The 15th night of Shaban is considered one of the most important nights of the year.

Many believe it holds great significance, often ranking second only to Laylatul Qadr, the blessed night during Ramadan when the Qur’an was revealed.

What exactly is the significance of the 15th night of Shaban? And when does it occur in 2024?

The importance of this month

The 15th of Sha’ban, also known as Shab-E-Barat in Urdu, falls on the 25th of February 2024 this year. It occurs in the 8th month of the Islamic calendar, just two weeks before Ramadan begins.

1. This month is when your actions are presented to Allah (SWT).

The significant blessing of this night is that Allah (SWT) bestows His mercy and forgiveness upon the earth from Maghrib until Fajr. The Prophet (ﷺ) vividly described the extent of this forgiveness in various narrations:

The Prophet (ﷺ) stated, “Allah looks upon His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and pardons all His servants except for two categories: those who associate partners with Allah and those who harbor enmity towards their fellow Muslims.” [Ahmad]

2. It’s the month that The Prophet (ﷺ) preferred to fast in.

“The most beloved month for The Prophet (ﷺ) to fast in was Sha’ban.” (Abu Dawud)

According to the Sunnah of The Prophet (ﷺ), it’s encouraged to increase voluntary fasting during Sha’ban, as this is the month when our deeds are presented to Allah (SWT).

“I never witnessed The Prophet (ﷺ) fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha’ban.” (Al-Bukhari)

3. Some individuals overlook the significance of this month.

“It’s a month that falls between Rajab and Ramadan that many people tend to overlook.” (Al-Nisai)

“Whoever revives a tradition from my practices, and people follow it, will be rewarded equally to those who follow it without any reduction in their reward.” (Sunan ibn Maajah)

4. Fasting in Sha’ban helps prepare you for Ramadan.

Observing fasts during Sha’ban can act as your preparation for Ramadan, benefiting you both spiritually and physically.

One of the well-known hadiths regarding the 15th of Sha’ban is:

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “I couldn’t find the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) one night, so I went out and found him in the cemetery of Baqi’. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) asked: ‘Did you fear that Allah and His Messenger would wrong you?’ I replied: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I thought you might have gone to visit one of your wives.’ The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: ‘Verily, Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the first heaven and forgives the sins of the people, even if they were as numerous as the hairs of the goats of Banī Qalb.'” (Tirmidhi)

Shab-e-Barat Dua to Recite on 15^th Shaban

Following is Shab-e-Barat duas to recite on the night of forgiveness:

“O Allah (SWT), I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger and in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot praise You enough. You are as You have praised Yourself.” (Sahih Muslim).

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee

“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me” [Qur’an 2:286].

رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا

Rabbanā lā tuākhidh’nā in nasīnā aw akh ta’na

“Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error” [Qur’an 2:286].

What happened on the Night of Forgiveness (Shab e Barat)?

The significance of the 15th night of Sha’ban is a topic of discussion among Muslims. Some commemorate the night with special prayers and fasting the next day, while others do not consider this practice to be in accordance with the Sunnah.

In reality, scholars regard the hadiths concerning the 15th Sha’ban as authentic (Sahih), good (Hassan), and weak (Dha’if). However, due to the abundance of hadiths and the mild weakness in some of them, scholars accept the authenticity of the virtues associated with this night.

Ibn Taymiyyah stated, “There are numerous Ahadith and reports highlighting the excellence of the 15th night of Sha’ban, compelling one to acknowledge its virtue.” This viewpoint is shared by scholars worldwide.