Shab-e-baraat Date: July 15, 2009.
Shab-e-baraat is a Islamic observance in Islamic countries.
Shab-e-Bara’at (literally meaning the Night of Emancipation) is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Sha’ban in the Islamic calendar.
Shab-e-baraat History
It is also known by other names such as Mid-Sha’ban, Lailatul Baraat, Lailatul Dua, Nim Sha’ban (in Iran), Nisf Sha’ban (in Arabic speaking countries), Nisfu Sya’ban (in Malay speaking countries), Berat Kandili (in Turkish). It is known as Shab-e-Bara’at only in South Asia.
Sunni Muslims observe Shab-e-Bara’at as a night of salvation. This night commemorates the time when God saved Noah and his Ark from the flood. Sunni tradition says that on this night, God (or Allah) determines the fate of all people in the coming year. It is for this reason that the night is also known as the Night of Emancipation. The night of Shab-e-Bara’at also commemorates the entry of the Prophet Muhammad into Mecca.
Shia Muslims, on the other hand, celebrate the night as Laylat al Bara’at and observe this night as a night of worship. Shias believe that the twelfth Shia Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi was born on this day.
Shab-e-baraat Traditions and Activities
Shab-e-Bara’at is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm by Shia Muslims. Since it is primarily a festival celebrated at night, fireworks and lighting are common sights. Sweets are prepared and sent to friends and family members. Some Muslims perform acts of charity by donating goods to the needy in the name of their deceased relatives. Also, flowers are placed on the graves of the deceased.
Shab-e-Bara’at lasts through the entire night and into the noon of the following day. It is believed that if prayers are offered to Allah throughout the entire period of Shab-e-Bara’at, forgiveness may be attained for sins committed in the past and good fortune ensured for the coming year. Some Muslims also fast throughout the entire period of Shab-e-Bara’at.
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