Opinion | The Significance of Shab-e-Barat in Islam

There are multiple hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that highlight the virtues of mid-Sha’ban and Shab-e-Barat:

“Allah looks at His creation during the middle night of Sha’ban and forgives all His creation except two kinds of people: those who associate partners with Allah and those who harbor enmity for their brothers.” (Ibn Maja)

“Allah reveals to the angels on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban if He has forgiven anyone from the people of the Fire during Sha’ban and the angels rejoice at this.” (Ibn Hibban)

“O Ali,(A.S) whoever prays one hundred rakats on the night of mid-Sha’ban and recites in each rakat al-Fatihah and “Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad” ten times, Allah will meet seventy worldly needs and thirty of the Hereafter for this person.” (Mafatih al-Ghayb)

These narrations point to Sha’ban and Shab-e-Barat being an occasion for seeking forgiveness, redemption and the fulfillment of prayers. Performing virtuous deeds on this night reaps immense spiritual rewards.

While Shab-e-Barat was observed during Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time, some scholars trace the origins of this holy night even earlier to Prophet Dawood (PBUH). According to Imam al-Shaf’i (A.S) Allah revealed the five canonical daily prayers to Prophet Dawood (PBUH) on the night of mid-Sha’ban. Others narrate that the worshipping in this night was passed down from Prophet Abraham (PBUH).

Over the centuries, Shab-e-Barat became a focal point of devotion for Muslims desiring mercy and forgiveness from Allah. It is known as Laylat al-Rahmah or Night of Mercy across Islamic literature and folklore. The legendary Sufi saint, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A) called it Shab-e-Uthman or the Night of Emancipation, highlighting its liberating nature.

In the Indian subcontinent, Shab-e-Barat customs took on localised cultural practices within the devotional framework. Special foods like (Halwa) a sweet dish and (Babri treesh) Bassel seeds milk drinks are prepared. Many spend the night offering voluntary prayers at mosques or home. Visiting graveyards to make donations and pray for departed souls is also common. Some light candles at gravesites.

The night of Shab-e-Barat carries exceptional significance in Kashmir valley, with deeply-rooted rituals passed down generations. Kashmiri Muslims eagerly await the arrival of Shab-e-Barat, which they believe brings divine grace and fortune. For seven days beforehand, preparations begin for welcoming this sacred occasion.

Houses are thoroughly cleaned in anticipation. Local bakeries get busier as orders for special Shab-e-Barat breads and cakes stream in. These include (Kulcha) a bread with poppy seeds as well as baqerkhani with (Noon chai) traditionally a Special tea in kashmir, Kulcha and kehwa (green tea) flavored with cardamom, honey and saffron are favorites, it is usually served volunteerly by locals outside the mosques and shrines to the general public as a gesture of gratitude.

On Shab-e-Barat eve, people take a ritual bath and decorate homes with flowers and light candles and incense sticks.

After Maghrib namaz, families gather for prayers seeking divine mercy and forgiveness of sins. Many spend a large part of the night reciting the Quran and chanting duas.

Later, a platter of the prepared sweets like halwa, Feerni and Babri treesh sharing with next door neighbors is also common pin valley. Many donate food to the poor as an expression of gratitude.

When the blessed night reaches to the last hours or we can say next morning, people gather early at graveyards to pay respects to deceased relatives and loved ones. Candles and lamps light up the graves in a poignant scene of devotion. Donations are made to charity in the departed souls’ name, hoping they attain sawab (reward).

Visiting to ancient and historic mosques, shrines of Sufi saints and Graveyards of Spiritual scholars to seek blessings is the another hallmark, The gatherings at prominent holy spiritual places like Dargah Hazrat Bal Mosque and Major shrines like Dastgeer Sahib in Srinagar are cherished a Hanafi spiritual tradition during Shab-e-Barat. These spiritual endeavors unite thousands of Kashmiri Muslims to offer night prayers (Nimaz-e-Isha) together, symbolizing their devout reverence and spiritual connection.

After seeking blessings on the sacred night of Shab-e-Barat, most of the people observe non-obligatory fast the following day as a gesture of devotion and gratitude.

Even the sick make efforts to pray and partake in the blessings of Shab-e-Barat.

For Kashmiri Muslims the night of Shab-e-Barat is the highlight of the Islamic calendar. The spiritual meanings and local rituals cherished for centuries make it a profoundly meaningful and spirituality motivated (Ibadat) adoration.

ZAMAN NOOR

Writer is a Kashmir Based Social Activist and A Columnist

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