Lailatul Barat

Lailatul Barat History

Lailatul Barat (Arabic: شب برات), also known as the Night of Forgiveness or Mid-Sha’ban, is an important observance in the Islamic tradition. It is marked as a time for prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness from God. The night highlights themes of mercy, compassion, and spiritual cleansing. Muslims often use this observance to pray for themselves and their loved ones, reflect on their actions, and make intentions for personal improvement.

The origins of Lailatul Barat are rooted in Islamic history and tradition. It is believed to commemorate the night when God writes the destinies of all individuals for the coming year and offers forgiveness to believers. For Muslims in America, Lailatul Barat provides an opportunity for spiritual connection and community engagement. In a diverse society, the observance helps strengthen cultural identity and offers a sense of belonging to families, congregations, and larger Islamic groups in the United States.

In America, the observance of Lailatul Barat often takes place in local mosques and homes. Activities typically include reciting special prayers, reading the Quran, and participating in communal suppers. Many also visit graves to pray for deceased loved ones. The date of Lailatul Barat follows the Islamic lunar calendar and thus varies each year. Date shown reflects the main observance day. This observance, like most Muslim observances, begins at sunset on the evening before.

Facts & quotes about Lailatul Barat

• In the Arab world, Lailatul Barat is called Laylatun Nisf min Sha'ban, which translates to the night in the middle of Sha'ban. In Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, however, Shab-e-Barat is used, which means 'Night of records'.
• A companion of Muhammad, Usama ibn Zaid, once asked him, Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha'ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month. Prophet Muhammad replied: That (Sha'ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.
• According to Islamic tradition, on this night, Muhammad had been prostrating in prayer for so long, that his wife Aisha feared that he was dead. She moved his thumb, and when she saw that he moved his thumb back to its original position, she lay in bed, reassured of his health. After he was done praying, Muhammad explained to his wife that Shab-e-Barat is a holy night during which God forgives the believers and releases countless people from hell.
• Muhammad discouraged his companions, Abu Huraira in particular, from fasting before the 15th of Sha'ban because he feared for their physical health. Therefore, this night marks the night when Muslims may begin fasting again after Ramadan.
• On this night, at sunset, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and announces: 'Is there no one asking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there no one asking provision that I may grant him provision? Is there no one afflicted that I may relieve them? Is there not such and such?' (He keeps announcing) till the dawn comes. (Hadith, narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib)

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• In most places in the world, this night involves festivities, cooking, and staying up all night in prayer. Schools are often off the next day, to give young children a chance to recuperate.
• In some regions of the world, people visit graves and commemorate their ancestors on this night.
• In addition to worshipping all night, Islamic traditions encourages Muslims to fast on the 15th of Sha'ban.