The 15th night of Shaban is called the Night of Forgiveness, Shab-e-Barat. This is a spiritually important period during which Muslims all over the world are trying to find the mercy of Allah and correct their spiritual path. The right way to spend this night is by doing serious worship and not by celebrating some cultures.
Understanding the Significance of Shab-e-Barat
The reason that makes Shab-e-Barat important is the fact that it is regarded as the evening of the mercy of Allah. It is also believed that this night, destinies of the next year are determined, and Allah liberates so many souls. The main consideration then must be on repentance and reflections, which is not to deny the past errors, and decide to never do the same again.
Recommended Prayers and Worship for Shab-e-Barat
The prayers during the Shab-e-Barat have no particular, strict form but it is strongly advisable to perform Nawafil (voluntary prayers).
Spend the night in long prostrations (Sajdah) and the Holy Quran recitations. The highest form of worship during the Shab-e-Barat is to make but earnest Dua (supplication). Request health, forgiveness and guidance because the gates to acceptance are open.
Seeking Forgiveness on Shab-e-Barat
Clearing the heart is the important element of Shab-e-Barat. Conflicts with family and friends should be solved before a person seeks the pardon of Allah. One should also pay tribute to the dead by visiting graveyards as a Sunnah to remind him of the afterlife. This however, is supposed to be done in a quiet and non ritual manner which disbelieves Islamic teachings.
Fasting Following Shab-e-Barat
As a conclusion to the celebration of the Shab-e-Barat, it is a good deed to observe a fast in the 15 th day of Shaban. This fast is an obligation that closes the night worship ceremonies with a spiritual seal that is an ingredient that prepares the soul to the coming month of Ramadan.
