15th Shaban: The raising of the deeds (Shab-E-Barat)

Shaban is a precious month for several reasons – specifically, it is an opportunity to prepare for Ramadan, and due to the fact that it has been narrated that on 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) in particular, Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants. Therefore, it is a revered day for many Muslims, who are encouraged to perform extra acts of sincere worship.

What is 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat)?

Shaban is a precious month for several reasons – specifically, it is an opportunity to prepare for Ramadan, and due to the fact that it has been narrated that on 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) in particular, Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants. Therefore, it is a revered day for many Muslims, who are encouraged to perform extra acts of sincere worship.

Many scholars consider the 15th Shaban, also referred to as mid-Shaban, to be a significant day of worship. However, other scholars do not believe that this particular month or day has any sort of significance from an Islamic perspective.

What is Shab-e-Barat?

Many south-Asian communities also refer to the night of 15th Shaban as Shab-e-Barat. In English, it translates to night of forgiveness or night of salvation. Likewise, other communities also refer to the night of the 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) as Laylat al-Bara’at or Laylat an-Nisf.

When is 15th Sha’ban 2024? 

15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) will occur on 25th February 2024. 

What is the significance of the night of the 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat)?

It is considered by many, that one of the greatest nights of the year for ibaadah (worship) is on the 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat).

Most importantly, the significance of 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) rests in the belief that Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants on this day.

The 15th Sha’ban is also an opportunity for seeking Allah’s mercy and being forgiven for past and future sins, as well as one’s need being fulfilled if we turn to Allah. 

The Prophet (PBUH) said, on the 15th of Shaban, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering? ′ [Ibn Majah]*.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancour for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]*

Many Muslims  also believe that on the night of 15th Sha’ban, Allah brings down people’s destiny from the heavens for the year ahead. 

We should aim to spend the night in the most virtuous way possible due to the 15th Sha’ban importance in Islam. 

*It is important to note that there is a difference in opinion on the authenticity of the above Hadiths, which is why a number of scholars mention that there is no confirmed benefit on this night. 

Celebrating the night of 15th Sha’ban

Many Muslims celebrate the night of 15th Sha’ban (Islamic Shab-e-baraat), regarding it as a night of great Divine blessings, mercy and hope. 

Many spend the night in worship, either individually in their homes or collectively in the mosques in night prayers- ‘Qiyam-ul-Layl’. 

As it is believed that all sins will be forgiven except those who have grudges or hatred in their hearts towards other Muslims. Therefore the night of 15th Sha’ban is a good opportunity for communities to come together, ask forgiveness from one another and strengthen the ties of kinship. 

Many Muslims give gifts and sweets to one another as a way of building bridges and strengthening relationships. 

As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:  “Give presents to one another for this would increase your mutual love.” (Muslim) 

*It is important to note that there is a difference of opinion on the authenticity of these Hadith, which is why a number of scholars mention that there is no confirmed benefit on this night.

Celebrate 15th Sha’ban by giving Sadaqah

One of the most virtuous acts of worship on the 15th Sha’ban is to help our Muslim brothers and sisters who are in need across the world. 

Ibn `Umar RA reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH)) said, “ If anyone fulfils his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection”.

(Bukhari and Muslim)

You can give your Sadaqah with Islamic Relief. 

*It is important to note that there is a difference of opinion on the authenticity of these Hadith, which is why a number of scholars mention that there is no confirmed benefit on this night.

Dua’s to be offered for forgiveness 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee

“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”

رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا

Rabbanā lā tuākhidh’nā in nasīnā aw akh ta’na

“Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error” [Qur’an 2:286]

15th Sha’ban fasting

The Prophet (PBUH) recommended to fast on the 15th Sha’ban, as narrated in the following hadith:

“When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban then spend the night in [Salah/’ibadah] and fast the [next] day.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Shab-e-baraat 2023 fasting is one of the most virtuous forms of worship, and is therefore recommended to gain Allah’s pleasure on this significant day. 

Furthermore, Shaban is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast his voluntary fasts the most and Sha’ban fasting is therefore very important to Muslims, and can help purify oneself and prepare for Ramadan. 

There’s no better way than following the example of our Prophet (SAW) and fasting in Sha’ban:

“And whoever loves my Sunnah has loved me; and whoever loves me will be with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]

*It is important to note that there is a difference of opinion on the authenticity of these Hadith, which is why a number of scholars mention that there is no confirmed benefit on this night.