Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat is the night on which Allah (SWT) grants repenting Muslims forgiveness for their sins and answers their duas. Muslims believe that on this night, Allah (SWT) decides the fate of every creature on earth for the next year. This encourages Muslims to pray and ask for forgiveness on this night.

Some Muslims also choose to fast and increase prayers on this day and during the night to reap the rewards.

When is Shab-e-Barat?

Shab-e-Barat falls on the 14^th or 15^th night of Sha’ban based on moon sightings. In 2023, Shab-e-Barat will fall on 18 March, depending on moon sightings.

Sha’ban - The Eighth Month in the Islamic Calendar

In Sha’ban, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven for one night (Shab-e-Barat), answers duas, and grants forgiveness to those repenting. Sha’ban falls in between Rajab and Ramadan, two important months, and it is good to continue good deeds during this month as well. Sha’ban translates to ‘scattered’ or ‘dispersed’.

Our deeds, which are written by angels on our shoulders, are presented to Allah (SWT) daily after Fajr and Asr Salah, weekly on Mondays and Thursdays, but also annually in Sha’ban. This should be an incentive to do all we can to worship Allah (SWT) to please Him when our deeds are presented to Him.

One way of worshipping Allah (SWT) in this month is by fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast during this month: "I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha’ban.” (Al-Bukhari)

Donate to Muslim Aid

Giving charity on Shab-e-Barat is very virtuous as it is a special night in a special month.

Donate to Muslim Aid today to help the impoverished and needy around the world, whether they be widows, orphans, or homeless people. The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)