Shab-e-Barat, recognised as one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar, occurs on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic year. Known as the ‘Night of Forgiveness‘, it’s a period for intense spiritual reflection, where devotees spend the night praying, seeking divine mercy, blessings, and forgiveness from Allah. Muslims worldwide observe Shab-e-Barat with great enthusiasm. The name translates to the ‘Night of Fortune and Forgiveness’, highlighting its importance as a time for prayer, introspection, and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Shab-e-Barat is also known by other names such as Mid-Sha’ban, the Night of Records, the Night of Deliverance, and Barat Night. The Muslim community regards this festival with special importance, as worshipping Allah during this night is believed to bring immense blessings. According to the Hadith, the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, this is the night when Allah determines the fate of humanity for the coming year.
Shab-e-Barat 2025: Date and Time
In 2025, Shab-e-Barat is expected to be observed from the evening of Thursday, 13 February, until the evening of Friday, 14 February, according to the Hijri calendar. Islamic Relief Worldwide notes that “Shab-e-Barat, which falls on the 15th of Shaban, is expected to be observed on February 14, 2025. However, the exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.” This year, Shab-e-Barat will commence on the night of 13 February and conclude on the night of 14 February.
Shab-e-Barat 2025: History and Significance
It is believed that Muhammad Al-MAHDIthe twelfth Imam of Shia Muslims, was born on Shab-e-Barat. Sunni Muslims, however, believe that on this day, Allah saved Noah’s Ark from the flood. This celebration is considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar.
The name Shab-e-Barat comes from the Persian word ‘Shab,’ meaning night, and the Arabic word ‘Barat,’ which means pardon and salvation. On this night, Allah is believed to determine the fate of his followers for the coming year based on their past actions. Therefore, the night is dedicated to asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
It is also said that on this sacred night, Prophet Muhammad entered the city of Makkah. While another belief says that Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa, noticed he was gone and went looking for him. She found him in a Medina cemetery, praying deeply and asking forgiveness for those who had passed away.
Significance of Shab-e-Barat
Shab-e-Barat is seen as a night of atonement, during which the Almighty is believed to forgive the sins of those who sincerely pray and bless them for the coming year. Many Muslims believe that on this night, God determines everyone’s destiny for the next year, taking into account their past deeds.
How Shab-e-Barat is celebrated
Shab-e-Barat is commemorated with great devotion across South Asia, including countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, as well as Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
On this holy night, people congregate in mosques to pray and receive forgiveness from Allah. People also pay visits to the burial sites of their loved ones to offer prayers. This celebration is also heavily cherished by charitable initiatives, such as the distribution of food and financial aid to those in need. People make sweets such as Halwa, Zarda, and other treats and share it with friends, family, neighbours and the poor. Mosques are decorated, and many organise recitations and announcements throughout the day before the main events of the night.
