Laylatul Bara’ah (15th night of Sha’baan)

The Mubārak month of Ramadhān is on our doorstep, ready to welcome us. Allāh Ta’ālā has allowed us once again to anticipate the coming of this most blessed month. Allāh Ta’ālā has also afforded us the opportunity to ensure that we enter Ramadhān Mubārak free of sins!

Allāh Ta’ālā has given certain times and occasions virtue over others. These are occasions where the Rahmah of Ar-Rahmān fully descends, where the doors of acceptance and forgiveness are open even wider than usual. One such night is that of the 15th of Sha’bān.

Many Ahādīth and sayings of the pious have been narrated regarding this night.

Nabi Sallalāhu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam is reported to have said: “Verily, Allāh Ta’ālā beholds his creation on the night of the 15th of Sha’bān, and He forgives all of them except a mushrik (idolator) and one who harbours hatred in his heart.” (Sahīh Ibn Hibbān, 5665). In another narration, a murderer is included amongst those not forgiven. Other narrations include the consumption of alcohol, disobedience to parents, and adultery as sins that deprive one of the blessings of this night. A male who allows his clothing to go over his ankles is also included in these unfortunate ones. May Allāh Ta’ālā protect us!

Nabi Sallalāhu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam is also reported to have said that the number of sins Allāh Ta’ālā forgives on this night is greater than the amount of wool on the sheep of the Kalb tribe! (Tirmidhi, 739)

Imām Shafi’ī Rahimahullāh has said: “It has reached us that verily Du’ās are (especially) accepted on 5 nights; The night of Jumu’ah, the two ‘Īds, the 1st night of Rajab and the 15th of Sha’bān.”

Many of the senior Tabi’īn are reported to have exerted themselves in Ibaadah on this night. It is said that some of them would perfume themselves and stand in Salāh the entire night!

What should we do?

– We should repent from all sins, especially the ones narrated in these Ahādīth. We should clean our hearts of any ill feelings for others.

– We should exert ourselves in ‘Ibādah on this night. We should stand in Salāh, recite the Qur’ān Karīm, and engage in Zikr. At the very least, men should not leave out their ‘Ishā’ and Fajr Salāhs with Jamā’ah. This will ensure that they receive the night’s reward in ‘Ibādah.

– Recite Istighfār (seek forgiveness) in abundance. How unfortunate if we are deprived while so many are being forgiven!

– No particular collective ‘Ibādah is Sunnah on this night. Therefore, we should engage in ‘Ibādah individually.

The 15th of Sha’baan in South Africa will be tonight (Tuesday – 7 March 2023).

May Allāh Ta’ālā give us the ability to take the maximum benefit from this night, and may He allow us to enter Ramadhān totally forgiven, Āmīn!