How Did Shab-e-Barat Come?

Details: Written by: সালেক উদ্দিন শেখ; Category: Theology; Published: 11 November 2026; Hits: 4

Shab-e-Barat is a word of the Persian language. 'Shab' means night, and the word 'Barat' means good fortune. In Arabic it is called Lailatul Barat, the night of good fortune. According to the exposition of the Hadith, on this night Almighty Allah forgives the sins of His servants and frees them from Hell.

Shab-e-Barat, also known as Mid-Sha'ban or Lailatul Barat, is an important Islamic night observed on the night between the 14th and the 15th of the Hijri month of Shaban. On the subcontinent this night is called Shab-e-Barat. According to Islamic belief, on this night Allah Taala specially forgives His servants and records the destiny of mankind for the coming year.

Since childhood, we Bangladeshis have come across various opinions about the history of Shab-e-Barat. But various pieces of information have left us confused. However, at present our two mufti sahibs have kindled the light of hope. According to their exposition -

Many people ask: since when has the observance of Shab-e-Barat begun? Ummul Muminin Hazrat Ayesha (RA) said: one night, deep into the night, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was praying. During the prayer he stood for a long while and made a long prostration. Seeing him make such a long prostration, Hazrat Ayesha (RA) thought that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) might perhaps have passed away while at prayer.

To remove her doubt, Hazrat Ayesha (RA) then took hold of the Messenger of Allah's (SAW) thumb and gave it a shake. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) stirred his finger in response. Then, rising from the prostration and finishing the prayer, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to Hazrat Ayesha (RA): O Ayesha! Do you think that the Messenger of Allah would deprive you of your right? Hazrat Ayesha (RA) then replied: No, O Messenger of Allah.

Seeing you remain in prostration for such a long time, I grew anxious. I thought that perhaps you had passed away? So, to dispel my doubt, I moved your finger and was testing you to see whether you were alive.

The Prophet then asked Ayesha (RA): Do you know what night tonight is? Ayesha then said to the Prophet: Allah and His Messenger know best the significance of tonight.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) then said: Tonight is the night of the middle of Shaban. On the night of the middle of Shaban, Almighty Allah listens with full attention to all the supplications of His servants. He forgives the sins of those who seek forgiveness. He shows grace to those who seek grace and grants them blessings. And those who harbour malice, He does not forgive them but leaves them as they are.

In the religion of Islam, Almighty Allah has not granted Shab-e-Barat or Lailatul Barat as a time for celebration and festivity; He has granted it for worship. The month of Shaban is the month before Ramadan. Apart from the month of Ramadan, the Prophet observed the most fasts in this month.

The noble Companions said to the Prophet: the Ummahs of earlier ages had long lives, while we live only a few days - so will they surpass us in worship? The Prophet said: Allah has granted such nights that by worshipping on these nights one can earn a share of many, many rewards.

Among such nights are the night of Shab-e-Barat, the night of Shab-e-Qadr, the two nights of Eid and the night of Ashura. Worship on these five nights is better than worship on a thousand nights. In this way Allah Rabbul Alamin has given the Ummah of the final Prophet superiority over the other Ummahs.

Such information is found as published by Mufti Amir Hamza and Mufti Abdullah Tamim.