Shab e-Barat, also known as Mid-Sha’ban or Bara’at Night, is a Muslim holiday which is observed all over the world on the evening between the 14th and the 15th Sha’ban – or full moon day. This places the celebration of the holiday somewhere between May and June on the Gregorian calendar, depending on where it is being observed. It is regarded as the evening when all of men’s fortunes for the upcoming year are decided and also the time when Allah may forgive those who have sinned. In some Muslim countries, it is also a night to honor those ancestors who have come before you.

History of Shab e-Barat

The tradition of celebrating this holiday goes back to the Quran. While this holiday isn’t mentioned outright in the Quran, there are two verses that are associated with this holiday. “We sent it down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning, Therein is decreed every matter of ordainment” – Quran 44:3–4. However, these verses also allude to the holiday with the Night Of Decree, when they are combined with the verses that follow and the paragraph is read as a whole.

Shab e-Barat Customs & Traditions

Shab e-Barat is usually a festive occasion that is celebrated in a number of different ways. Many people will spend the day preparing sweets. These sweets can include Kaju Barfi, Papaya Halwa, and Milk Halwa and are often distributed the day before the 15th of Sha’ban. On this day, people also pray to Allah and worship at the mosque. Some people will spend the evening with their friends and families. However, not everyone who celebrates this day does so in a festive manner. Some people celebrate it by spending the whole night fasting and praying.

In some Islamic countries, Shab e-barat is an optional holiday that workers can choose to take or not to take. However, if they do choose to celebrate this holiday, then it comes out of the optional holidays they may have available.