Is there any special or extra worship legislated for the night of mid-Sha'ban (Shab-e-Barat)?
The night of mid-Sha'ban, also known as Shab-e-Barat, is recognized for its special significance in both Sunni and Shia traditions. There are narrations regarding specific acts of worship for this night.
In Sunni tradition, it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: When the night of the middle of Sha'ban arrives, stand in prayer that night and fast the following day. For Allah descends at sunset to the lowest heaven and says: 'Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision that I may provide for him? Is there anyone tested that I may relieve him? Is there anyone... (and so on) until the dawn breaks.'
Sunan Ibn Majah 6:586. This narration emphasizes both the importance of standing in prayer during the night and the opportunity for seeking forgiveness and provision.
In Shia tradition, there is a narration from Al-Kafi that provides further insight into the significance of Laylat al-Qadr, which is closely associated with mid-Sha'ban. The narration states: Some people asked him about the provisions and whether they are divided on the night of the fifteenth of Sha'ban. He said, 'No, by God, that is only on the nineteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-third nights of Ramadan. On the nineteenth, the two matters are joined; on the twenty-first, every wise affair is separated; on the twenty-third, what God intends of that is completed. That is Laylat al-Qadr, which Allah said is better than a thousand months.'
Al-Kafi 2:374. This highlights the connection between mid-Sha'ban and the divine decrees that are affirmed during the nights of Ramadan, particularly Laylat al-Qadr.
Both traditions emphasize the significance of worship during this night, including prayer and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.
Sources
-
Sunan Ibn Majah 6:586
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 6, Hadith 586 · Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib
The Messenger of Allah said: When the night of the middle of Sha'ban arrives, stand in prayer that night and fast the following day. For Allah descends at sunset to the lowest heaven and says: 'Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision that I may provide for him? Is there anyone tested that I may relieve him? Is there anyone... (and so on) until the dawn breaks.'
-
Al-Kafi 2:374
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 374
The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) said: I will teach you a prayer that you will never forget the Qur'an by. O God, have mercy on me by turning me away from Your sins always as long as You keep me alive. Have mercy on me from being burdened by matters that do not concern me. Provide me with good appearance in what pleases You about me. Bind my heart to guard Your Book as You have taught me. Grant me to recite it in a manner that pleases You. O God, illuminate my sight with Your Book, expand my chest through it, gladden my heart with it, loosen my tongue by it, employ my body with it, strengthen me for that, and help me with it. Indeed, no one helps with it except You, there is no god but You.” This was also narrated from Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) by others. — OR — I heard him say, some people asked him about the provisions and whether they are divided on the night of the fifteenth of Sha'ban. He said, "No, by God, that is only on the nineteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-third nights of Ramadan. On the nineteenth, the two matters are joined; on the twenty-first, every wise affair is separated; on the twenty-third, what God intends of that is completed. That is Laylat al-Qadr, which Allah said is better than a thousand months." I asked, "What is the meaning of his statement that 'the two gatherings are joined'?" He replied, "God combines on that night what He wills regarding bringing forward, delaying, intending, and decreeing." I asked, "What is the meaning of 'it is completed on the twenty-third'?" He said, "It is separated on the twenty-first and begins then. When the twenty-third comes, it is completed and becomes among the decreed matters that do not begin anew. Blessed is He, the Exalted." — OR — Beware of associating with the lowly, for the lowly never achieve good. — OR — Regarding the man who takes an oath not to divorce, the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) would assign him an enclosure made of reeds, confine him within it, and withhold food and drink from him until he divorces. — OR — Regarding the words of Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, 'They ask you about the spoils'— whoever dies and has no master, his wealth is from the spoils.
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →