Virtues of the Month of Sha'ban (Duas and Acts of Worship on Shab-e-Barat)

The term ‘Shab-e-Barat’ is of Persian origin, meaning “The Night of Freedom” or “The Night of Salvation.” In Arabic, it is called لَيْلَةُ الْبَرَاءَة (Laylat al-Bara’ah), which also means “The Night of Liberation.” This night falls on the night of the 14th of Sha'ban. In Islamic tradition, this night is considered highly virtuous and full of blessings.

Mention in the Qur'an

Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:3-4): “Indeed, We sent it (the Qur'an) down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter.”

There is scholarly debate regarding the interpretation of this “blessed night.” Some scholars say it refers to Laylat al-Qadr, while others consider it to indicate Shab-e-Barat.

Importance of Shab-e-Barat in the Light of Hadith

Hadith 1:The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:“On the middle night of Sha'ban, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and says: ‘Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so I may forgive him? Is there anyone asking for provision so I may provide for him? Is there anyone in distress so I may relieve him?’”(Sahih Ibn Hibban – 3683)

Hadith 2:“On the night of mid-Sha'ban, Allah looks upon His creation and forgives all His servants except for the polytheists and those who harbor enmity.”(Ibn Majah: 1390, authenticated by Al-Albani)

Acts of Worship for the Night

1. Nafl (Voluntary) Prayers:

After the Dhuhr prayer on the 15th of Sha'ban, one can perform four rak’ahs in sets of two:

·         1st rak’ah: After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Zalzalah once and Surah Ikhlas ten times.

·         2nd rak’ah: After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Takathur once and Surah Ikhlas ten times.

·         3rd rak’ah: After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Kafiroon three times and Surah Ikhlas ten times.

·         4th rak’ah: After Surah Al-Fatiha, recite Ayatul Kursi three times and Surah Ikhlas twenty-five times.

Virtue: Whoever offers this prayer will, In Sha Allah, receive blessings in both worldly life and the Hereafter, and will be under Allah's special mercy on the Day of Judgment.

2. Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness (Tawbah & Istighfar):

After Maghrib on the night of the 14th of Sha’ban, pray two rak’ahs of Nafl:

·         In each rak’ah, after Surah Al-Fatiha, recite the last three verses of Surah Hashr and Surah Ikhlas once.

Virtue: This prayer is beneficial for the forgiveness of past sins.

Before Isha prayer, pray eight rak’ahs in sets of two:

·         In each rak’ah, recite Surah Ikhlas five times after Surah Al-Fatiha.

Virtue: This prayer is also beneficial for seeking forgiveness.

3. Du’a and Supplication:

Make sincere du’a for yourself, your family, and the Muslim Ummah.

During the deep night, perform eight rak’ahs (in sets of four):

·         In each rak’ah, recite Surah Ikhlas ten times after Surah Al-Fatiha.

Virtue: For the one who performs this, Allah will appoint angels to bring glad tidings of salvation from Hell and entry into Paradise.

4. Fasting Preparation:

Fasting on the following day, 15th Sha’ban, is recommended (mustahabb) and meritorious.

Common Misconceptions

Many practices associated with this night – such as 100 rak’ahs of prayer, or the recitation of specific surahs in prescribed ways – are not supported by authentic Hadiths. It is best to avoid such unauthenticated rituals.

Conclusion

Shab-e-Barat is a night full of mercy, blessings, and opportunity for salvation. It offers a precious chance to return to Allah, repent for past sins, and pray for a better future. We should aim to spend this night in sincere worship, with hearts purified from sins.