The eighth month of the Islamic calendar, Shaban, holds a special spiritual significance. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ referred to Shaban as “my month” and called Ramadan the month of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The entire month of Shaban is filled with blessings, but the importance of its fifteenth night, Shab-e-Barat, is unparalleled. This night is a manifestation of countless mercies from our Creator and a golden opportunity to attain spiritual benefits.

The virtue of the night of Shab-e-Barat

The importance of this night can be understood from the fact that once, Hazrat Ali (may Allah honor his face) looked towards the sky and said: “On this night, Prophet Dawood (peace be upon him) also looked towards the sky and said: This is the time when if anyone prays, Allah Almighty will surely accept their prayer. And if anyone asks for forgiveness for their sins, Allah will forgive them, provided they are not among those who collect taxes illegally, practice magic, are soothsayers (who predict the future), or musicians.”

The supplications and worship on this night hold special significance, and only those who strive to follow the path of Allah (Almighty) can benefit from it.

Those who are deprived of the mercy of this night

It is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “On this night, Allah (Glorified and Exalted) frees His servants from Hell, and the number is as many as the hairs on the sheep of the Banu Kalb tribe. However, those who are disbelievers, who harbor jealousy in their hearts, sever ties of kinship, wear their clothes in arrogance, are disobedient to their parents, or consume alcohol, are deprived of Allah’s mercy.”

This hadith reminds us that we should avoid the sins in our lives that can distance us from Allah’s mercy.

Self-Reflection: Are we benefiting from the blessings of this night?

On this blessed night, we should assess our spiritual state. If we are involved in any of these sins, we should repent before Allah Almighty and firmly resolve to leave these sins behind. To embrace Allah’s mercy, we must work on improving our spirituality.

What to do on this night?

If you’re wondering how to gain the maximum blessings from this blessed night, here are a few useful suggestions: Sit in the company of scholars and righteous people. In such gatherings, you will gain the best knowledge of spiritual teachings and prayers.
Pray in congregation: Praying with the congregation enhances the spirituality of worship.
Fast on the 15th of Sha’ban: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When you reach the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, spend the night in worship and fast during the day.

Sit in the company of righteous people

The famous spiritual personality, Hazrat Allama Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Sohbat-e-Salih, Salih kunand, Sohbat-e-Talih, Talih kunand.”
Meaning, sitting in the company of a righteous person will make you righteous,
and spending time with a bad person will make you bad as well.

The Night of Forgiveness and Reward

The beloved Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever prays twelve rak’ahs of voluntary prayer (two or four at a time) on this night, Allah Almighty will grant him the reward of twelve thousand martyrs. For him, the reward of twelve years of worship will be written, and he will be purified from his sins as if he has just been born today. Similarly, no sins will be recorded against him until that same day next year.” Hearing this promise, the heart is drawn toward Allah’s mercy. What a magnificent thing it is that one night of worship can change our lives.

Similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has mentioned the virtue of fasting on the first and last Thursday of Sha’ban. He (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts on these days, Allah Almighty, through His grace and mercy, will grant him a place in Paradise.” This promise lights a spark of hope in our hearts.
(Kitab Iqamat al-Salah wa al-Sunnah Fiha, Bab Ma Ja’a Fi Laylat al-Nisf Min Sha’ban, Vol. 1, p. 444, Dar Ihya’ al-Kutub al-Arabiyya)

The Love of Hazrat Fatimah (RA): A Gift for the Ummah

The leader of Paradise, Hazrat Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her), whose love resides in the heart of every Muslim, taught us an excellent act. She said: “Whoever prays eight rak’ahs of voluntary prayer (with one salutation) and dedicates the reward to me, I will not enter Paradise until I have interceded for him.” These words are filled with the love and compassion of a mother, urging us to seek her intercession.

The method for this prayer is to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas eleven times after Surah Al-Fatiha in each rak’ah. After every two rak’ahs, recite the Tashahhud and then stand again without turning the salutation. Complete the eight rak’ahs in this way, then offer the salutation and dedicate the reward to Hazrat Fatimah (RA). This act not only brings us closer to her but also opens the doors of Allah’s mercy.

The Advice of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Khwaja Hassan Basri (RA)

Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), who is known as the Lion of Allah, shared an excellent act for the night of Bara’at. He said: “Whoever prays fourteen rak’ahs of voluntary prayer and recites Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Nas, Ayat al-Kursi, and the verse ‘لَقَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُوْلٌ مِّنْ اَنْفُسِكُمْ‘ fourteen times in each rak’ah, Allah Almighty will write in his record of deeds the reward of twenty years of accepted fasting and twenty years of accepted Hajj.” This act demonstrates Allah’s immense generosity, rewarding even our small deeds with great rewards.

Khwaja Hassan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him), a great saint and wali of Allah, mentioned the virtue of praying one hundred rak’ahs of voluntary prayer on this night. He said: “Whoever recites Surah Al-Ikhlas ten times after Surah Al-Fatiha in each rak’ah, Allah Almighty will look at him seventy times, and for each gaze, He will fulfil seventy of his worldly and seventy of his hereafter needs.” This act makes us realise the vastness of Allah’s mercy.

Special Acts of Worship for Shab-e-Barat

Reciting the Holy Quran during Shab-e-Barat is highly rewarding. Reciting Surah Yaseen brings blessings to one’s sustenance, increases their lifespan, and protects them from unforeseen calamities. Similarly, reciting Surah Ad-Dukhan seven times results in Allah Almighty fulfilling seventy of their worldly and seventy of their spiritual needs.

To protect oneself from magic, evil spells, and negative influences, it is very beneficial to boil seven leaves of the banyan tree in water and use it for bathing. For safety, security, and the protection of life and wealth, reciting the last verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (from Amanar-Rasool to Ala Qawmil-Kafireen) is highly blessed and recommended.

The Night of Salvation, the Night of Bara’at, and Special Practices

At the global spiritual center, Khanqah Oliyah Rizwiyah Safiyah and Darul Uloom Bāb-e-Muhammadi, Jamia Jilaniyah Rizwiyah, registered in Hasnainabad Sharif, the 15th night of Sha’ban, which is the night of forgiveness, mercy, and salvation, is celebrated in the following manner: A vast and special arrangement of food and meals is made for the public and the creation of Allah. A vigil is observed throughout the night, and a separate gathering with full modesty is arranged for the religious and Islamic women, where esteemed female Islamic scholars and praise singers participate. The entire night is spent in remembrance and supplication, and arrangements for Suhoor are also made.

Similarly, a separate arrangement is made for men, presided over by the founder of this institution, the healer of the nation, Sultan al-Wazā’if Hazrat Sarkar Pir Abu-Noman Rizvi Saifi. The special address is given by his eldest son and deputy, Allama Hafiz Pir Muhammad Arsalan Raza Safi Mujaddidi. Praise and salutations (Hamd and Naat) are also part of the proceedings. Under the supervision of Hazrat Pir Abu-Noman Rizvi Saifi, special spiritual practices are conducted to seek protection from magic, jinn, witchcraft, and demonic influences.

After completing the rituals, special prayers are offered for the protection and stability of the homeland, Pakistan, and for the entire Muslim Ummah.

In the end, a prayer is made to Allah Almighty: “O Allah, may these chains of prayers continue without interruption. Ameen, Thumma Ameen.”

Conclusion:

The night of Bara’at is a night in which the door of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness is opened. It is an opportunity for us to improve our lives and draw closer to Allah. To fully benefit from the blessings of this night, we should approach our worship with sincerity, repentance, and prayers, seeking Allah’s pleasure.If you would like more details on this topic, the book “The Month of My Beloved Prophet“ can serve as an excellent guide for you.

Summary:

The day and night of Bara’at are a great opportunity for us to come under the shade of Allah’s mercy, seek His forgiveness, and strengthen our spirituality.