Shab-e-Barat 2024 – The Night of Forgiveness

Shab-e-Barat 2024 – The Night of Forgiveness

Shab-e-Barat is observed on the night between the 14 and 15 of Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a day of the night of forgiveness, or Day of Atonement when God forgives sinners. Sha’aban is thought to mean ‘to be between two things so it is probably named because it falls between the month of Rajab and Ramadan.

Shab-e-Barat is considered to be the holiest night of the Islamic calendar. According to the Quran, on this night Allah said, “Who wants forgiveness, I will forgive you.” It is believed that on this day the destinies of all people are written by Allah taking into account their past deeds and when he also forgives sinners.

Shab e-Barat takes place on the full moon night and is dependent on the location of the previous new moon that signifies the start of the Sha’aban month. Shab-e-Barat, which is also known as Layalat al-Baraat will be celebrated on Monday, February 26, 2024.

Significance of Shab-e-Barat

‘Shab’ is a Persian phrase for the night time whereas ‘Barat’ in Arabic stands for salvation and forgiveness and Muslims imagine that on this night time, Allah decides folks’ fortune for the year forward, their sustenance, and whether or not they are going to have the chance to carry out Hajj (pilgrimage).

This night marks the fifteenth day of Sha’ban and falls fifteen days before the commencing of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims all around the globe observe this night with utmost respect and importance. They pray for fortunes, repent for their sins and prepare themselves for Ramadan. A much known day of importance, Shab-e-Baraat holds great importance for Muslims all across the globe.

To error is human, to forgive is divine. As a human, We make thousands of mistakes; even some mistakes are made deliberately. But, our mighty God wants to forgive us. Shab-e-Barat is one of the opportunities that God almighty provides us. Individuals belonging to the Muslim community pray all evening and in addition recite the holy Quran. They begin their prayers after sundown with the Isha Ki Namaz.

Although, there’s no direct mention of this day in the Holy Quran; there are however few verses that talk about this night. Few Hadiths, which are sayings and teaching of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also talk about this pious night.

How Shab-e-Barat is celebrated

Shab-e-Barat is marked by Muslims congregating in mosques and visiting graves. The Muslim community brings out processions on those days. It is the night when Muslims believe the fortunes of men are decided for the year ahead and when Allah descends to earth and offers mercy and forgiveness to sinners. Prayers are held through the night so the worshippers can ask for forgiveness for their dead ancestors and for themselves.

Therefore, devoted Muslims of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan celebrate the Shab-e-Barat on the 15th day of Sha’aban. Although this night is not celebrated in the Arab countries, Shab-e-Barat is also known as Laylat ul Quadr or Laylat ul Nisf min Sha’aban is a traditional Islamic festival in South Asia.

Shab- e- Barat is the blessing night so pray to Allah, ask for forgiveness, and do Nafal Namaz.     Shab- e -Barat Mubarak

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Simmi Kamboj

Simmi Kamboj is the Founder and Administrator of Ritiriwaz, your one-stop guide to Indian Culture and Tradition. She had a passion for writing about India's lifestyle, culture, tradition, travel, and is trying to cover all Indian Cultural aspects of Daily Life.