Significance of Lailatul Baraat

Lailatul Baraat or Shab-e-Barat is generally considered a festival of Muslims. Certain customs have been evolved which are adhered to vigorously. Although neither the Qur’an nor Hadit and the era of companions of Prophet Muhammad (slm) indicate the existence of this festival .as we celebrate it in the Subcontinent, the event occupies significant space of social and religious life of Muslims in the Subcontinent.  It is significant that while event like Isra or Miraj is public holiday in most of the Middle Eastern countries, it is not so in Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other hand, Lailatul Baraat or Nisfun Shaban is not a public holiday in most Muslim countries wheras it is a public holiday in Bangladesh and Pakistan. This shows the importance of social customs in Lailatul Baraat.

LAILAT-UL-BARAAT, the auspicious night of the 15th of Shaban (popularly known as Shab-e-Baraat in this Subcontinent) is a glorious and important occasion in the life of every Muslim. Both the words Lailat (in Arabic) and Shab (in Persian) mean night, and Baraat means salvation or privilege or quittance. Many in this Subcontinent mistakenly think that this holy night is Shab-e-Barat or the “Night of Fortune.” But Lailat-ul Baraat is actually the “Night of Salvation” or “Night of Privilege.” It is on this propitious night that Benign Providence, in His infinite mercy, blesses each and every human being with a unique opportunity to receive the most coveted Divine mercy.

The bountiful Allah in his infinite mercy has provided us with such an auspicious night so that we may take advantage of it and repent for our sins and thus obtain his grace and favour. It is for us to take full advantage of this night and during this night, offer special prayers and repent sincerely for our past sins and ask for his forgiveness.

Hazrat Ali(RA) said: “o people, spend the 15th night of Shabaan in divine worship and keep fast on the 15th day of shabaan”. On this auspicious night, Allah spreads his mercy on the earth and calls out: is there any who seeks cure from illness that I may cure him? Thus he calls the needy, and grants them their needs, up till dawn.”(Ibn Majah). Also on this night the doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened wide, and those who sincerely grieve over and repent for their past sins and seek forgiveness from Allah, are pardoned and forgiven by the grace of Allah, the mercy.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said: “on the night of Shabaan, Allah spreads his mercy on the earth and pardons all the sinners except the polytheist, the hypocrites and those who harbour ill-feeling towards their brethren.” (Baihaqi). Finally, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of this month one must fast not only to end one’s Amal Nama (Book of Accounts of Deeds) with a good deed and begin the new Amal Nama with a good deed, but also because the Holy Prophet (SAW) has said: “Oh people, lighten and cleanse thy bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that is shall be easy and helpful to you for the fasting during Ramadhan. Who so fasts three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off.”

An acclaimed traditionalist, Ibn Maja, reported on the authority of no less a person than Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) had said: “On this night, from the moment the sun sets, Allah descends on the firmament of this earth and goes on asking till sunrise: ‘Is there no one who asks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there no one who asks provision so that I may provide him? Is there no one afflicted so that I may relieve him? Is there not such and such? Is there not such and such?” The Holy Prophet (pbuh) never failed to avail this unique and glorious opportunity and himself used to pray all through this Night of Privilege every year with a view to receiving mercy from the most gracious and most merciful Allah.

On one occasion, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) spent half of this auspicious night through a Nafl prayer of two Rakahs and the rest through a long Sijdah or prostration. Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) reported that on one such occasion the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was so deeply absorbed in His meditation and remained so long in prostration that she became awfully nervous and thought that He (pbuh) had shuffled off the mortal coil.

Abu Musa al-Ashari (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) as saying: “Allah Most High looks down in the middle night of Sha’ban and forgives all his creatures, except a polytheist or one who is hostile.” Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) said: “I missed Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) one night and found him at al-Baqi (Jannatul Baqi). He (pbuh) said: ‘Were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would act wrongly towards you?’ I replied: ‘Messenger of Allah, I thought you had gone to one of your wives.’ He said: ‘On the middle night of Sha’ban Allah Most High descends to the lowest heaven and forgives more sins than the hairs of the goats of Kalb. “

It is also reported that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah forgives every Muslim on this night. He does not, however, forgive the mushrik, the jealous, the cruel, and the adulterer.”  According to another tradition, Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) reported the Holy Prophet (pbuh) as saying: “Do you know what happens on this night?” meaning the middle night of Sha’ban. She asked: “What happens on it, Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “On it a record is made of every human being who will be born and of every human being who will die this year; on it their actions are taken up to heaven and on it their provisions are sent down.”

“According to popular belief,” corroborates the Encyclopaedia of Islam, “on the night preceding the 15th of Sha’ban the tree of life on whose leaves are written the names of the living is shaken to decide who is going to die in the coming year.” It is claimed by some that it is the Sidratul Muntaha, “the Lote-tree of the extremity,” a tree in the seventh heaven having its root in the sixth, which is shaken to decide who is going to die. (Sidratul Muntaha has been mentioned twice in the Holy Qur’an).

It is not only the renowned traditionalists who champion the sacredness and excellence of the Night of Salvation, but even a great and universally accepted saint and scholar like Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), popularly known as Hazrat Bara Pir Sahib, testifies in his Guniatut Talebin, that Bibi Ayesha Siddiqa herself heard the Holy Prophet (pbuh) saying: “Allah opens the doors of mercy and grace for mankind on four nights -- the two nights of Eids, the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, and the night of Arafat.” (The two other nights, Shab-e-Qadr and Shab-e-Mi’raj, have been specifically referred to in the Holy Qur’an). The doors remain open till the Fajr prayer.

Hundreds and thousands of Muslims in the Subcontinent celebrate this night through zealous and active participation in private and congregational prayers held in mosques. Unfortunately, however, there are many among us who, through sheer ignorance or utter carelessness, turn this auspicious night into a mere occasion of pleasure and gaiety, fun and frolic, forgetting the very essence of this glorious night.

There are some who think that crackers and candles are part and parcel of Shab-e-Baraat. This awful custom, introduced by the Barmecides in Baghdad, simply because they were fire-worshippers and loved fire even after they accepted Islam, not only disturbs the namazis and mediators on this auspicious night but also leads to unnecessary wastage and prodigality, which are forbidden in Islam.

There are also some who try to equate preparation and distribution of haluwa and roti (home made bread and sweet) with the sacred Night of Privilege, claiming that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) lost a few teeth at the Battle of Uhud on the 15th of Sha’ban and hence people should not cook anything hard as a mark of respect to that historic incident. Some also claim that Hazrat Amir Hamza (RA) embraced martyrdom on the 15th of Sha’ban. Both these claims are totally baseless as both the incidents occurred in the month of Shawal.

There is no harm if haluwa and other sweetmeats are cooked on this occasion, but let these be shared with the poor and the have-nots. The very spirit of such a noble and auspicious occasion will be lost if those who are affluent fail to share their good fortune with those who are less privileged.

The very spirit of such a noble and auspicious occasion will be lost if those who are affluent fail to share the good fortunes with those who are less privileged. Our duty on this Night of Privilege or Night of Salvation is not only to seek Divine Mercy but also to seek the path of goodness, kindness, upright conduct and charity - to be always on toes to respond to the cry of the needy, to stand by the word that is pledged, to bear true witness, to remove all artificial differences between man and man and all causes of misunderstanding in our dealings with fellow brethren in every sphere of activity, in every domain of thought.

As a matter of fact, Islam is not a religion of customs and festivities. It is a straightforward and reasonable religion which restrains human beings from the shackles of rituals, futile and time consuming fete. Islam urges people to save precious time energy and wealth and pay attention towards unshakable realities of life. It wants people to spend their time on activities, which prove to be the cause of happiness and prosperity in this life and hereafter.

 There are many merits of Shabaan, especially the 15th of Shabaan, which is known as Shab-e-Baraat or Lailatul Baraat, meaning the Night of Absolution. Insha Allah hereunder we will discuss the auspiciousness of Shab-e-Baraat and also a few things that should be read on this night.

Just to highlight the significance of Shabaan, Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) reports that once when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked about the most meritorious fasting, he replied, “Fasting in Shabaan in honour of Ramadaan.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would fast for the whole month of Shabaan and has stated that Shabaan is his month.

Shab-e-Baraat is a vessel for Mercy, Blessing, Benefit, Pardon and Forgiveness that descends upon the people of the earth. On this great night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first heaven and proclaims, “Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who seeks sustenance so that I may grant him sustenance? Is there anyone who seeks freedom from his problems so that I may remove his problems?” This announcement continues until the break of dawn.

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “On the night of the middle of Shabaan, Allah Ta’ala descends to the heaven of this lower world and forgives every Muslim, except a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah Ta’ala), the bearer of malice, the breaker of family ties, the adulterer, the miser, the one who is disobedient to his parents and the one who consumes alcohol. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that during this night Allah Ta’ala opens 300 doors of Mercy unto his servants and that the slaves of Allah Ta’ala are emancipated from the fire of hell, as numerous as the hairs on the flocks of the tribe of Bani Kalb.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “Therein all matters of wisdom are sorted out for Decree.” [Surah 44, Verse 4]. This Aayat refers to Shab-e-Baraat and it is stated in Tafseer Noorul Irfaan that on this great night, the entire year’s programme of sustenance, death, life, honour and disgrace, in short every affair of man is listed from the Divine Tablet and handed over to the angels of each area on the earth in the form of a book. For example the Angel of Death is given a list of the names of those who would be dying in the coming year.

Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) reports that once on Shab-e-Baraat Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went into prostration for a long time and she watched him until she thought that Allah Ta’ala had taken His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from this world. After a long time had elapsed, she got close enough to touch the soles of his feet. He stirred, and she heard him say in his prostration, “I take refuge with Your pardon from Your punishment. I take refuge with Your approval from Your displeasure. I take refuge in You from You. Glory be to You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself.” After this incident Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), tonight I have heard you utter something during your prostration that I never heard you mention before.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then asked, “Have you learnt it?” When she said yes, he replied, “Study those words and teach them, for Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) instructed me to repeat them during the prostration.”

This Dua is given below and we must try to recite it as much as possible Insha Allah, according to the Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Transliteration: (Allahumma) A’oozu bi Afwika Min Iqaabika Wa A’oozu Biradaaka Min Sakhatika Wa A’oozu Bika Minka Jalla Wajhuka Laa Uhsi Sanaa’an Alayka Anta Kama Asnaita Ala Nafsik.

Hereunder are some other Ibaadaat that may be performed during this night:

•    After Asr Salaah the following should be recited 70 times:
Astagh Firullaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zam Bin Wa A’tubu Elaih
•    Just before sunset the following should be recited 40 times:
Laa Hawla Wala Quwata Illa Billa Hil Aleeyil Azeem
•    After Maghrib Salaah 6 rakaats of Nafl Salaah should be read as three sets of two rakaats. Before the first 2 rakaats, make Dua to receive a long life through the barkat of those 2 rakaats. For the second set make Dua to be saved from all types of problems and for the third set make Dua for Allah Ta’ala not to make you needy of anyone besides Him. After each set of rakaats, recite Surah Yaseen once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and thereafter Dua-e-Nisfe Shabaan.
•    One should also try to fast on the 15th of Shabaan as this is the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is also better to fast both on the 14th and 15th (if possible) so that one would enter the blessed night of Shab-e-Baraat in a state of fasting.

•    One should also try to visit the Qabarastan (graveyard) to make Dua of Maghfirat (Forgiveness) for the deceased, as this is the Sunnah of our beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

This is an opportunity that everyone needs to take advantage of. We do not know if our names will be written on the list given to the Angel of Death this year, and whether we will have the opportunity of experiencing this blessed night again. We must make Tauba (repent) for our sins and ask for Allah Ta’ala’s Forgiveness. We are such wretched sinners but the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala is boundless. No matter how sinful we are, it is never too late to fall down in prostration before our Lord and to cry in shame for our insolent behaviour in disobeying His commands. Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy overcomes His anger therefore we should not lose hope in His Mercy, no matter how wretched we might be. Allah Ta’ala just wants an excuse to forgive us but it is we who are too lazy to humble ourselves before Him to ask for His Mercy.

On this night when Allah Ta’ala calls out, “Who is there who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive Him?” the whole night, why can’t we be the ones to respond to that call by crying in the Court of Allah Ta’ala and saying, “Ya Allah, this wretched sinner seeks Your forgiveness. I am present in Your Court and I humble myself in shame before You. Through the Sadaqah and Wasilah of Your Beloved Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) please forgive me.” Nothing is stopping us besides our nafs and Shaitaan. Remember that Allah Ta’ala loves those who cry in His Court out of shame and repent for their sins, so do not let this blessed night go by in vain.

Hadith#1:
The hadith is narrated by Hazrat Ali (RA) in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“When it is the fifteenth of Shaban, then stand (in worship) at night and fast during the day. Because Allah descends in this night at sunset to the first heaven and says: ‘Is there any seeker of forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there any seeker of sustenance, that I may sustain him? Is there anyone in affliction, that I may remove his affliction? Is there anyone like this, like that (and so on)’. This continues until Fajr.” (Ibn Majah)

This hadith of Prophet (PBUH) gives two kinds of acts of worship a Muslim is to perform with regards to the celebration of Shab e Barat, whereas both these forms of worship share a single goal, and that is of asking of anything from Allah Almighty.

As per this hadith a Muslim is supposed to stay up during the night and indulge in worship of Allah Almighty, whereas, during the day he or she must keep fast in Shaban and earn reward for it especially on the specific day. The reason why Prophet (PBUH) commended worshiping at night is the fact that after the sunset of the 14th of Shaban, Allah Almighty comes to the first heaven, from where He calls upon the people and calls them to ask whatever they want and He will grant them. Therefore, no matter whatever is there that a Muslim wants from life, he or she can ask for it from Allah Almighty during this night. There can be no better significance of Shab e Barat compared to the freedom of asking whatever a person can ask from Allah Almighty, however, in order to do so a Muslim must take the path of prayers, which make the appeal more effective and add to the reward of the Muslim.

Hadith#2:
In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“In the fifteenth night of Shaban, Allah manifests and forgives all His creation except for the Mushrik (idolater) and the spiteful.” (Ibn Majah)

This hadith also shows another significant element of the fifteenth of Shaban. It is the night in which Allah Almighty forgives all those who believe in Him and who don’t hate others.

Being human is like making errors and mistakes, therefore, it is quite natural that throughout the year a Muslim does makes mistakes. The Shab e Barat night is the one in which a Muslim can repent on the previous mistakes and sins with a true heart and receive forgiveness from Allah Almighty. It is in this night that a Muslim can turn towards Allah Almighty and find His doors of forgiveness open for him or her. Therefore, every Muslim must make use of this night and repent in front of Allah Almighty so that He forgives the sins that a person committed throughout the year.

Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also went out to pray for the deceased in the graveyard on this night as well, therefore, in addition to praying for his forgiveness, a Muslim must also visit the graveyard and ask Allah for the forgiveness of the ones who are no more a part of the life of a Muslim. Hence, Shab e Barat needs to be utilized for the purpose of seeking forgiveness for one’s self and all those who matter at present or the ones who have passed away to the hereafter.

Bottom Line:
In a nutshell, the 15th night of Shaban is one of the blessed and bountiful nights of the Islamic year. A Muslim must make full use of this night and the day that precedes it. He or she must stand during the night praying and ask forgiveness and mercy from Allah Almighty, while during the day, Muslims should try keeping a fast to gain maximum benefits and rewards from the blessed night.

Another significant feature of the month of Sha’ban is that it consists of a night which is termed in Shariah as “Laylatul-bara’ah” (The night of freedom from Fire). This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Sha’ban. There are certain traditions of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine mercy. Some of these traditions are quoted as follows:

1. Ummul-Mu’mineen ‘Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, is reported to have said,
“Once Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, performed the Salah of the night (Tahajjud) and made a very long Sajdah until I feared that he had passed away. When I saw this, I rose (from my bed) and moved his thumb (to ascertain whether he is alive). The thumb moved, and I returned (to my place). Then I heard him saying in Sajdah: ‘I seek refuge of Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge of Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You as fully as You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself.’
Thereafter, when he raised his head from Sajdah and finished his salah, he said to me: ‘Aishah, did you think that the Prophet has betrayed you?’ I said, ‘No, O Prophet of Allah, but I was afraid that your soul has been taken away because your Sajdah was very long.’ He asked me, ‘Do you know which night is this?’ I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘This is the night of the half of Sha’ban. Allah Almighty looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who pray for mercy but keeps those who have malice (against a Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they relieve themselves from malice).’”

2. In another Tradition Sayyidah’ Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, has reported that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said, “Allah Almighty descends (in a manner He best knows it) in the night occurring in the middle of Sha’ban and forgives a large number of people more than the number of the fibers on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb.” Kalb was a big tribe the members of which had a very large number of sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the hadith indicates the big number of the people who are forgiven in this night by Allah Almighty.

3. In yet another Tradition, she has reported Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, “This is the middle Night of Sha’ban. Allah frees in it a large number of the people from Fire, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb. But He does not even look at a person who associates partners with Allah, or at a person who nourishes malice in his heart (against someone), or at a person who cuts off the ties of kinship, or at a man who leaves his clothes extending beyond his ankles (as a sign of pride), or at a person who disobeys his parents, or at a person who has a habit of drinking wine.”

4. Sayyidna Mu’adh ibn Jabal, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: “Allah Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Sha’ban and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart (against a Muslim)”.
Although the chain of narrators of some of these traditions suffers with some minor technical defects, yet when all these traditions are combined together, it becomes clear that this night has some well founded merits, and observing this night as a sacred night is not a baseless concoction as envisaged by some modern scholars who, on the basis of these minor defects, have totally rejected to give any special importance to this night. In fact, some of these traditions have been held by some scholars of hadith as authentic and the defects in the chain of some others have been treated by them as minor technical defects which, according to the science of hadith, are curable by the variety of their ways of narration. That is why the elders of the ummah have constantly been observing this night as a night of special merits and have been spending it in worship and prayers. What should be done in this night? In order to observe the Night of Bara’ah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as he can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so for one reason or another, he can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose, and should perform the following acts of worship:

(a) Salah. Salah is the most preferable act to be performed in this night. There is no particular number of Rak’at but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salah like qiyam, rukoo’ and sajdah should be longer than normal. The longest surahs of the Holy Qur’an one remembers by heart should be recited in the Salah of this night. If someone does not remember the long surahs, he can also recite several short surahs in one rak’ah.

(b) Tilawa. The recitation of the Holy Qur’an is another form of worship, very beneficent in this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Qur’an as he can.

(c) Dhikr. One should also perform dhikr (recitation of the name of Allah) in this night. Particularly the following dhikr is very useful: One should recite Salah (durood) on Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as many times as he can. The dhikr can also be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure.

(d) Dua. The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. It is hoped that all the prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, insha-Allah. Prayer itself is an ‘Ibadah, and Allah Almighty gives reward on each prayer along with the fulfillment of the supplicator’s need. Even if the purpose prayed for is not achieved, one cannot be deprived of the reward of the prayer which is sometimes more precious than the mundane benefits one strives for. The prayers and supplications also strengthen one’s relation with Allah Almighty, which is the main purpose of all kinds and forms of worship.
One can pray for whatever purpose he wishes. But the best supplications are the ones made by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. These are so comprehensive and all-encompassing prayers that all the human needs, of this world and the Hereafter, are fully covered in the eloquent expressions used in them. Actually, most of the prophetic prayers are so profound that human imagination can hardly match their greatness. Several books in various languages are available which provide these prophetic prayers, and one should pray to Allah Almighty in accordance with them, whether by reciting their original Arabic text or by rendering their sense in one’s own language.

(e) There are some people who cannot perform any additional Salah or recitations for any reason, like illness or weakness or being engaged in some other necessary activities. Such people also should not deprive themselves completely of the blessings of this night. They should observe the following acts:

(i) To perform the Salah of Maghrib, ‘Isha’ and Fajr with Jama’ah in the mosque, or in their homes in case of their being sick. (ii) They should keep reciting the dhikr, particularly the one mentioned in para (c) above, in whatever condition they are until they sleep.

(iii) They should pray to Allah for their forgiveness and for their other objectives. One can do so even when he is in his bed.

(f) The women during their periods cannot perform salah, nor can they recite the Qur’an, but they can recite any dhikr, tasbeeh, durood sharif and can pray to Allah for whatever purpose they like in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic prayers mentioned in the Qur’an or in the hadith with the intention of supplication (and not with the intention of recitation).

(g) According to a hadith, which is relatively less authentic, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, went in this night to the graveyard of Baqi’ where he prayed for the Muslims buried there. On this basis, some of the fuqaha hold it as mustahabb (advisable) in this night to go to the graveyard of the Muslims and recite Fatihah or any other part of the Qur’an, and pray for the dead. But this act is neither obligatory nor should it be performed as regularly as an obligatory act. What should not be done in this night

1. As mentioned earlier, the Night of Bara’ah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities, which may displease Allah. Although it is always incumbent upon every Muslim to abstain from sins, yet this abstinence becomes all the more necessary in such nights, because committing sins in this night will amount to responding to divine blessings with disobedience and felony. Such an arrogant attitude can invite nothing but the wrath of Allah. Therefore, one should strictly abstain from all the sins, particularly from those mentioned in the Hadith No. 3 quoted earlier in this article, because these sins make one devoid of the blessings of this night.

2. In this night some people indulge in some activities which they regard as necessary for the celebration of the Night of Bara’ah, like cooking some special type of meal, or illuminating houses or mosques, or improvised structures. All such activities are not only baseless and innovated in the later days by ignorant people, but in some cases they are pure imitation of some rituals performed by non-Muslim communities. Such imitation in itself is a sin; performing it in a blessed night like the Night of Bara’ah makes it worse. Muslims should strictly abstain from all such activities.

3. Some people spend this night in holding religious meetings and delivering long speeches. Such activities are also not advisable, because these acts can easily be performed in other nights. This night requires one to devote himself for the pure acts of worship only.

4. The acts of worship like Salah, recitation of the Qur’an and dhikr should be performed in this night individually, not collectively. The Nafl Salah should not be performed in Jama’ah, nor should the Muslims arrange gatherings in the mosques in order to celebrate the night in a collective manner. On the contrary, this night is meant for worshipping Allah in solitude. It is the time to enjoy the direct contact with the Lord of the Universe, and to devote one’s attention to Him and Him alone. These are the precious hours of the night in which nobody should intervene between one and his Lord, and one should turn to Allah with total concentration, not disturbed or intermitted by any one else.
That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, observed the acts of worship in this night in total seclusion, not accompanied by anyone, not even by his favorite life companion Sayyidah ‘Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, and that is why all forms of the optional worship (Nafl Ibadah), are advised by him to be done in individual, not in collective manner. Fast of the 15th Sha’ban On the day immediately following the Night of Bara’ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha’ban, it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. Although the scholars of hadith have some doubts in the authenticity of this report, yet it is mentioned earlier that the fasts of the first half of Sha’ban have special merits and Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast most of the days in Sha’ban. Moreover, a large number of the elders (salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Sha’ban. This constant practice indicates that they have accepted the relevant hadith as authentic. Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Sha’ban as an optional (nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of qada on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit from the merits of this fast.

 

Significance of Lailatul Baraat

Lailatul Baraat or Shab-e-Barat is generally considered a festival of Muslims. Certain customs have been evolved which are adhered to vigorously. Although neither the Quran nor Hadit and the era of companions of Prophet Muhammad (slm) indicate the existence of this festival .as we celebrate it in the Subcontinent, the event occupies significant space of social and religious life of Muslims in the Subcontinent. It is significant that while event like Isra or Miraj is public holiday in most of the Middle Eastern countries, it is not so in Bangladesh and Pakistan. On the other hand, Lailatul Baraat or Nisfun Shaban is not a public holiday in most Muslim countries wheras it is a public holiday in Bangladesh and Pakistan. This shows the importance of social customs in Lailatul Baraat. LAILAT-UL-BARAAT, the auspicious night of the 15th of Shaban (popularly known as Shab-e-Baraat in this Subcontinent) is a glorious and important occasion in the life of every Muslim. Both the words Lailat (in Arabic) and Shab (in Persian) mean night, and Baraat means salvation or privilege or quittance. Many in this Subcontinent mistakenly think that this holy night is Shab-e-Barat or the Night of Fortune. But Lailat-ul Baraat is actually the Night of Salvation or Night of Privilege. It is on this propitious night that Benign Providence, in His infinite mercy, blesses each and every human being with a unique opportunity to receive the most coveted Divine mercy. The bountiful Allah in his infinite mercy has provided us with such an auspicious night so that we may take advantage of it and repent for our sins and thus obtain his grace and favour. It is for us to take full advantage of this night and during this night, offer special prayers and repent sincerely for our past sins and ask for his forgiveness. Hazrat Ali(RA) said: o people, spend the 15th night of Shabaan in divine worship and keep fast on the 15th day of shabaan. On this auspicious night, Allah spreads his mercy on the earth and calls out: is there any who seeks cure from illness that I may cure him? Thus he calls the needy, and grants them their needs, up till dawn.(Ibn Majah). Also on this night the doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened wide, and those who sincerely grieve over and repent for their past sins and seek forgiveness from Allah, are pardoned and forgiven by the grace of Allah, the mercy. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said: on the night of Shabaan, Allah spreads his mercy on the earth and pardons all the sinners except the polytheist, the hypocrites and those who harbour ill-feeling towards their brethren. (Baihaqi). Finally, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of this month one must fast not only to end ones Amal Nama (Book of Accounts of Deeds) with a good deed and begin the new Amal Nama with a good deed, but also because the Holy Prophet (SAW) has said: Oh people, lighten and cleanse thy bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that is shall be easy and helpful to you for the fasting during Ramadhan. Who so fasts three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off. An acclaimed traditionalist, Ibn Maja, reported on the authority of no less a person than Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) had said: On this night, from the moment the sun sets, Allah descends on the firmament of this earth and goes on asking till sunrise: Is there no one who asks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there no one who asks provision so that I may provide him? Is there no one afflicted so that I may relieve him? Is there not such and such? Is there not such and such? The Holy Prophet (pbuh) never failed to avail this unique and glorious opportunity and himself used to pray all through this Night of Privilege every year with a view to receiving mercy from the most gracious and most merciful Allah. On one occasion, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) spent half of this auspicious night through a Nafl prayer of two Rakahs and the rest through a long Sijdah or prostration. Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) reported that on one such occasion the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was so deeply absorbed in His meditation and remained so long in prostration that she became awfully nervous and thought that He (pbuh) had shuffled off the mortal coil. Abu Musa al-Ashari (RA) reported Allahs Messenger (pbuh) as saying: Allah Most High looks down in the middle night of Shaban and forgives all his creatures, except a polytheist or one who is hostile. Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) said: I missed Allahs Messenger (pbuh) one night and found him at al-Baqi (Jannatul Baqi). He (pbuh) said: Were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would act wrongly towards you? I replied: Messenger of Allah, I thought you had gone to one of your wives. He said: On the middle night of Shaban Allah Most High descends to the lowest heaven and forgives more sins than the hairs of the goats of Kalb. It is also reported that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: Allah forgives every Muslim on this night. He does not, however, forgive the mushrik, the jealous, the cruel, and the adulterer. According to another tradition, Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) reported the Holy Prophet (pbuh) as saying: Do you know what happens on this night? meaning the middle night of Shaban. She asked: What happens on it, Messenger of Allah? He replied: On it a record is made of every human being who will be born and of every human being who will die this year; on it their actions are taken up to heaven and on it their provisions are sent down. According to popular belief, corroborates the Encyclopaedia of Islam, on the night preceding the 15th of Shaban the tree of life on whose leaves are written the names of the living is shaken to decide who is going to die in the coming year. It is claimed by some that it is the Sidratul Muntaha, the Lote-tree of the extremity, a tree in the seventh heaven having its root in the sixth, which is shaken to decide who is going to die. (Sidratul Muntaha has been mentioned twice in the Holy Quran). It is not only the renowned traditionalists who champion the sacredness and excellence of the Night of Salvation, but even a great and universally accepted saint and scholar like Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), popularly known as Hazrat Bara Pir Sahib, testifies in his Guniatut Talebin, that Bibi Ayesha Siddiqa herself heard the Holy Prophet (pbuh) saying: Allah opens the doors of mercy and grace for mankind on four nights -- the two nights of Eids, the night of the 15th of Shaban, and the night of Arafat. (The two other nights, Shab-e-Qadr and Shab-e-Miraj, have been specifically referred to in the Holy Quran). The doors remain open till the Fajr prayer. Hundreds and thousands of Muslims in the Subcontinent celebrate this night through zealous and active participation in private and congregational prayers held in mosques. Unfortunately, however, there are many among us who, through sheer ignorance or utter carelessness, turn this auspicious night into a mere occasion of pleasure and gaiety, fun and frolic, forgetting the very essence of this glorious night. There are some who think that crackers and candles are part and parcel of Shab-e-Baraat. This awful custom, introduced by the Barmecides in Baghdad, simply because they were fire-worshippers and loved fire even after they accepted Islam, not only disturbs the namazis and mediators on this auspicious night but also leads to unnecessary wastage and prodigality, which are forbidden in Islam. There are also some who try to equate preparation and distribution of haluwa and roti (home made bread and sweet) with the sacred Night of Privilege, claiming that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) lost a few teeth at the Battle of Uhud on the 15th of Shaban and hence people should not cook anything hard as a mark of respect to that historic incident. Some also claim that Hazrat Amir Hamza (RA) embraced martyrdom on the 15th of Shaban. Both these claims are totally baseless as both the incidents occurred in the month of Shawal. There is no harm if haluwa and other sweetmeats are cooked on this occasion, but let these be shared with the poor and the have-nots. The very spirit of such a noble and auspicious occasion will be lost if those who are affluent fail to share their good fortune with those who are less privileged. The very spirit of such a noble and auspicious occasion will be lost if those who are affluent fail to share the good fortunes with those who are less privileged. Our duty on this Night of Privilege or Night of Salvation is not only to seek Divine Mercy but also to seek the path of goodness, kindness, upright conduct and charity - to be always on toes to respond to the cry of the needy, to stand by the word that is pledged, to bear true witness, to remove all artificial differences between man and man and all causes of misunderstanding in our dealings with fellow brethren in every sphere of activity, in every domain of thought. As a matter of fact, Islam is not a religion of customs and festivities. It is a straightforward and reasonable religion which restrains human beings from the shackles of rituals, futile and time consuming fete. Islam urges people to save precious time energy and wealth and pay attention towards unshakable realities of life. It wants people to spend their time on activities, which prove to be the cause of happiness and prosperity in this life and hereafter. There are many merits of Shabaan, especially the 15th of Shabaan, which is known as Shab-e-Baraat or Lailatul Baraat, meaning the Night of Absolution. Insha Allah hereunder we will discuss the auspiciousness of Shab-e-Baraat and also a few things that should be read on this night. Just to highlight the significance of Shabaan, Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (Radiallahu Taala Anh) reports that once when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked about the most meritorious fasting, he replied, Fasting in Shabaan in honour of Ramadaan. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would fast for the whole month of Shabaan and has stated that Shabaan is his month. Shab-e-Baraat is a vessel for Mercy, Blessing, Benefit, Pardon and Forgiveness that descends upon the people of the earth. On this great night, Allah Taala descends to the first heaven and proclaims, Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who seeks sustenance so that I may grant him sustenance? Is there anyone who seeks freedom from his problems so that I may remove his problems? This announcement continues until the break of dawn. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, On the night of the middle of Shabaan, Allah Taala descends to the heaven of this lower world and forgives every Muslim, except a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah Taala), the bearer of malice, the breaker of family ties, the adulterer, the miser, the one who is disobedient to his parents and the one who consumes alcohol. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that during this night Allah Taala opens 300 doors of Mercy unto his servants and that the slaves of Allah Taala are emancipated from the fire of hell, as numerous as the hairs on the flocks of the tribe of Bani Kalb. Allah Taala states in the Holy Quran, Therein all matters of wisdom are sorted out for Decree. [Surah 44, Verse 4]. This Aayat refers to Shab-e-Baraat and it is stated in Tafseer Noorul Irfaan that on this great night, the entire years programme of sustenance, death, life, honour and disgrace, in short every affair of man is listed from the Divine Tablet and handed over to the angels of each area on the earth in the form of a book. For example the Angel of Death is given a list of the names of those who would be dying in the coming year. Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Taala Anha) reports that once on Shab-e-Baraat Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went into prostration for a long time and she watched him until she thought that Allah Taala had taken His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from this world. After a long time had elapsed, she got close enough to touch the soles of his feet. He stirred, and she heard him say in his prostration, I take refuge with Your pardon from Your punishment. I take refuge with Your approval from Your displeasure. I take refuge in You from You. Glory be to You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself. After this incident Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Taala Anha) asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), tonight I have heard you utter something during your prostration that I never heard you mention before. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then asked, Have you learnt it? When she said yes, he replied, Study those words and teach them, for Hazrat Jibraeel (Alaihis Salaam) instructed me to repeat them during the prostration. This Dua is given below and we must try to recite it as much as possible Insha Allah, according to the Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Transliteration: (Allahumma) Aoozu bi Afwika Min Iqaabika Wa Aoozu Biradaaka Min Sakhatika Wa Aoozu Bika Minka Jalla Wajhuka Laa Uhsi Sanaaan Alayka Anta Kama Asnaita Ala Nafsik. Hereunder are some other Ibaadaat that may be performed during this night: After Asr Salaah the following should be recited 70 times: Astagh Firullaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zam Bin Wa Atubu Elaih Just before sunset the following should be recited 40 times: Laa Hawla Wala Quwata Illa Billa Hil Aleeyil Azeem After Maghrib Salaah 6 rakaats of Nafl Salaah should be read as three sets of two rakaats. Before the first 2 rakaats, make Dua to receive a long life through the barkat of those 2 rakaats. For the second set make Dua to be saved from all types of problems and for the third set make Dua for Allah Taala not to make you needy of anyone besides Him. After each set of rakaats, recite Surah Yaseen once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and thereafter Dua-e-Nisfe Shabaan. One should also try to fast on the 15th of Shabaan as this is the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is also better to fast both on the 14th and 15th (if possible) so that one would enter the blessed night of Shab-e-Baraat in a state of fasting. One should also try to visit the Qabarastan (graveyard) to make Dua of Maghfirat (Forgiveness) for the deceased, as this is the Sunnah of our beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). This is an opportunity that everyone needs to take advantage of. We do not know if our names will be written on the list given to the Angel of Death this year, and whether we will have the opportunity of experiencing this blessed night again. We must make Tauba (repent) for our sins and ask for Allah Taalas Forgiveness. We are such wretched sinners but the Mercy of Allah Taala is boundless. No matter how sinful we are, it is never too late to fall down in prostration before our Lord and to cry in shame for our insolent behaviour in disobeying His commands. Allah Taalas Mercy overcomes His anger therefore we should not lose hope in His Mercy, no matter how wretched we might be. Allah Taala just wants an excuse to forgive us but it is we who are too lazy to humble ourselves before Him to ask for His Mercy. On this night when Allah Taala calls out, Who is there who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive Him? the whole night, why cant we be the ones to respond to that call by crying in the Court of Allah Taala and saying, Ya Allah, this wretched sinner seeks Your forgiveness. I am present in Your Court and I humble myself in shame before You. Through the Sadaqah and Wasilah of Your Beloved Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) please forgive me. Nothing is stopping us besides our nafs and Shaitaan. Remember that Allah Taala loves those who cry in His Court out of shame and repent for their sins, so do not let this blessed night go by in vain. Hadith#1: The hadith is narrated by Hazrat Ali (RA) in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: When it is the fifteenth of Shaban, then stand (in worship) at night and fast during the day. Because Allah descends in this night at sunset to the first heaven and says: Is there any seeker of forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there any seeker of sustenance, that I may sustain him? Is there anyone in affliction, that I may remove his affliction? Is there anyone like this, like that (and so on). This continues until Fajr. (Ibn Majah) This hadith of Prophet (PBUH) gives two kinds of acts of worship a Muslim is to perform with regards to the celebration of Shab e Barat, whereas both these forms of worship share a single goal, and that is of asking of anything from Allah Almighty. As per this hadith a Muslim is supposed to stay up during the night and indulge in worship of Allah Almighty, whereas, during the day he or she must keep fast in Shaban and earn reward for it especially on the specific day. The reason why Prophet (PBUH) commended worshiping at night is the fact that after the sunset of the 14th of Shaban, Allah Almighty comes to the first heaven, from where He calls upon the people and calls them to ask whatever they want and He will grant them. Therefore, no matter whatever is there that a Muslim wants from life, he or she can ask for it from Allah Almighty during this night. There can be no better significance of Shab e Barat compared to the freedom of asking whatever a person can ask from Allah Almighty, however, in order to do so a Muslim must take the path of prayers, which make the appeal more effective and add to the reward of the Muslim. Hadith#2: In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: In the fifteenth night of Shaban, Allah manifests and forgives all His creation except for the Mushrik (idolater) and the spiteful. (Ibn Majah) This hadith also shows another significant element of the fifteenth of Shaban. It is the night in which Allah Almighty forgives all those who believe in Him and who dont hate others. Being human is like making errors and mistakes, therefore, it is quite natural that throughout the year a Muslim does makes mistakes. The Shab e Barat night is the one in which a Muslim can repent on the previous mistakes and sins with a true heart and receive forgiveness from Allah Almighty. It is in this night that a Muslim can turn towards Allah Almighty and find His doors of forgiveness open for him or her. Therefore, every Muslim must make use of this night and repent in front of Allah Almighty so that He forgives the sins that a person committed throughout the year. Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also went out to pray for the deceased in the graveyard on this night as well, therefore, in addition to praying for his forgiveness, a Muslim must also visit the graveyard and ask Allah for the forgiveness of the ones who are no more a part of the life of a Muslim. Hence, Shab e Barat needs to be utilized for the purpose of seeking forgiveness for ones self and all those who matter at present or the ones who have passed away to the hereafter. Bottom Line: In a nutshell, the 15th night of Shaban is one of the blessed and bountiful nights of the Islamic year. A Muslim must make full use of this night and the day that precedes it. He or she must stand during the night praying and ask forgiveness and mercy from Allah Almighty, while during the day, Muslims should try keeping a fast to gain maximum benefits and rewards from the blessed night. Another significant feature of the month of Shaban is that it consists of a night which is termed in Shariah as Laylatul-baraah (The night of freedom from Fire). This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Shaban. There are certain traditions of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine mercy. Some of these traditions are quoted as follows: 1. Ummul-Mumineen Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, is reported to have said, Once Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, performed the Salah of the night (Tahajjud) and made a very long Sajdah until I feared that he had passed away. When I saw this, I rose (from my bed) and moved his thumb (to ascertain whether he is alive). The thumb moved, and I returned (to my place). Then I heard him saying in Sajdah: I seek refuge of Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge of Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You as fully as You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself. Thereafter, when he raised his head from Sajdah and finished his salah, he said to me: Aishah, did you think that the Prophet has betrayed you? I said, No, O Prophet of Allah, but I was afraid that your soul has been taken away because your Sajdah was very long. He asked me, Do you know which night is this? I said, Allah and His Messenger know best. He said, This is the night of the half of Shaban. Allah Almighty looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who pray for mercy but keeps those who have malice (against a Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they relieve themselves from malice). 2. In another Tradition Sayyidah Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, has reported that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said, Allah Almighty descends (in a manner He best knows it) in the night occurring in the middle of Shaban and forgives a large number of people more than the number of the fibers on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb. Kalb was a big tribe the members of which had a very large number of sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the hadith indicates the big number of the people who are forgiven in this night by Allah Almighty. 3. In yet another Tradition, she has reported Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, This is the middle Night of Shaban. Allah frees in it a large number of the people from Fire, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb. But He does not even look at a person who associates partners with Allah, or at a person who nourishes malice in his heart (against someone), or at a person who cuts off the ties of kinship, or at a man who leaves his clothes extending beyond his ankles (as a sign of pride), or at a person who disobeys his parents, or at a person who has a habit of drinking wine. 4. Sayyidna Muadh ibn Jabal, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: Allah Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Shaban and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart (against a Muslim). Although the chain of narrators of some of these traditions suffers with some minor technical defects, yet when all these traditions are combined together, it becomes clear that this night has some well founded merits, and observing this night as a sacred night is not a baseless concoction as envisaged by some modern scholars who, on the basis of these minor defects, have totally rejected to give any special importance to this night. In fact, some of these traditions have been held by some scholars of hadith as authentic and the defects in the chain of some others have been treated by them as minor technical defects which, according to the science of hadith, are curable by the variety of their ways of narration. That is why the elders of the ummah have constantly been observing this night as a night of special merits and have been spending it in worship and prayers. What should be done in this night? In order to observe the Night of Baraah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as he can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so for one reason or another, he can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose, and should perform the following acts of worship: (a) Salah. Salah is the most preferable act to be performed in this night. There is no particular number of Rakat but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salah like qiyam, rukoo and sajdah should be longer than normal. The longest surahs of the Holy Quran one remembers by heart should be recited in the Salah of this night. If someone does not remember the long surahs, he can also recite several short surahs in one rakah. (b) Tilawa. The recitation of the Holy Quran is another form of worship, very beneficent in this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Quran as he can. (c) Dhikr. One should also perform dhikr (recitation of the name of Allah) in this night. Particularly the following dhikr is very useful: One should recite Salah (durood) on Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as many times as he can. The dhikr can also be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure. (d) Dua. The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. It is hoped that all the prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, insha-Allah. Prayer itself is an Ibadah, and Allah Almighty gives reward on each prayer along with the fulfillment of the supplicators need. Even if the purpose prayed for is not achieved, one cannot be deprived of the reward of the prayer which is sometimes more precious than the mundane benefits one strives for. The prayers and supplications also strengthen ones relation with Allah Almighty, which is the main purpose of all kinds and forms of worship. One can pray for whatever purpose he wishes. But the best supplications are the ones made by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. These are so comprehensive and all-encompassing prayers that all the human needs, of this world and the Hereafter, are fully covered in the eloquent expressions used in them. Actually, most of the prophetic prayers are so profound that human imagination can hardly match their greatness. Several books in various languages are available which provide these prophetic prayers, and one should pray to Allah Almighty in accordance with them, whether by reciting their original Arabic text or by rendering their sense in ones own language. (e) There are some people who cannot perform any additional Salah or recitations for any reason, like illness or weakness or being engaged in some other necessary activities. Such people also should not deprive themselves completely of the blessings of this night. They should observe the following acts: (i) To perform the Salah of Maghrib, Isha and Fajr with Jamaah in the mosque, or in their homes in case of their being sick. (ii) They should keep reciting the dhikr, particularly the one mentioned in para (c) above, in whatever condition they are until they sleep. (iii) They should pray to Allah for their forgiveness and for their other objectives. One can do so even when he is in his bed. (f) The women during their periods cannot perform salah, nor can they recite the Quran, but they can recite any dhikr, tasbeeh, durood sharif and can pray to Allah for whatever purpose they like in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic prayers mentioned in the Quran or in the hadith with the intention of supplication (and not with the intention of recitation). (g) According to a hadith, which is relatively less authentic, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, went in this night to the graveyard of Baqi where he prayed for the Muslims buried there. On this basis, some of the fuqaha hold it as mustahabb (advisable) in this night to go to the graveyard of the Muslims and recite Fatihah or any other part of the Quran, and pray for the dead. But this act is neither obligatory nor should it be performed as regularly as an obligatory act. What should not be done in this night 1. As mentioned earlier, the Night of Baraah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities, which may displease Allah. Although it is always incumbent upon every Muslim to abstain from sins, yet this abstinence becomes all the more necessary in such nights, because committing sins in this night will amount to responding to divine blessings with disobedience and felony. Such an arrogant attitude can invite nothing but the wrath of Allah. Therefore, one should strictly abstain from all the sins, particularly from those mentioned in the Hadith No. 3 quoted earlier in this article, because these sins make one devoid of the blessings of this night. 2. In this night some people indulge in some activities which they regard as necessary for the celebration of the Night of Baraah, like cooking some special type of meal, or illuminating houses or mosques, or improvised structures. All such activities are not only baseless and innovated in the later days by ignorant people, but in some cases they are pure imitation of some rituals performed by non-Muslim communities. Such imitation in itself is a sin; performing it in a blessed night like the Night of Baraah makes it worse. Muslims should strictly abstain from all such activities. 3. Some people spend this night in holding religious meetings and delivering long speeches. Such activities are also not advisable, because these acts can easily be performed in other nights. This night requires one to devote himself for the pure acts of worship only. 4. The acts of worship like Salah, recitation of the Quran and dhikr should be performed in this night individually, not collectively. The Nafl Salah should not be performed in Jamaah, nor should the Muslims arrange gatherings in the mosques in order to celebrate the night in a collective manner. On the contrary, this night is meant for worshipping Allah in solitude. It is the time to enjoy the direct contact with the Lord of the Universe, and to devote ones attention to Him and Him alone. These are the precious hours of the night in which nobody should intervene between one and his Lord, and one should turn to Allah with total concentration, not disturbed or intermitted by any one else. That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, observed the acts of worship in this night in total seclusion, not accompanied by anyone, not even by his favorite life companion Sayyidah Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, and that is why all forms of the optional worship (Nafl Ibadah), are advised by him to be done in individual, not in collective manner. Fast of the 15th Shaban On the day immediately following the Night of Baraah, i.e. the 15th of Shaban, it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. Although the scholars of hadith have some doubts in the authenticity of this report, yet it is mentioned earlier that the fasts of the first half of Shaban have special merits and Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast most of the days in Shaban. Moreover, a large number of the elders (salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Shaban. This constant practice indicates that they have accepted the relevant hadith as authentic. Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Shaban as an optional (nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of qada on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit from the merits of this fast.