What is Shab e-Barat?

March 11, 2023

Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, is a significant Islamic event observed every year on the 15th of the Islamic month of Shaban. The term ‘Shab’ means night and ‘Bharaat’ means forgiveness. It is celebrated throughout South Asia, Central Asia, and Turkey.

Is Shab e-Barat a festival?

No. It is a ceremony of forgiveness. Both Shia and Sunni Sufi Muslims observe this ceremony. There are seven significant sectors of Muslims. They are Sunni, Whabbi, Shia, Berelvi, Deobandi, Sufi, and Salfi. Sunni is the largest branch. 85% to 90% of the Muslims belong to this community. They are mostly in Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Most of the Muslims in the Gaza strip and West Bank are Sunni Muslims.

What is Shab e-Barat?

Shab-e-Barat is believed to be a holy night when Allah is more forgiving, and sincere prayers can wash away sins. The night is also used to pray for departed and ill family members and seek mercy. Muslims prepare for the festival, create sweets, and decorate mosques. On the night of Shab-e-Barat, worshippers pray and request forgiveness until the next day, followed by a pre-dawn meal before the fast.

Traditions of Shab e-Barat

It is believed that Muhammad went to the graveyard to pray for the dead on this night. Even today, Muslims visit to the graveyard at night during Shab e-Barat and recite some verses of Kuran.

Where is Shab e-Barat celebrated?

It is celebrated in Japan, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Iran. In Iran, it is celebrated in the Greater Khorasan region (early Persia) and also in the region populated by Kurds. In Iran, the ceremony is mostly restricted to respecting the souls of the dead. In Iraq, children are the centre of attraction for the ceremony. Children are believed to be the form of god. Giving chocolates to them is pleasing god and taking forgiveness from him.

In Indonesia, dhikr devotions are offered. Dhikr is a form of meditation. In India, the ceremony is associated with fasting, charity and lighting lamps, wearing new clothes, and making halwa.

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