Lailatul Barat Begins

Lailatul Barat History

Lailatul Barat, also known as Shab-E-Barat, 'Night of Innocence' or the 'Night of Deliverance,' signifying the night when sins are pardoned by Allah Almighty. Muslims regard this night as an opportunity to ask for forgiveness and blessings, believing that it is when Allah decides the destiny of all, including life and death, for the coming year. It is also a time to pay homage to deceased relatives and to make specific requests for one’s future.

Tracing back to its origins, Lailatul Barat is derived from Islamic tradition, which traces its roots to the time of Prophet Muhammad. In India, this observance has a cultural fusion as it takes on diverse local traditions. Alongside its religious significance, it has also evolved to become an occasion for family gatherings and festive meals. Most Muslims in India view Lailatul Barat as an essential opportunity to steer their lives towards the path of righteousness, reinforcing their faith and goodwill towards others.

In terms of observance, Lailatul Barat is marked by extensive prayers, fasting, and reading of the Quran by devout Muslims in India. Mosques are often filled with faithful worshippers who seek divine mercy and forgiveness, offering special night-long prayers known as Salatul Tasbih. Traditional sweets and food items are also prepared and distributed among family, friends, and the needy, extending the wholesomeness of the occasion. In India, the observance usually occurs in the mid of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which falls on different dates annually. The exact date, however, is subject to the sighting of the moon and may vary slightly across different regions of the country.

Facts about Lailatul Barat

• In the Arab world, Lailatul Barat is called Laylatun Nisf min Sha'ban, which translates to the night in the middle of Sha'ban. In Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, however, Shab-e-Barat is used, which means 'Night of records'.
• A companion of Muhammad, Usama ibn Zaid, once asked him, Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha'ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month. Prophet Muhammad replied: That (Sha'ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.
• According to Islamic tradition, on this night, Muhammad had been prostrating in prayer for so long, that his wife Aisha feared that he was dead. She moved his thumb, and when she saw that he moved his thumb back to its original position, she lay in bed, reassured of his health. After he was done praying, Muhammad explained to his wife that Shab-e-Barat is a holy night during which God forgives the believers and releases countless people from hell.
• The name 'Shab-e-Barat' is derived from Persian and means 'Night of Deliverance' or 'Night of Freedom'. However, in India, it is also colloquially referred to as 'Shab-e-Bara’at', which translates to 'Night of Innocence'.
• On this night, many Muslims in India engage in prayers, ask for forgiveness for their sins, and make Dua (supplication) for their loved ones.

In the News and Trending in India for Lailatul Barat Begins

Top things to do in India for Lailatul Barat

• In most places in the world, this night involves festivities, cooking, and staying up all night in prayer. Schools are often off the next day, to give young children a chance to recuperate.
• In some regions of the world, people visit graves and commemorate their ancestors on this night.
• Private Gatherings for Prayers: Private gathering for prayers, specifically organized in homes or mosques, are common during this evening. People use this time to read the Quran, make additional prayers and remember their deceased loved ones.
• Read a book to learn more about Lailatul Barat:
  Islamic Festivals in India - by Mohini Qasabian
  Islamic Rituals and Celebrations - by Liz Miles
  Celebrations of Faith: Observances from Around the World - by Kathy Henderson