Shab-e-Baraat: A Night Of Seeking Forgiveness & Renewal

Shab-e-Baraat: A Night Of Seeking Forgiveness & Renewal

Shab-e-Baraat (night of atonement) is observed on the night between the 14 and 15 of Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims believe that on Shab-e-Baraat, Allah takes into account their past actions and then writes their destinies for the coming year. For this reason, Muslims spend the night asking for his mercy for their transgressions. They also offer prayers on behalf of the deceased by visiting the graves of their dear ones and lighting candles.

“The night of Shab-e-Baraat is like a reset button for all Muslims. When we pray and repent for our sins with a pure heart, the feeling of contentment and gratification is attained,” informed Sabir Khan, a pious entrepreneur. This year, the auspicious occasion is being observed on the night of March 28 and will continue till dawn.

“Since childhood, this festival has been a great time to bond with others. We pray all night and ask for forgiveness for all our sins. It is like commencing life afresh. I and my sisters eagerly wait for this day to make the most out of it,” shared Umair Nadeem.

As per tradition, the festival started after Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Hadrath Ayesha Siddiqa, found him missing one night and went out to search for him. She found him at the cemetery in Medina. As per the Hadith, he spent a long time there, lamenting and praying for the souls of the deceased so that they may be condoned.

“I eagerly wait for this night each year as despite the modern girl that I am, my roots are still intact in my religion and family. Shab-e-Baraat is a time the family feels most vulnerable. We remember and pray for our deceased ancestors. It brings about a feeling of togetherness and intimacy in the family. Irrespective of the destiny the Almighty has for us, on this day, with our dedication and trust towards him, he has the power to change our destiny only if it is for our own good,” shared Samreen Kausar, an IT professional.

People fast on this day and offer namaz and recite the Quran, informed Samreen. For Syed Afif, Shab-e-Baraat is an age-old tradition of their family, who visit the mosque and spend the whole night there, following which gifts are distributed among the poor. “Since I am in Florida right now for my higher studies, this night feels more nostalgic without my family around. Nonetheless, technology has bound everyone across the globe and I have planned to observe the festival virtually with my family,” quipped Syed Afif.

The custom of Shab-e-Baraat is that after recitation of the Quran, people go to various cemeteries and place flowers on the graves. The very pious ones spend the whole night going from cemetery to cemetery, praying there. This obligation reminds them that life is basically ephemeral and what awaits everyone is death and God’s judgement. This particular night is also significant because Allah is believed to decide the fortunes of all for the next upcoming year: who would live, who would die and who would be born. It also sets the date of the month of Ramzan that begins from the next fortnight.

For Arunima Parida, Shab-e-Baraat means chana dal halwa from her neighbour. “On this night, our neighbour Khan aunty sends in the delectable chana dal halwa for me. I drop in at their house and stay awake with them, observing their family offering namaz and reciting the Quran. I am assigned the job of preparing tea and coffee for the night, which I immensely enjoy,” she said.

As per Shia Muslims, Shab-e-Barat is also celebrated as the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is commemorated as the twelfth imam (prayer leader) of the sect. His birthday is celebrated by Shia Muslims with joyous displays of fireworks and decorative lights. However, some Muslims condone the celebration of Shab-e-Baraat because it is not mentioned in the Quran but rather in the Hadith, which is a book that encompasses the collected traditions of Prophet Muhammad based on his sayings and actions. It is more of a tradition than a real festival, it is believed. 

Nevertheless, most people celebrate it for the mere reason of coming closer to Allah and fulfilling the urge of erasing the past and restarting with a new beginning. With the pandemic bringing all festivities to a halt, people plan to celebrate it, keeping the COVID 19 guidelines in mind. Moreover, the essence of any festival lies in the belief and trust instilled in the heart rather than superficial celebration. 

My City Links wishes everyone a rewarding and fulfilling night of prayer and self introspection, to be re-energized with a new outlook towards life. 

Shab-e-Baraat Mubarak!