Lailatul Barat Begins

Lailatul Barat History

Lailatul Barat, also known as the Night of Salvation or Night of Records, serves as a night of assessment, reflection, and supplication, wherein Muslims believe that their actions of the past year are assessed, and their fate for the upcoming year is recorded by Allah. The observance encourages Muslims to practice acts of worship including prayer, recitation of Quran verses, and seeking forgiveness for any transgressions. This night is perceived as an opportunity for Muslims to reap blessings, have their supplications answered, and have their sins forgiven.

The tradition of Lailatul Barat has a long history, tracing origins back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. South Africa, with its diverse Muslim community, observes Lailatul Barat and its significance is especially highlighted in the diverse religious culture of the nation. Many Muslims in South Africa relate Lailatul Barat to the idea of personal accountability and spiritual renewal. This observance serves as an important opportunity to introspect, reflect, repent and pray for mercy.

Observance of Lailatul Barat in South Africa typically involves increased prayer, night vigils, fasting, and charity. Mosques across the country hold additional prayer services where local communities gather to pray and reflect. Some people also spend the night in quiet prayer at home, while others participate in larger community events. Lailatul Barat typically occurs in the month of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which falls at different times each year on the Gregorian calendar, which is predominantly used in South Africa. Timing for the observance of Lailatul Barat is therefore dependent on the observation of the lunar calendar.

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.
• Largely community-driven in South Africa, some Muslims engage in group prayers and religious gatherings at mosques during Lailatul Barat. Meanwhile, others observe the night in solitude, seeking forgiveness and blessings of Allah for themselves and their loved ones.
• Muslims in South Africa prepare special meals and sweets for the occasion, including baklava, falooda and other traditional goodies. They also distribute food and sweets among the poor and needy, as a sign of charity.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Lailatul Barat Begins

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Charity - This is a night of forgiveness and many use it as an opportunity to give back to their community through acts of charity and kindness.
• Read a book to learn more about Lailatul Barat:
  Seeking Allah Through the Means of Tawassul & Istigatha - by Muhammad Sajad Ali
  Shab-e-Barat: The Night of Deliverance - by Abū Ammaār Yasir al-Qadhī
  The Night of Atonement: A Brief Guide to Celebrating Shab-e-Barat - by The Islamic Bulletin