Shab e Barat 2018
Shab e Barat 2018
Shab e Barat is a night in the month of Shaban which many Muslims revere as the night of forgiveness and pray the whole night asking Allah (SWT) to bestow them with His blessings. Shab e Barat is celebrated mid-Shaban, on the night in between the 14th and 15th of Shaban.
People stay up all night and offer voluntary prayers (Nafl), asking Allah (SWT) to forgive any sins they might’ve committed in the past.
Different countries have different ways of celebrating the day. Every country has a different name for it. In South Asia, it is known as Shab e Barat. In Iran, it is called Nim Sha’ban. It is referred to as Nisfy Sya’ban in Malay speaking countries while in Turkey it is known as Berat Kandili.
People often distribute sweets to each other on this night. Some people even celebrate the night with fireworks although this is a result of the influence of the local traditions and does not have any religious significance. In Iraq, people often distribute sweets to children. In South Asian countries, people usually distribute a local dessert known as a Halwa or other delicacies to neighbors, family, friends and the poor and needy. Middle Eastern countries normally do not celebrate the night.
Sunni Muslims believe it to be the night when Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Nuh (AS) and his ark from the flood. On the other hand, Shia Muslims believe it to be the day when the 12th Shia Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, was born.
There are no Ahadith or verses in the Quran that clearly point out or talk about the significance of the night however many people, especially in South Asia celebrate the night, spending the time in worship of Allah (SWT).
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