Lailatul Barat Begins

Lailatul Barat History

Lailatul Barat, also known as Shab-e-Baraat in Persian and Night of Innocence in English, marks a night when Muslims believe the fortunes of individuals for the coming year are decided and all sins are forgiven by Allah, if the faithful pray, repent, and fast. Muslims also take this time to remember deceased relatives and friends, often visiting the gravesites to pray for the departed souls.

The tradition of Lailatul Barat can be traced back to early Islam, although its precise origin is unclear. However, it is widely accepted that the word "Barat" means “innocence” in Arabic. For the Muslim community in Canada, this observance has deeper meaning as it promotes values of forgiveness, introspection, and reformation. This observance is seen as an opportunity for individuals to reaffirm their commitment to their faith and its tenets of peace, love, and charity, which aligns well with Canada's multicultural fabric and value for diversity.

Most Canadian Muslims spend this auspicious night in prayer and contemplation, reading the Quran and asking for Allah's mercy through repentance. Mosques across the country host night-long prayer meetings and religious discourses. Families often exchange homemade sweets, a gesture that symbolizes the sweetening of life and relationships. Specific to Canada, this observance typically occurs in the month of Sha'aban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, whose date varies each year due to the lunar calendar. This observance of the night, which signifies both remembrance and forgiveness, is significant for Canadian Muslims as they join their global counterparts in seeking divine blessings.

Facts 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.
• The celebration of Lailatul Barat in Canada is discreet and largely focused on individual or community worship. This usually includes additional prayers, fasting, and reading of the Quran.
• Some Canadian Muslims take Lailatul Barat as an opportunity to seek forgiveness for their sins and to pray for their deceased loved ones.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Lailatul Barat Begins

Top things to do in Canada for Lailatul Barat

• 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.
• Lailatul Barat, also known as Shab-e-Barat or Night of Forgiveness, is not a public holiday in Canada but is observed by the Muslim community. Here are some popular activities or places to go for this event:
• Read a book to learn more about Lailatul Barat:
  The Muslim Calendar: A Lunar System - by Azim A. Khan.
  Muslim Festivals - by Vinni Rao.
  The Major Religions: An Introduction with Texts - by T.Patrick Burke includes specific chapters on Islam.