AskImraan

The 15th of Sha’bân

“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.” (4:48)

• Allah Ta’ala has afforded His bondsmen certain selected opportunities whereby they may reap His infinite mercy and forgiveness. Some examples of these occasions are the month of Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr. The night of the fifteenth of Sha’ban is one such opportunity.

• Several ahadith expound the tremendous merit of this occasion. Amongst them is the fact that countless people are forgiven by Allah Ta’ala during this blessed night. It is due to this reason that it is called ‘The Night of Bara’ah’ (i.e. the night wherein judgment of salvation from Jahannam [Hell] is passed).

• Certain ahadith prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special divine mercy.

• Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, ‘This is the night of the half of Sha’ban. Allah Ta’ala looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who pray for mercy but leaves those who have malice (against a Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they free themselves from malice).’(Bayhaqi)

• Aisha radiyallahu anha has reported Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to have said, ‘This is the middle Night of Sha’ban. Allah emancipates in it a large number of the people from the Fire, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe of Kalb. But He does not cast a glance at a person who associates partners with Him, or at a person who harbours malice in his heart (against someone), or at a person who severs family ties, or at a man who leaves his clothes extending below his ankles, or at a person who disobeys his parents, or at a person who has a habit of drinking wine.’ (Bayhaqi) The tribe of Kalb were a large tribe, the members of which owned many sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the hadith indicates the large number of people forgiven on this night by Allah Ta’aala.

• The virtue of this night established from these ahadith is that from the very beginning of the night Allah Ta’ala turns with special mercy and attention towards the creation and forgives those who repent and seeks forgiveness. Every Muslim should therefore value this night. Turn towards Allah Ta’ala with sincere regret and shame over sins committed and make a promise never to return to sin again and seek forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala. Seek forgiveness for oneself and all Muslims, living and deceased. Have firm hope and resolution in the heart that Allah Ta’ala will surely show mercy and forgiveness.

• 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 du‘a and repentance should be priority and make the sole intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure and reformation of the inner self. Other observances that may be practiced are:
1. Salah: Salah is one the most preferable acts to be performed during this night. There is no particular number of Raka’ats, but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salah like qiyam (standing), ruku’ and sajdah should be longer than normal. Also try and recite as much qirat (Qur’an recitation) in salah as possible.
2. Tilawah: The recitation of the Noble Qur’an is another form of worship that is very beneficial on this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Noble Qur’an as possible.
3. Zikr: Engage ones heart in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. One should also recite abundant salutations upon Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Zikr can also be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure.
4. Du‘a: The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. Du’a (supplication) itself is a form of worship, and Allâh Ta’âla grants a reward for each prayer along with the fulfilment 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.

• Women during menstruation who cannot perform Salah, nor recite the Qur’an, should engage in reciting any form of Zikr, tasbeeh, durud and also, they can ask of Allah for any of their needs in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic prayers mentioned in the Qur’an or in the Hadîth with the intention of du’a (supplication, and not with the intention of reciting a verse of the Noble Qur’an)

• On the day immediately following the Night of Bara’ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha’ban, it is mustahab (advisable) to keep fast. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. Although the scholars of hadith have some doubts in the authenticity of this report, yet it is mentioned that the fasts of the first half of Sha’ban have special merits and Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to fast most of the days in Sha’ban. Moreover, a large number of the elders (salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Sha’ban. This constant practice indicates that they have accepted the relevant hadith as authentic.