Assalamu alaikum

Friends, how are you all? I hope everyone is well. I am also well, Alhamdulillah. Today I appear before you with the virtues of Shab-e-Barat.

I'm @romzan15 from #bangladesh

Laylatul Barat

Lailatul Bara'at (Shab-e-Barat)

Lailatul Bara'at (Shab-e-Barat) is the 14th night of the Islamic Hijri month of Sha'ban. It is considered a blessed and significant night for Muslims. In Arabic, it is known as "Lailat al-Nisf min Sha'ban

Virtues and Recommended Acts on Lailatul Bara'at

Several Hadiths mention that on this night, Allah forgives sins, accepts prayers, and determines matters of sustenance and fate. Though there are differing opinions on its authenticity, many Muslims engage in special worship on this night.

This night I had the opportunity to pray, recite the Quran, and read a little.

This night too, Dhaka's Polapine is lighting many different types of fireworks, including fireworks.
Is it okay to do these things at night and what does Islam say about doing these things?

May Allah guide us all, Amen.

Recommended Acts on This Night:

Nafl (voluntary) prayers – Many people offer extra voluntary prayers.

Recitation of the Qur'an – It is encouraged to read and reflect on the Qur'an.
Dua and Istighfar – Seeking forgiveness and repenting sincerely to Allah.

Sending Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet (PBUH).
Fasting – Some scholars and early Muslims emphasized fasting during Sha'ban, especially on the 15th.

Hadiths About Shab-e-Barat

Some Hadiths highlight the significance of this night, such as:

Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Indeed, Allah descends to the lowest heaven on the night of the middle of Sha'ban and forgives more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of the tribe of Banu Kalb.

However, scholars differ on the authenticity of such narrations.

Shab-e-Barat and Innovations (Bid’ah)

In some cultures, various customs have been introduced, such as:

Preparing special sweets like halwa and bread

Fireworks and celebrations

Visiting graveyards with specific rituals

These practices are not part of the original Islamic teachings. Therefore, one should observe the night following authentic Sunnah practices.

Conclusion

Lailatul Bara'at is a significant night for Muslims, but it should be observed through sincere worship rather than cultural celebrations. The focus should be on seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness through prayers, recitation of the Qur'an, and repentance.

A pic on the way to the mosque

After eating and drinking, I went out to the mosque.

Acts of did ah on shab e barat

There are several practices on Shab-e-Barat that are not part of Islamic teachings and are considered Bid'ah (innovations). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against introducing new practices in Islam, saying:

The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whoever introduces something new in our religion that is not part of it, it will be rejected.

Common Bid'ah Practices on Shab-e-Barat

Preparing and Distributing Special Food
Many people prepare Halwa, Roti, or other special foods on this night, believing it to be a religious practice.

While charity and feeding the poor are encouraged in Islam, considering it obligatory or specific to Shab-e-Barat is an innovation.

Visiting Graveyards with Special Rituals
Some people believe visiting graveyards on Shab-e-Barat is a necessary act of worship.

Though visiting graves is a Sunnah practice, associating it specifically with this night is an innovation.

Offering Special Prayers (Salah) as a Compulsory Act
Some believe in praying 100 Rak'ats or 6 Rak'ats of special Salah on this night.

While voluntary prayers (Tahajjud) are always encouraged, assigning specific numbers of Rak'ats to this night has no basis in authentic Sunnah.

Fireworks and Light Decorations
In some cultures, fireworks and light decorations are part of Shab-e-Barat celebrations, which is completely un-Islamic.

Islam discourages wastefulness and unnecessary extravagance.

Believing It to Be the Night of Fate (Qadr)
Some believe that Shab-e-Barat is the night when one’s fate for the coming year is decided.

However, according to the Qur'an and Hadith, it is Lailatul Qadr in Ramadan, not Shab-e-Barat, that holds this significance (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5).

Holding Gatherings for Special Speeches and Milad
Organizing large gatherings, Milad, or collective Duas in mosques, believing it is required, is an innovation.

The Prophet (PBUH) and the Sahaba never conducted such gatherings for this night.

What Is the Correct Practice?

If one wants to worship on this night, it should be done privately withoout considering it obligatory.

Nafl prayers, Qur'an recitation, and making Du'a & Istighfar are recommended but should compulsory for this night.

The Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Sahaba should be followed, as they did not assign any special rituals to Shab-e-Barat.

Practices that are not proven in Islam should be avoided. Only worship based on the Qur'an and authentic Hadith is acceptable to Allah. Therefore, the best approach is to worship individually and sincerely without engaging in cultural innovations.

Friends, that's all for today. Let us know in the comments who is praying what tonight. Thank you, we will talk about it in the next post.

For work I use:

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mobile	radmi note_13
photographer	@romzan15
location	Dhaka Bangladesh
taking pictures	Outside the house, in the mosque