When is Shab-e-Barat 2023
This year, Shab-e-Barat is expected on Monday, March 6, 2023. However, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon in Sha’ban in 1444.
What is Shab-e-Barat:
In the Islamic calendar, Shab e Barat is an important night in the middle of Shaban (on the night between the 14th and 15th of Shaban). This is why it is named Nisf Shab. This auspicious night begins at sunset on the 14th of Shaban and finishes at daybreak on the 15th of Shaban.
This day is celebrated differently in many nations, each with its name. Shab-e-Barat is known as different names. These include:
- Shab-e-Raat
- Bara’a Night
- Mid-Sha’ban
- Barat Night
- Cheragh e Brat (light)
- Laylat al-Baraat (Arabic)
- Nisfu Syaaban (Indonesia and Malaysia)
- Berat Kandili (Turkiye)
Shab e Barat is a night that many Muslims see as the night of forgiveness, praying the entire night for Allah to bless them.
The Month of Shaban:
The Islamic Calendar’s eighth month is Shaban. It is a month of blessings and seeking Allah for forgiveness. The following Hadiths concerning this auspicious month demonstrate this as well:
حضرت عائشہ رضی اللہ عنہا سے مروی ہے کہ:
“رسول اللہ ﷺ سال کے کسی مہینے میں شعبان سے زیادہ روزے نہیں رکھتے تھے، آپ ﷺ تمام شعبان کے روزے رکھتے تھے۔” (نسائی: 2180)
Throughout this month, our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) used to fast every day. The benefits and significance of the month of Shaban are evident.
Shab-e-Barat, According to Hadith
The importance of the night is not explicitly mentioned or discussed in any Sahih Hadiths or passages in the Quran. Yet, many people, particularly in South Asia, celebrate the night by worshipping Allah. Nevertheless, the importance and benefits of this night have been described in various weak hadiths۔
حضرت عائشہ رضی اللہ عنہا نے بیان کیا کہ:
آپ (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: بے شک اللہ تعالیٰ غالب و بزرگ ہے، نصف شعبان کی رات آسمان دنیا پر نزول فرماتا ہے تاکہ (بنو) کلب کی بکریوں کے بالوں کی تعداد سے زیادہ کی مغفرت فرمائے۔ (ترمذی: 739)
Shab-e-Barat according to Prominent Scholars:
امام شافعی کے نزدیک:
’’پانچ راتیں ایسی ہیں جن میں اللہ تعالیٰ کی طرف سے دعائیں قبول ہوتی ہیں، یہ ہیں (1) جمعہ کی رات، (2) عید الفطر سے پہلے کی رات، (3) عید الاضحیٰ سے پہلے کی رات، (4)رجب کی پہلی رات (5) نصف شعبان کی رات۔
امام مالک کے نزدیک:
“چار راتیں ہیں جن میں نیکی کے دروازے کھول دیے جاتے ہیں، (1) عید الفطر کی رات، (2) عید الاضحی سے پہلے کی رات، (3) عرفات کی رات (9 ذی الحجہ کو حج کے دوران) 5) نصف شعبان کی رات۔
Fasting on 15th Shaban
The importance of fasting, particularly on the 15th day of Shaban, is not explicitly mentioned in any authentic Hadith. As previously stated, the Prophet (S.A.W.) used to fast regularly during this month. Thus, it is not possible to specifically fast on the 15th Shaban.
Celebration of Shab-e-Barat
Various countries celebrate this night in different ways. On this night, people frequently give each other sweets. Some individuals even celebrate the night with fireworks, even though this is a consequence of local traditions and has no religious importance. Some academics even label this Bidah (Innovation in religion). In Iraq, individuals regularly distribute sweets to youngsters. In South Asian nations, neighbors, relatives, friends, the destitute, and the needy are generally given a native dessert known as “Halwa” or other delights. Typically, Middle Eastern nations do not celebrate the night.
Conclusion:
Hence, you can spend this night performing good works like making Duas for yourself and other Muslims across the globe and reciting Al-Quran. Any other activities to attract Allah’s attention and blessings since they are Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) according to the Hadiths mentioned above. But keep in mind that no act of worship is required throughout this night.
