- By Talib Khan
- Thu, 09 Apr 2020 08:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: 'Shab-e-Barat', which is celebrated on the 14th day in the month of Sha’ban -- the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, began on the evening of April 8 and will end on evening on April 9. Shab-e-Barat signifies the day when Prophet Muhammad arrived into the holy city of Mecca and pardoned and blessed his preachers.
As per the Wikipedia, “The night of mid-Sha'aban is known as Laylat al-Bara’ah or Laylat al-Nisf min Sha’ban in the Arab world, and as Shab-e-Barat in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Afghanistan, and Nepal.” The English translations of these terms are ‘the night of records’, ‘the night of assignment’ and ‘the night of deliverance’.
The significant night holds a tradition of praying to the almighty, men visit the mosques to pray which is followed by a visit to the cemetery, to entreat for the lost ones by praying and lighting candles. While this, women are said to stay indoors and offer Namaz and recite the holy book, Quran.
The historical significance of the festival counts to the time when the twelfth Imam of the Shia Muslim, Muhammad al-Mahdi was born and this day is celebrated in the happiness of his birthday. The other community, the Sunnis believe that this day marks its importance as the ark of Noah was saved by god on this day. The common bind of celebration makes this festival celebrated and recognized all over the globe among the preachers of Islam.
A fast is observed by the preachers during the day followed by pleading for mercy at night, for all the sins they have committed, knowingly or unknowingly.
Muslims believe that on the night of Shab-e-Barat Allah writes fortune for the coming year in reference to their past deeds. This night hence should be spent praying and appealing for mercy. This festival is celebrated majorly among Shia Muslims.
