Shab-e-Bara'at: A Night of Religious Significance, Not Bida'at

The Religious Significance and Virtue of the Night of Bara'ah (Shab-e-Bara'at) By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 13 February 2025 Main Points · Night of Salvation: Shab-e-Bara'at is known as the "Night of Freedom from Hell" when Allah forgives countless people, offering mercy and protection from Hell. · Night of Decrees: On this night, Allah decides the decrees for the coming year, making it a significant time for prayers and supplications. · Night of Forgiveness: Allah grants forgiveness to Muslims, except those engaged in specific sinful behaviours like polytheism, arrogance, or severing family ties, unless they sincerely repent. · Night of Worship: Performing acts of worship such as offering voluntary prayers (100 rak'ahs) and reciting the Qur'an is highly recommended on this night. · Night of Intercession: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought intercession for his Ummah on this night, and it’s a time for Muslims to turn to Allah in repentance and supplication. ----- Allah has favoured some things over others: Madinah over all cities, Makkah’s valley over all valleys, Zamzam over all wells, Masjid al-Haram over all mosques, the journey of Miraj over all others, a believer over all humans, a Wali over believers, a Sahabi over saints, a prophet over companions, and a messenger over prophets. Among messengers, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is uniquely distinguished. Similarly, certain times hold more virtue: Friday is the best day, Ramadan the holiest month, the moment of prayer acceptance the most blessed, Laylat al-Qadr the greatest night, and the 15th night of Sha'ban the most virtuous. The 15th night of Sha'ban, known as the Night of Bara'ah, is significant for salvation from Hell. The term "Shab-e-Bara'at" means "freed from the Fire," reflecting Allah’s mercy in saving countless people from Hell on this night. The Night of Bara'ah is known by several names: 1. Laylat al-Mubarakah: The blessed night. 2. Laylat al-Bara'ah: The night of freedom from Hell. 3. Laylat al-Sak: The night of documentation (when people’s fates are written). 4. Laylat al-Rahmah: The night of Allah's special mercy. Five Characteristics of the Night of Bara'ah: 1. Night of Decrees: All decrees for the coming year are decided. 2. Night of Worship: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that praying 100 rak'ahs on this night brings the protection and good tidings of angels. 3. Night of Divine Mercy: Allah’s mercy on this night is countless, as described by the Prophet (peace be upon him). 4. Night of Forgiveness: Allah forgives all Muslims, except for those involved in certain sinful actions. 5. Night of Intercession: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was granted complete intercession for his Ummah on this night, except for those persistently disobedient. (Summarized from Zamakhshari, Al-Kashaf, 4/272, 273) The Actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the Night of Bara'ah: Imam al-Bayhaqi narrates a hadith from Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in Shu’ab al-Iman: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) woke up during part of the night and went to Jannat al-Baqi' (the cemetery). Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) followed him and found him there, seeking forgiveness for the Muslim men, women, and martyrs. Upon his return, Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) informed him of what she had seen. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied that Jibril (Gabriel) came to him and told him it was the 15th of Sha'ban, a night when Allah forgives more people than the number of hairs on the goats of the Banu Kalb tribe. However, Allah does not show mercy to polytheists, those who hold grudges, sever family ties, walk with arrogance, disobedient children, or habitual drinkers of alcohol unless they sincerely repent. Later, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stood for prayer and performed a long prostration (Sujood). Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) feared he had passed away during the prostration and touched his feet, feeling some movement, which brought her relief. During the prostration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited the following prayer: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Your pardon from Your punishment, and I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger, and I seek refuge in You from You. Blessed is Your face. I cannot praise You as You deserve. You are as You have praised Yourself." When Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) mentioned this supplication to the Prophet (peace be upon him) the next morning, he told her to memorise and teach it to others, as Jibril (Gabriel) had taught him these words and advised him to recite them often during prostration. (Narrated by al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman, 3/383-385) The Legal Status of the Night of Bara'ah: Scholars unanimously agree that actions supported by the Qur'an and Sunnah must be followed, either as obligatory (Wajib) or recommended (Sunnah or Mustahabb). Numerous hadiths on the virtues of the Night of Bara'ah (15th of Sha'ban) have been narrated by several of the Prophet's Companions, including Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq, Hazrat Ali al-Murtaza, Hazrat Aisha Siddiqah, and others. The Salaf and great scholars regularly observed worship on this night. However, some mistakenly label gatherings for worship, dhikr, and sermons as innovations (Bid'ah), despite the consistent practice of the Ummah. The legal status of this night is further confirmed by the fact that the Companions, Tabi'in, Attaabi'in, and scholars of Hadith, including the compilers of the Six Authentic Books, frequently mentioned it and dedicated chapters titled "Bāb Mā Jā'a fī Laylat al-Nisf min Sha'bān" (The Chapter on What Was Narrated About the 15th Night of Sha'ban). The Sunni-Sufi scholars note that when hadith scholars dedicate a separate chapter to a subject, it reflects their belief in its significance. Scholars such as Imam Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and others would engage in worship, fasting, visiting graves, and making supplications on this night. They also emphasise that the hadiths about the Night of Bara'ah have been narrated by over ten different Companions, each with a separate chain of narration. These chains are so numerous that any weakness in one is supported by another, making the authenticity of these hadiths undeniable and accepted as Sahih by all major scholars of hadith. The Status of the Night of Bara'ah: Scholars agree that weak hadiths are accepted for matters of virtues and acts of worship (Fada'il al-A'mal). Many Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) narrated hadiths regarding the Night of Bara'ah, so if one hadith is weak, it shouldn't be disregarded. A weak hadith differs from a fabricated (mawdhu) narration. Weakness arises in the chain of narration (isnad), not the text. If a stronger chain exists, it neutralises the weakness of the original. Misleading claims about weak hadiths arise from a lack of knowledge. The significance of the Night of Bara'ah is well-established by numerous authentic hadiths, and scholars have dedicated chapters in their books to it. Rejecting its importance reflects ignorance of hadith literature. The Night of Bara'ah and the Practices of the Companions: Many prominent companions narrated hadiths about the virtue of the Night of Bara'ah. These include Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Aisha, Hazrat Mu'adh ibn Jabal, Hazrat Abu Huraira, and others. 1. Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him): "I like that a person dedicates himself to worship on four nights: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the fifteenth of Sha'ban, and the first night of Rajab." (Ibn Jowzi, Al-Tabsirah) 2. Hazrat Imam Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him): When asked about the fifteenth of Sha'ban, he said: "I divide this night into three parts: one for sending blessings upon my grandfather (peace be upon him), one for seeking forgiveness from Allah, and one for performing prayers." (Al-Sakhawi, Al-Qawl al-Badi’) 3. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): "There are five nights in which supplications are not rejected: Friday night, the first of Rajab, the fifteenth of Sha'ban, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha." (Bayhaqi, Shuba al-Iman) 4. Hazrat Ibn Abbas ((may Allah be pleased with him)): "On this night, the affairs of the world for the coming year are distributed." (Tabari, Jami' al-Bayan) The Blessed Saying of Hazrat Ghaus al-Azam: The Night of Bara'ah (the 15th of Sha'ban) is a night of fate, with decisions made about destiny, acceptance, rejection, and mercy. On this night, some are blessed with good fortune while others face curses; some receive reward while others are humiliated. Some are honoured, and others are deprived. Many are unaware of their impending deaths, busy with worldly pleasures, while others, oblivious, are headed towards destruction. Despite hopes for mercy, some meet punishment; those expecting paradise may face hell. Many expect closeness to Allah, yet are separated from Him. This night marks the turning point of lives, where people's futures are sealed. (Ghunyat al-Talibin) The Night of Bara'ah and the Practices of Early Muslims The Practices of the Great Scholars The great scholars of the past also spent this night in devotion to Allah. Sayyiduna Khalid ibn Ma’dan, Sayyiduna Luqman ibn Aamir, and other great scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) used to wear fine clothes, apply perfume, use kohl, and engage in worship together in the mosque on the 15th night of Sha'ban. (Majaa’ Fi Sha'ban, p. 75). Amir al-Mu’minin Sayyiduna Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) also spent this night in worship. (Tafseer al-Ruh al-Bayan, p. 25, Surah Dukhan, under verse 3, Vol. 8, p. 402). The Practices of the People of Makkah The great scholar of the 3rd Hijri century, Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ishaq Faqihi (may Allah have mercy on him), says: "When Shab-e-Barat arrived, the people of Makkah had the tradition of going to the Masjid al-Haram, performing prayers, doing Tawaf, and spending the entire night in worship and recitation of the Qur'an. Some people used to offer 100 rak'ahs (voluntary prayers) in which, after reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, they would recite Surah Al-Ikhlas ten times in each rak'ah. They would drink Zamzam water, bathe with it, and save it for their sick, gathering blessings through these acts on this night." (Akhbar Makkah, Vol. 3, p. 84). Reciting Salat upon the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) Reciting Salat upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) is one of the most virtuous acts, and the month of Sha'ban is specifically considered the month of reciting Salat upon him. Imam Qastalani (may Allah sanctify his soul) mentions: "Indeed, the month of Sha'ban is the month for sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), as the verse: 'Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet' (33:56) was revealed in this month." (Mawahib al-Ladunniyah, Vol. 2, p. 506). The Significance of the Night of Bara'ah The numerous narrations and practices of the Sahabah, Tabi'een, and the righteous predecessors regarding the Night of Bara'ah are not just tales, but invitations to restore our broken relationship with Allah through worship. During these nights, Allah's mercy is at its peak, offering forgiveness to those who turn to Him in repentance. Therefore, worship, prayer, Qur'anic recitation, dhikr, and supplications are strongly encouraged. Anyone who dismisses worship on this night as an innovation (Bid'ah) is rejecting authentic Hadiths and the practices of the righteous predecessors. Any act established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and practised by the Companions and the Salaf cannot be considered a Bid'ah. Denying this would undermine what is considered Sunnah or Mustahabb. How to Worship on the Night of Bara'ah Both individual and collective worship are common practices on this night. Worship can be personal or done in congregation, depending on what brings peace and comfort to the worshiper. The goal is to purify the heart, and each person should choose the method that aligns with their spiritual needs. Some may prefer solitude for introspection and prayer, while others may find collective worship more uplifting. In today’s world, where distractions and laziness prevail, collective worship can inspire and motivate those who find it difficult to engage in personal worship. It also provides an opportunity to learn and practice religious duties. Collective worship should be conducted under the guidance of a knowledgeable and righteous scholar to ensure spiritual growth and understanding. Shab-e-Barat Worship and Prayers Among the acts of worship and supplications for Shab-e-Barat, it is important to engage in the glorification (Tasbih) of Allah, recite prayers, and make specific supplications. Those who have missed prayers (Qadha Namaz) should strive to perform their missed prayers because as long as the missed prayers remain, the voluntary prayers (Nawafil) are not accepted. Reciting the Qur'an is also a recommended act for this night. On this blessed night, one should engage in good deeds and encourage others in the community—whether they are the elderly, young, or children—to spend the night in the remembrance of Allah, particularly through Tasbih (glorification) and Tahleel (declaration of the oneness of Allah). It is especially important to remind one’s family members, loved ones, and children to stay awake and engage in worship. One should also perform the recitation of Fatiha (Surah Al-Fatiha) and dedicate the reward (Isāl Al-Thawāb) to others. Repentance and seeking forgiveness is also key. We should turn to Allah with sincere regret, crying and earnestly begging for forgiveness for our sins—both for ourselves and for others. If there are any rights owed to others (Ḥuqūq Al-‘Ibād), we should try our best to fulfil them. If we have hurt anyone or wronged anyone, we should seek their forgiveness. The renowned scholar and author of Bahar-e-Shari'at, Mufti Amjad Ali Azmi says: "Whenever there is worldly enmity between two individuals, it is advised that before the night of Shab-e-Barat arrives, they should meet each other and forgive one another. This is so that they may also receive the mercy of Allah’s forgiveness. Based on the teachings of Hadith, in Bareilly, Ashraf Raza Khan (may Allah's mercy be upon him) established this practice, wherein on the 14th of Sha'ban, before the night of Shab-e-Barat arrives, Muslims meet each other, forgive each other’s shortcomings, and ask for forgiveness. It is highly recommended that Muslims from all regions follow this practice." (Bahar-e-Shari'at, Volume 5, p. 138). References: 1. Zahid Ahmad al-Esnadi, Shab-e-Bara'at: The Legal Status and Virtue (derived from Monthly Minhaj-ul-Qur'an, May 2017). 2. Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, Shab e Baraa't: The Night of Salvation and Forgiveness, NewAgeIslam.com. 3. Shab-e-Baraat Or Allah Walo Kay Ma'molaat, available at Dawat-e-Islami. 4. The Monthly Ashrafia, February 2023 --- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/shab-e-baraat-religious-significance-bidaat/d/134605 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism