Table of contents
- What Is Shab-e-Barat?
- Allah’s Special Mercy on the 15th of Sha‘ban
- Who Is Deprived of Forgiveness?
- Visiting the Graveyard on Shab-e-Barat
- General Forgiveness on This Blessed Night
- Fasting on the 15th of Sha‘ban
- Five Nights in Which Du‘a Is Not Rejected
- Staying Awake in Worship on Shab-e-Barat
- Shab-e-Barat and Fireworks: A Serious Warning
- Statements of Classical Scholars
- What Should We Do on Shab-e-Barat?
- Conclusion
Among the sacred nights blessed by Allah, the 15th night of Sha‘ban, widely known as Shab-e-Barat (the Night of Deliverance), holds a deeply spiritual place in the hearts of Muslims. It is a night of forgiveness, mercy, and divine attention—when Allah opens the doors of repentance and showers His servants with compassion.
This blessed night invites believers to cleanse their hearts, renew their faith, and reconnect with their Creator through worship, du‘a, and sincere repentance.
Let us explore the virtues, authentic narrations, recommended acts, and important rulings of Shab-e-Barat, so we may benefit from this sacred opportunity in the best possible way.
What Is Shab-e-Barat?
Shab-e-Barat refers to the 15th night of Sha‘ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. The term “Barat” means freedom or salvation—symbolizing liberation from sins and punishment.
On this night, Allah looks upon His creation with special mercy and grants forgiveness to countless servants.
Allah’s Special Mercy on the 15th of Sha‘ban
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Allah looks at His servants on the middle night of Sha‘ban and forgives all of them—except the polytheist and the one who harbors hatred.”
(Ibn Mājah)
In another narration:
“Indeed Allah manifests Himself on the 15th night of Sha‘ban, forgiving the believers, granting respite to the disbelievers, and leaving the people of hatred as they are until they abandon their malice.”
These narrations clearly show that:
- Forgiveness is widespread
- Inner grudges block mercy
- Reconciliation is essential
Who Is Deprived of Forgiveness?
Several authentic narrations mention specific people who are deprived of Allah’s mercy on this night:
- Polytheists
- Those who harbor hatred or malice
- Those who sever family ties (silat ar-rahim)
- Disobedient children to parents (‘uqooq al-walidayn)
- Habitual drinkers
- Murderers
- Those who drag garments in arrogance
This reminds us that spiritual purification is just as important as outward worship.
Visiting the Graveyard on Shab-e-Barat
Sayyidah ‘Aishah رضي الله عنها reported that she once found the Prophet ﷺ in Jannat al-Baqi‘ making du‘a. He said:
“Allah descends on the middle night of Sha‘ban to the lowest heaven and forgives more people than the hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb.”
Visiting the graveyard on this night is considered recommended (mustahabb)—a reminder of the Hereafter and an encouragement toward repentance.
General Forgiveness on This Blessed Night
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah looks at His creation on the 15th night of Sha‘ban and forgives everyone except two: the one who harbors hatred and the one who kills unjustly.”
This is why scholars stress clearing the heart, forgiving others, and restoring relationships before this night arrives.
Fasting on the 15th of Sha‘ban
Hazrat ‘Ali رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the middle night of Sha‘ban comes, stand in prayer during the night and fast during the day.”
While scholars differ on the strength of this narration, many consider fasting on the 15th of Sha‘ban commendable, especially when combined with voluntary worship.
Five Nights in Which Du‘a Is Not Rejected
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Supplications are not rejected on five nights:
- The first night of Rajab
- The 15th night of Sha‘ban
- Friday night
- Eid al-Fitr night
- Eid al-Adha night”
This makes Shab-e-Barat a powerful opportunity for heartfelt prayers.
Staying Awake in Worship on Shab-e-Barat
Early scholars such as Khalid ibn Ma‘dan and Luqman ibn ‘Amir encouraged spending this night in worship. Imam Ishaq ibn Rahwayh also supported this practice.
Forms of worship may include:
- Voluntary prayers
- Qur’an recitation
- Dhikr
- Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Du‘a and repentance
Shab-e-Barat and Fireworks: A Serious Warning
Sadly, many people waste this sacred night on fireworks and festivities.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Do not waste extravagantly. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of Satan.”
(Surah al-Isra)
Scholars such as Shaykh ‘Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehlawi declared fireworks on this night a blameworthy innovation and a sinful misuse of wealth.
Shab-e-Barat is about salvation—not celebration.
Statements of Classical Scholars
- Ibn al-Hajj رحمه الله said this night possesses immense blessings and the righteous predecessors prepared for it in advance.
- Ibn Nujaym al-Misri رحمه الله stated that worship on the 15th of Sha‘ban is recommended.
What Should We Do on Shab-e-Barat?
Here is a balanced approach:
- Perform ‘Isha and Fajr in congregation
- Avoid sins—especially hatred and grudges
- Engage in repentance (tawbah) and seeking forgiveness
- Send abundant blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ
- Make du‘a for yourself and the Ummah
- Recite Qur’an and perform voluntary prayers
- If possible, fast the following day
These acts are not obligatory—but highly beneficial.
Conclusion
Shab-e-Barat is a divine invitation.
It is a night to forgive, to be forgiven, to mend hearts, and to return to Allah with sincerity. Rather than wasting it on customs or distractions, let us embrace its spiritual essence.
May Allah grant us sincere repentance, purified hearts, and acceptance of our deeds.
Ameen.