Shab-e-Barat 2020 will be observed in India on April 9. Shab-e-Barat is also known as mid-Shaaban (an 8th Arabic month which comes before Ramadan) and Laylat-ul-Baraa or in the middle east country, it is known Nisf (u) Sha’ban or Laylat al-Bara’at. This is celebrated almost 15 days before the auspicious month Ramzan starts. This year, Ramadan will begin from 24 April. In this article, we will be giving answers to several questions such as what Shab-e-Barat is? What does it mean in English? What significance and key facts related to it and why it is celebrated by Muslims all around the world?
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Shah-e-Brat is widely celebrated in Islamic countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Iran. These Islamic countries also declared this day as a holiday. According to Muslims, on this auspicious night, fortunes of all humans for the next year are decided or God (Allah) forgives sinners. It is to be noted that not all Muslims observe this mid-Shaban night as holy, Salafis do oppose the recognition of this night.
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When Shab-e-Barat 2020 will be celebrated in India?
The night os salvation in India will be observed on 9 April or the 15th days of Shaban which falls on this Saturday. According to the Islamic Lunar Calendar, the date changes post the sunsets. Hence, the 15th Shaban will be commenced after sunsets on this Thursday (9 April 2020) and the festival will last till the next sunset, i.e the evening of Friday 10 April 2020.
What is the meaning of Shab-e-Barat?
The word Shab in Urdu is night and Barat, which is an Arabic word whose meaning in English is innocence or Salvation. The exact meaning of Shab-e-Barat is the night in which God forgives his worshippers on this night or night of absolution, the night of assignment or we can say that the night of salvation.
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Shab-e-Barat Nafal Namaz and Duas
On this auspicious night, Muslim people offer prayers and fats on the same and next day. There are several Nafal Nazam to be offered on Shab-e-Barat. People tend to recite the Holy Quran and do Zikar (reminds Allah) during this night. Hazrat Muaaz bin Jabal (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah Almighty forgives all the people in this blessed night except the Mushrik and the person who has a prejudice against others in his heart.”
Here are some special Nafal Namaz and Duas you can offer to seek blessings and forgiveness from Allah Almighty.
- Recite 5th Kalima Astaghfar as much as possible. It is the night of forgiveness. So, you can seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty by reciting Astaghfar many times and make dua for your family, friends, and relatives and for yourself.
- Recite Holy Quran and make Dua. Remember, Dua is the true essence of this blessed night. So, do dua as much as you can. Make Dua for the people who have gone to the quiet world i.e. graveyards.
- 2 Nafal: After the Maghrib prayer, 2 Nafal. In the first rakat, recite 1 time Surah Fatiha, 3 times Surah Ikhlas, 1 time Surah Falaq. In the second Rakat, recite Surah Fatih 1 time, Surah Ikhlas 3 times and Surah Naas 1 time. Make dua from Allah Almighty.
2 Nafal: After Maghrib or Isha Prayer, offers two 2 nafal and recite Surah Yasin 1 time, Surah Ikhlas 21 times and make Dua before Allah Almighty.
Salaat-ul-Tasbeeh
- Offer Salaat-ul-Tasbeeh in this night and recite Surah Ikhlaas and 5th Kalima Astaghfaar 100 times each.
- Surah Fatiha: Recite Surah Fatiha as many times as you can. It is the most influential Dua for the Muslims to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. Recite it and make Dua for Ummah and for you.
Shab-e-Barat Forgiveness Quotes:
- There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love — Bryant H. McGill
- Acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness, those are life-altering lessons — Jessica Lange
- Mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them — Bruce Lee
- It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody— Maya Angelou
- Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on — Les Brow
Shab-e-Barat Forgiveness Prayers & Greetings
- I wish you a special night, please remember me in your prayers.
- Allah I make a special prayer to you, please forgive me.
- My dear friends and family, please forgive me if I hurt you in my life, either directly or indirectly.
- Please, Allah, forgive our sins May all of my family members have a blessed Shab e Barat.
- Allah, you have given me a beautiful life and a blessed night, please make my future bright.
- Rehmaton Ki Aayi Hai Raat, Dua Hai Aap Sada Rahen Aabad, Mubarak Ho Aapko Shab-e-Barat.
- Ya Allah, Main Tujhse Mangta Hun, Aisi Maafi Jiske Baad Gunah Na Ho, Aisi Sehat Jiske Baad Bimari Na Ho, Aisi Raza Jiske Baad Koi Narazgi Na Ho – Aameen. Shab-e-Barat Mubarak.
Shab-e-Barat Quotes in Images
Shabe-e-Barat 2020 – History
The Messanger of God, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was born and brought up in Meccan. Later, he was compelled to leave the holy city by the polytheistic regime as he was an Islamic Preacher. He would never force people to embrace Islam but his deeds made people think about the religion of peace. As the day passes, his became quite famous and his teachings inspired the unification of the whole of Arabian Penisula under one religion —Islam; which was obviously considered as a threat by then present polytheistic rulers of Mecca.
Despite every day’s threat from the merchant of Mecca, Prophet Mohammed was gained phenomenal followers from a neighbouring city — Medina, which later became Mohammed’s (SAW) home. When the authority of Mecca learnt about Mohammed’s rising popularity they had planned to execute him, which forced the Messenger of Islam to leave the holy city — Mecca in 622 century and went to Medina.
However, Mohammed (SAW) returned to Mecca in 630 century with his allies and conquered it with far less resilience. Muslims living all over the world believe that during Mohammed’s expedition, he avoided bloodshed and spare several giving them forgiveness. This particular night of Muhammad’s return to Mecca is celebrated by the Muslims as Shab E Barat, the night of Salvation.
Shab-e-Barat 2020: Custom & Tradition
On the occasion of this auspicious day, Muslim across the world often distribute sweets to each other. Even in some countries, they celebrate it by lighting firecrackers although this is a result of the influence of the local traditions and does not have any religious significance.
On the day of Shah-e-Barat, people often distribute sweets to children in Iran while South Asian countries, people usually distribute a local dessert known as a Halwa or other delicacies to neighbours, family, friends, and the poor and needy. Notably, Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia normally do not celebrate the night.
The distribution of sweets on Shab-e-Barat is followed in the Bosnia at 15th night of Sha’ban as well as on the festivals of Laylatul Mi’raj, Laylatul Qadr and Laylatul Raghaib.
- Muslim people observe special prayers and worship their almighty to seek forgiveness.
- Mulsim becomes more softened and inclined to their Almighty. Even people enjoy very much spiritually and spend the entire night in praying.
- Some of Muslim recite this verse, “Surely, We have sent it down on a blessed night. Surely, we are the Warner. In this (night) judgment is given on all matters of wisdom (separately) by Our Command.”
- Though, the verses are not as exactly mentioned in the holy Quran; nevertheless, they are attributed to Shab E Barat.
- Some people keep fast for the whole day and worship for the whole night. According to Hazrat Ali, the Holy Prophet said “When the middle night of Shaban arrives, spend it in worship and fast during the day.
- Talking about Shab-e-Barat, Messenger once told his followers, Allah determines the destiny of all people, including whether a person is to live or die in the coming year.
Quranic Verses About Shab-e-Barat
Related this auspicious night, there are several Quranic verses, which are given below”
- During Shab-e-Barat, at sunset, Allah comes to earth to the nearest heaven and asks: ‘Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there no one asking provision that I may grant him provision? Is there no one afflicted that I may relieve them? Is there no such and such?’ (He keeps announcing) till the dawn arrived.”
- “Surely, We have sent it (the Holy Qur’an) down in a blessed night. Surely, We are the Warner. In this (night) judgment is given on all matters of wisdom (separately) by Our Command.” (Sura ad-Dukhan, 44:3-5)
References About Shab-e-Barat
Imam Qurtubi and Imam Jalal-ud-Din Suyuti hold that the Quranic verses referring to mid-Shaban or Shab-e-Barat.
- The entire month of Shaban is meritorious. Its excellent merit is evident from a tradition narrated by Aisha, the mother of the faithful: “The Prophet did not fast in any month more than Shaban.” (Sahih Bukhari)
According to Hadith (Hadees), Prophet Mohammed mostly used to observe fast during the month of Shaaban. The special merit is attached to Shab-e-Barat. Aisha had once said,
- “The Prophet said: ‘On the middle night of Shaban (that is, Shab-e-Barat), Allah most high descends to the lowest heaven and remits more sins than the hair of the goats of Banu Kalb.’” (Jami Tirmidhi)
The third tradition of the wife of Prophet Mohammed, Hazrat Aisha, the truthful, states that the Holy Prophet asked:
- “Do you know what happens this night?” meaning the middle night of Shaban (that is, Shab-e-Barat). She submitted: “O Allah’s Messenger, what happens in it?” He replied: “In it record is made of every human being who will be born, and of every human being who will pass away this year. In it their deeds are taken up to heaven and in it their provisions are sent down.” (Baihaqi)
Significance of Shab-e-Barat
According to Prophet Mohammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the meritorious fasting is “Fasting in Shabaan in honour of Ramadan”.
Apart from worshipping the whole night, fasting the following day is also recommended. It is reported from Hazrat Ali that the Holy Prophet said: “When the middle night of Shaban arrives, spend it in worship and fast during the day. On this night, at sunset, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and announces: ‘Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there no one asking provision that I may grant him provision? Is there no one afflicted that I may relieve them? Is there not such and such?’ (He keeps announcing) till the dawn comes.”
Shab-e-Barat is a day-long festival which is regarded as the “Vessel for Mercy” when Muslim people are blessed, benefited, pardoned and forgiven from their beloved Almighty Allah. Since the festival is considered to be the ‘Eid of those who has already died’, a certain section of Muslims visit their nearest graveyards to seek forgiveness for their deceased relatives.