Shab e Barat 2019

Shab e Barat is a night in the month of Shaban which many Muslims revere as the night of forgiveness, praying the whole night asking Allah (SWT) to bestow them with His blessings. Shab e Barat is celebrated in the mid of Shaban, on the night in between the 14th and 15th of Shaban.

People stay up all night and offer voluntary prayers (Nafl) and do constant dhikr; asking Allah (SWT) to forgive any sins they might have committed in the past.

Different countries have different ways of celebrating this day; each having a different name for it. For instance, In South Asia, it is known as Shab e Barat. In Iran, it is called Nim Sha’ban. It is referred to as Nisfy Sya’ban in Malay speaking countries where as in Turkey it is known as Berat Kandili.

People often tend to distribute sweets to each other on this night. Some people even celebrate the night with fireworks although this is a result of the influence of the local traditions and does not have any religious significance. In Iraq, people often distribute sweets to children. In South Asian countries, people usually distribute a local dessert known as a Halwa or other delicacies to neighbors, family, friends, and the poor and needy. Middle Eastern countries normally do not celebrate the night.

Sunni Muslims believe it to be the night when Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Nuh (AS) and his ark from the flood. On the other hand, Shia Muslims believe it to be the day when the 12th Shia Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, was born.

There are no Ahadith or verses in the Quran that clearly point out or talk about the significance of the night. However, especially in South Asia, many people celebrate the night, spending the time in worship of Allah (SWT).