The 15th of Shabaan (Shabe Baraat)

What should be done on this night?

In order to obtain maximum benefit from this auspicious night, one should allocate a specific portion of the night for solitude and close communion with Allah Ta’ala. Fervent dua and repentance should be priority and make the sole intention for Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and reformation of the inner self. Other observances that may be practiced are:

(a) Salaah – Salaah is one the most preferable acts to be performed during this night. There is no particular number of Rak’ats but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salaah like qiyam, rukoo’ and sajdah should be longer than normal. Also try and recite as much qiraat in salaah as possible.

(b) Tilawah – The recitation of the Holy Quran is another form of worship that is very beneficial on this night. After performing Salaah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Quran as possible.

(c) Zikr – Engage ones heart in Zikr (remembrance of Allah Ta’ala).

One should also recite abundant durood on Rasulullah, (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Zikr 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. Dua (supplication) itself is an ‘Ibadah, and Allah Ta’ala 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 Ta’ala, which is the main purpose of all kinds and forms of worship.

(e) There are some people due to circumstances will not be able to carry out any vigorous or lengthy Ibadah. Such people should not deprive themselves completely of the blessings of this night. They should attempt to fulfill the following:

(i) Perform Maghrib, Esha and Fajr with congregation in the Masjid, or at home in case of illness.

(ii) Keep ones tongue wet with Zikr, in whatever condition they are until they sleep.

iii) Plead to Allah Ta’ala for forgiveness and for their other objectives. One can do so even whilst one is lying in bed.

(f) Women during menstruation cannot perform salaah, nor can they recite the Quran, but they can recite any Zikr, 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, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) visited the graveyard of Baqi’ during this night where he prayed for the Muslims buried there. Hence, some of the fuqaha (jurists) are of the view that it is mustahab (advisable) to visit the graveyard during this night and pray for the dead. However, this act is neither obligatory nor should it be observed regularly as an obligatory act.

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Dua to be recited on the night of Baraat

(Laylatul Baraat)

It is reported in a Hadith that Rasulullah (SAW) said to Hadhrat ‘Aaisha (RA): “On this night (Shabe Baraat) read this dua and teach it to others. Jibra’eel (AS) taught this dua to me.”

اَعُوْذُ بِعَفْوِكَ مِنْ عِقَابِكَ وَاَعُوْذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَاَعُوْذُ

بِكَ مِنْكَ جَلَّ وَجْهُكَ لََاُحْصِىْ ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ اَنْتَ كَمَا

اَثْنَيْتَ عَلٰى نَفْسِكَ

I seek protection in Your forgiveness from Your punishment; and I seek shelter in Your pleasure from Your displeasure; and I seek safety in You, from You. Glory be to You. I am unable to fully praise you. You are as You have praised yourself. (O My Rabb).