Shaban in Islam

Significance of the 15th of Shaban in Islam

Shaban is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar considered one of the praiseworthy months. We find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) related to this virtuous month. It is reported that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast most in Shaban except the last few days of the month. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid, reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

 “Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Shaban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month.” Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied: “That (Shaban) 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.” (An-Nasaai)

Special worshiping during the night of 15th of Shaban has recommended. This is based on the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the meaning of which is that during the night of 15th of Shaban, Allah will say “is there any person repenting so that I forgive him, and any person seeking provision so that I provide for him, and any person with distress so that I relieve him, and so on until dawn.” (Ibn Majah) This is the night which exists between 14th and 15th day of Shaban. Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) show that it is a virtuous night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine Mercy.

During this virtuous night, Muslims make special preparations to pray at night from dusk till dawn. Moreover, besides the general prayers, Muslims also keep fast during the consequent day as well to earn maximum rewards from Allah Almighty. Muslims pray various Nawafil for earning the blessings from Allah (SWT). On the Night of 15th Shaban, after Maghrib or Isha prayer it is traditional practice to read Surah Yasin and make special supplications for good health, protection from calamities and to increase faith (Iman).

Therefore, as much as possible, this night should be spent in worship and total submission to Allah Almighty. Also, fasting is recommended on the day immediately following this Night, i.e. the 15th day of Shaban. Hazrat Aisha (RA) reported that:

 “On this night the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] went to Jannat-ul-Baqee to make dua, I followed him. The Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] said to me: Allah puts His attention towards the first Heaven, and forgives the sins of the people, even if they were equivalent to the hairs of the goats of Bunn Qalb (A tribe who at the time had a lot of goats).” (Tirmidhi)

In short, there are many prayers a Muslim can offer during the night of 15th of Shaban. Those who do not believe in the authenticity of the celebration of the Night, should consider it as an ordinary night and perform regular prayers and praise of Allah Almighty without being insulting or patronizing the others who remark this night as special. May ALLAH Almightily forgive us and bestow His blessings upon all the Muslims. Ameen!

15th Shaban And Prayers For The Special Night (Shab e Barat)

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Shab e Barat is one of the most celebrated events of Islamic calendar. It is the night of 15th of Shaban when Muslims indulge in prayers and praising of Allah Almighty. There is a controversy among Muslims on whether to celebrate 15th of Shaban or not. One school of thought says that the night has no or weak proof from hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Quran, therefore, it should not be celebrated, the other school of thought says on the contrary. For reference, you can checkout these posts detailing significance of special night and school of thoughts about Shab e Barat.

Those who celebrate this night are of the opinion that it is the reverenced night and has substantial proof from hadith of Prophet (PBUH), hence it ought to be celebrated and respected. The objective of this post is not to discuss whether or not the night should be celebrated, rather this post addresses those who celebrate this night by staying up at night and gives some major prayers which Muslims can undertake to gain maximum benefits from this Holy night.

Before moving on to the different kind of prayers that a Muslim can offer during this night, it is imperative that a brief introduction of 15th of Shaban be given.

15th of Shaban:

A majority of Muslims considers the night of 15th of Shaban as one of the Holiest nights in the Muslim lunar calendar. During this night, Muslims make special preparations to pray at night from dusk till dawn. Moreover, besides the general prayers, Muslims also keep fast during the consequent day as well to earn maximum rewards from Allah Almighty.

Preparation and Prayers:

Pertaining to the 15th night of Shaban, there are different Nawafil prayers and different Tasbeehs that a Muslim can perform to earn great reward from Allah Almighty. As far as the preparations are concerned, a Muslim needs to do the following two things:

• Stand for Prayer – One must take bath and wear new and clean clothes on the night when he or she is supposed to stand for prayer.
• Ibadat at Night – Secondly, one must also make preparations for standing in night as well. The preparations must include arranging a place for prayers, ensuring minimal disturbance during prayer and a framework in mind regarding which prayers should be offered throughout the night.

The majority of prayers that are discussed in the lines below come under the category of Nawafil. Therefore, the intention of Nafal should be kept in mind when offering the below mentioned prayers.

Prayer#1:

After the prayer of Maghrib, which marks the start of the 15th of the Shaban, you can offer 2 Rakats of Nafal. The first Rakat should have 3 times Surah Ikhlas and one Surah Falaq after the regular recitation of Surah Fatiha. In the second Rakat, keep all the things same and just replace Surah Falak with Surah Naas. After the prayer supplicate asking Allah Almighty for protection of your Imaan.

Prayer#2:

After the Salat of Maghrib, offer two Rakaats of Nafl. Once the prayer is offered, recite Surah Yasin one time, Surah Ikhlas 21 times and Dua Nisf shabaan once. After that supplicate to Allah Almighty for Barkat in your provision and earning.

Prayer#3:

You can offer another 2 Rakaat Nafal after Maghrib prayer after which you must recite Surah Yasin once and read the Dua Nisf Shabaan once as well. After that you can make the Dua for living a righteous life full of piety.

Prayer#4:

Salat Tasbeeh is one of the most renowned Nafal prayers that carry abundant reward for the person who offers it. To offer Salat Tasbeeh one can consult the Imaam of any mosque or religious scholar who can guide in detail about the way Salat Tasbeeh is offered and what is to be recited in it.

Additional Prayers:

• Salaat e Tasbeeh – In addition to the aforementioned Nafal prayers, a person can offer simple Nawafil as well and recite Holy Quran throughout the night which also brings numerous rewards to the recite. Moreover, Tasbeeh of different kinds and of liking can also be done to earn countless blessings throughout the night.
• Tilawat e Quran – Moreover, besides the prayers, you can rejoice this special night with the Tilawat e Quran e Paak. Reciting the Holy Quran in the blessed night would definitely be a beneficial activity bringing special rewards to your account.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, there are a variety of prayers a Muslim can offer during the night of 15th of Shabaan. Those who do not believe in the authenticity of the celebration of the Night, should consider it as an ordinary night and perform regular prayers and praise of Allah Almighty without being insulting or condescending to the others who regard this night as special.