The Blessings of the 15th of Sha’ban

One of the unique benefits of traditional spirituality and classical practice within the religion of al-Islam is the observance of numerous holy days and nights throughout the lunar calendar year in which seekers can take advantage of rare blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth and awakening.

One of the holiest and most significant nights of the Islamic calendar is the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, also known as Shabe Barat. It has classically been observed and understood that the night of the 15th of Sha’ban is the beginning of the new year in the heavenly realm, and that on Shabe Barat, the 15th of Sha’ban, the affairs of human beings are arranged in the Divine Presence for the coming twelve months.

It is for this reason that it has traditionally been recorded and advised to fast the three days in the middle of the month, the 14th, 15th and 16th of Sha’ban, so as to end the previous cycle and begin the new in a state of fasting, which liberates from dependance upon the world of form and increases one’s connection with the the Source of all that is—the Divine, Allah Almighty.

The Blessings of the 15th of Sha’ban

Laylat al-Bara’ah is a night that has been observed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the men and women of knowledge throughout Islamic history. It is one of the rare and special nights of the year in which unique divine blessings descend upon the earth, and through which seekers and supplicants can reach to greater ranks and stations through spiritual worship.

There are numerous traditions—or ahadith—of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in which he relates the unique blessings of the 15th of Sha’ban, or Shabe Barat. Following are three which are helpful in remembering the benefits and blessings of Shabe Barat, also known as Laylat al-Bara’ah.

Hadith #1 on the Blessings of Laylat al-Bara’ah

Fasting in Shaban

It is well known that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fasted extensively throughout the year, but especially in sacred and special months such as the month of Sha’ban in preparation for the holy, blessed and sacred month of Ramadan.

It has been recorded that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has said, “Whoever fasts three days in the month of Shaban and at the time of breaking fast recites salawat three times upon me, his sins will be forgiven and his provisions will be amplified, and on the Day of Judgment he will enter Paradise riding on a heavenly mount.”

Hadith #2 on the Blessings of Laylat al-Bara’ah

Story of Jesus (as)

Recorded in Nuzhat al-Majalis, Sayyidina Anas (ra) related that he heard from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that Jesus (as) once passed by a mountain and there he saw a white stone. He stared upon it with awe. God revealed to His messenger, “Shall I disclose for you a thing stranger than this?”

“Surely!” Jesus (as) answered.

The stone split and from it emerged an old man with a green walking stick in his hand, and pointing to a grape vine he said, “I get my sustenance from here.”

Jesus (as) asked him, “How long have you been busy worshipping God in this stone?”

The man replied, “For four hundred years.”

Jesus (as) said to God, “Certainly there is no one else that can worship as he does.”

God revealed, “Two cycles of prayer by one from the nation of My Beloved Prophet ﷺ on the 15th night of the month of Shaban are better than this four hundred years of worship.”

Hadith #3 on the Blessings of Laylat al-Bara’ah

Night of Forgiveness

The Messenger of God ﷺ continually turned towards his Lord in repentance. He ﷺ did so both out of personal love for God and to set an example for humanity to always remain in remembrance, to perpetually grow in self-awareness and to remain humble in the presence of Allah Almighty.

Recorded in Tirmidhi, the Mother of the Believers Sayyidatuna Aisha (ra) related that she heard from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, “God—Glorious and Exalted—descends to the nearest heaven on the night of the 15th of the month of Shaban, 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.”

Recommended Spiritual Practices

To obtain the maximum benefit from the holy night of the 15th of the month of Sha’ban, there are specific spiritual practices and worship that one can perform, and that have been observed by the pious throughout Islamic history.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast the 13th, 14th and 15th days of the month of Sha’ban not only because these are the days of mid-Sha’ban, but also because these are the “white days” of the month when the moon is full and during which it was the sunnah, or practice, of the Prophet ﷺ to fast.

If one is unable to fast the three days, then it is recommended to fast the day preceding the night of mid-Sha’ban and one additional day prior (or alternatively one day after).

Welcoming Shabe Barat

The following traditional acts of worship are recommended for those who would like to observe the night of Laylat al-Bara’ah so as to obtain greater grace and blessings from the Divine Presence through worship and meditative spiritual practice.

Shower (Ghusl)

It is always a meritorious practice to perform ablutions and ritual washing, and to do so on the eve of sacred nights is considered of great value so that one meets such occasions in an intentional and increasingly purified state. If possible, it is recommended to take a shower (ghusl) before the Maghrib prayer on the evening of the night of the 15th of the month of Sha’ban so as to enter into this night with greater intention and honor.

Surah Ya-Seen

After observing the Maghrib evening prayer, recite Surah Ya-Seen [36] three times, each time with the following respective intention:

1. For health and a long life of worship and divine service.
2. For protection from calamities.
3. For provision directly from the Divine Presence and to be free from need of others.

Salat al-Khair (The Prayer of Goodness)

After the Isha night prayer and anytime throughout the night of Shabe Barat, pray one hundred cycles of prayer, in each cycle reciting Surah al-Fatiha [1] once and Surah al-Ikhlas [112] ten times, ultimately making a total of one thousand recitations of Surah al-Ikhlas.

If unable to pray the entire 100 cycles of prayer, make the intention to pray a lesser amount (such as forty, ten, or even two) and do that. Allah Almighty is Infinitely Merciful and may reward the smallest of intentions and deeds without measure and according to His Greatness and Generosity.

Note on Supererogatory Spiritual Practices

Needless to say, these supererogatory (nawafil) practices of the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, or Shabe Barat, are intensive and they are by no means required, however are extremely beneficial. Do not overburden yourself beyond your capacity. Simply do your best with positive intention, and you will with the mercy and benevolence of God receive divine blessings.

The purpose of worship is to ultimately liberate a human being from the external world of form, to cement one’s connection to the Divine Presence and to develop spiritual presence. This leads to divine peace and purpose, and to a life of goodness and grace.

May Allah Almighty grant you and your loved ones the special blessings of this holy and sacred night.

Allahumma ameen.

To your divine and eternal success.