilAs mentioned earlier, on the day of Shab-e-Barat, Muslims perform Nawafil and worship Allah to gain as much rewards as possible. Some nawafil are listed below.1. Offer 6 rakaat Nafl after the Maghrib prayers and after every two rakaats, recite Surah Yasin one time. This will help you get a healthy and prosperous life for the following year by the blessing of Allah.2. Offer 12 rakaat nafl namaaz and in each rakaat recite, Surah Fatiha one time and Surah Ikhlas ten times. After the prayer, recite 3rd Kalma ten times, 4th Kalma ten times, and Durood Sharif 100 times.“Whoever of the nation [ummah] of My Beloved Prophet (Swall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) performs 2 cycles [raka’] of prayer on the 15th night of Shabaan is better than this 400 years of worship.” {Nuzhatul Majalis}.Forgiveness on Shab-e-BaratThe Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says, “Allah Glorious and Exalted descends to the nearest heaven on the night of mid-Shabaan (15th night) and He forgives more people than the number of hair on the hides of the flocks and herds of sheep of the tribe of Kalb”. {Tirmidhi}.However, there are some people who are not forgiven on the night of Shab-e-Barat because of their previous deeds. Those who are not forgiven on the night of Shab-e-Barat are mentioned below.1. Alcoholics and habitual drinkers2. Those who perform adultery on a regular basis.3. Individuals who disobey their parents4. Individuals who have severed family ties.5. Those who like to spread mischief.6. Those who back bite often.However, some narrations vary in this regard. Other narrations also include individuals practicing magic, gaining interest, lowering pants below their ankles with pride, beginning a dispute between two Muslims and those who have hatred for a Muslim in their heart. All these individuals are among those who are not forgiven on Shab-e-Barat.Other namesLailatul BiraatLailatul DuaNim Sha'ban in Afghanistan and Iran.Nisf Sha'ban in Arabic speaking countries.Nisfu Sya'ban in Malay speaking countries.Shab e Bira'at in South Asia meaning the 'Night of Emancipation'.Berat Kandili in TurkishConclusionTherefore, Shab-e-Barat has tremendous benefits for Muslims. It is best to pray and worship Allah on that night and seek his forgiveness. Quran teaching to children will allow them to learn about the benefits of such nights in Islam.