The month of Shaban & The 15th night (Shabe Baraat)

A brief discussion on the virtues of Shaban and Shabe Baraat

Virtues of Shaban
Shaban is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar. It is a month filled with virtues and blessings. The Blessed Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used to supplicate to Allah Taala for mercy and blessings. It is mentioned in a Hadith that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used to make the following supplication once the month of Rajab had entered: Oh Allah! Bless us throughout the months of Rajab and Shaban, and take us (safely) to Ramadan! Among the numerous and unique qualities of this month is that the Qibla (direction of prayer) of the Muslims was changed from Masjid al-Aqsa to Masjid al-Haram in this month. Also in this month, Allah Taala revealed the verse: Verily Allah and His angels confer blessings upon The Prophet, Oh You who believe! Send blessings upon Him and salutations abundantly! (al-Ahzab: 56) As a result, many Ulama have commented that it is preferable (Mustahab) to increase in sending peace and blessings upon The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) during this month. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would fast on most of the days in Shaban, as narrated by Aisha (radiallah anha) in a Sahih Hadith, as it is the month which precedes the Holy month of Ramadan. It is recommended that one engages in excessive optional worship so as to reap the benefits of the illuminated month of Ramadan.

Shabe Baraat: A night of great esteem

The month of Shaban carries extra significance as it contains one of the greatest nights of the year; the 15th of Shaban, better known as Shabe Baraat. The Ulama have stated that one of the signs of a virtuous night is that it has many names. Shabe Baraat has over 20 names, among them: Laylatul Baraah (the night of freedom), Laylatur-Rahmah (the night of mercy) Laylatus-Sak (the night of preordainment) etc. It is narrated in an authentic Hadith that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: Verily Allah Taala turns to His entire creation on the 15th of Shaban, and He forgives His entire creation except a polytheist and one who has enmity. This Hadith has been narrated through various chains from 8 companions including Abu Bakr, Aisha, Muaz ibn Jabal, Abu Hurairah and Abu Musa Ashari (radiallahu anhum). Imam ibn Hibban (d. 354H) narrated in it in his Sahih (p.1514). Shaykh Nasiruddin al-Albani (d. 1420H) narrated it in his Silsilah Ahadith as-Saheehah (3/136:1114) and classed it as Sahih. The illustrious Sahabi Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (radiallahu anhuma) stated: Prayers are not rejected on 5 nights; the night of Jumuah, the first night of Rajab, The 15th of Shaban (Shabe Baraat) and the two nights of Eid. (Musannaf Abdur Razzaq 4/317) The Tabiee Ata bin Yasaar (Rahimahullah) said that the most prominent night after Laytul Qadr is Shabe Baraat. (Lataaif al-Maarif p.191)

The scholars of the period after the Sahabah and Tabeen, the Imams who followed one of the four Madhhabs testified to the significance of Shabe Baraat, as did scholars who did not adhere to any Madhhab. Imam Shafiee (rahimahullah) stated: It has reached us that supplications are answered on five nights; the nights of Jumuah, the two nights of Eid, the first night of Rajab and the 15th of Shaban (Shabe Barat). (Kitab al-Umm, 1:131) Imam Ishaq ibn Rahwiyah (d. 238H), one of the foremost teachers of Imam Bukhari, commented: To come together in the Masjid on Shabe Baraat is not a Bidah (innovation). (Lataaif al-Maarif p.190). Ibn Taymiyyah, the leading authority of modern Salafis, testified to the virtues of Shabe Baraat: The narrations concerning Shabe Baraat are numerous, which indicates that this (night) is verily a blessed night. The Pious Predecessors would single out this night for worship, while there are Sahih (authentic) narrations regarding the fasting of Shaban. (Iqtida Sirat al-Mustaqeem, p.301).

In light of the concise discussion above, it can be concluded that Shabe Baraat is indeed a virtuous night. As for those who deny its significance, they are in error and their claim is baseless.

In imitation of the Salaf-e-Saliheen (Pious Predecessors), we should try and reap the benefits of this night.

What should be done on this night

*Make taubah (sincere repentance) to Allah Taala *Recite the holy Quran excessively *Increase in Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and Durood (sending blessings upon The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) *Pray to Allah Taala for forgiveness of ones sins and the sins of every believer. *To visit the graveyard *To fast the following day Prepared by:

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