On the night of Shab-e-Baarat, Allaah decides and determines the affairs of the coming year. During the night, Allaah determines the destinies of all humans by taking into consideration the deeds of the previous year.
The Significance of Shab-e-Baraat
This night is called Shabe-Baraat ( the night of freedom ) because Allaah frees all His sinful servants who were destined for Jahannam. The Qur’an has called it a blessed night.
This month is an introduction to Ramadhaan, like Shawwal hail the end of Ramadhaan.
Allaah Ta'ala 's mercy decends during this night
During this night, beginning at sunset Allaah Ta'ala 's special attention descends upon the first sky. He proclaims
• Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, that I may pardon him?
• Is there anyone requesting sustenance that I may provide for him?
• Is there anyone afflicted with difficulty (so that he may ask for assistance) that I may help him?
• Is there anyone with any other need?
Muslims typically celebrate Shab-e-Baraat on the 15th of Shaban, usually around fifteen days before the month of Ramadan begins. This year, Shab-e-Baraat will be celebrated on the 17th of July, 2011. The celebration generally includes worshipping Allaah all night, asking for His forgiveness and requesting for things that you desire.
According to a Hadith, ProphetMuhammad(صلى الله عليهو سلم) said that any individual who fasts for three days during the month of Shabaan and recites durood three times at Iftar, Allaah will forgive his sins and will increase his provisions. Additionally, the person will enter Paradise on a female camel on the Day of Judgment.
Nawafil / Khaza Umri
As mentioned earlier, on the day of Shab-e-Baraat, Muslims perform Nawafil and worship Allaah to gain as much rewards as possible.
1.Pray Salaat ul Tasbeeh.
2.Pray Tahajjud.
3.Pray Qaza Umri.
Forgiveness on Shab-e-Baraat
The Prophet Muhammad(صلى الله عليه و سلم) says,
“Allaah Glorious and Exalted descends to the nearest heaven on the night of mid-Shabaan (15th night) and He forgives more people than the number of hair on the hides of the flocks and herds of sheep of the tribe of Kalb”. {Tirmidhi}.
However, there are some people who are not forgiven on the night of Shab-e-Baraat because of their previous deeds. Those who are not forgiven on the night of Shab-e-Barat are mentioned below.
1. Alcoholics and habitual drinkers
2. Those who perform adultery on a regular basis.
3. Individuals who disobey their parents
4. Individuals who have severed family ties.
5. Those who like to spread mischief.
6. Those who back bite often.
*However, some narrations vary in this regard. Other narrations also include individuals practicing magic, gaining interest, lowering pants below their ankles with pride, beginning a dispute between two Muslims and those who have hatred for a Muslim in their heart. All these individuals are among those who are not forgiven on Shab-e-Barat.
Conclusion
Therefore, Shab-e-Baraat has tremendous benefits for Muslims. It is best to pray and worship Allaah on that night and seek his forgiveness. Quran teaching to children will allow them to learn about the benefits of such nights in Islam.