Shab-e-Barat: Pakistanis to observe the night of forgiveness tonight

Muslims across Pakistan and other countries are blessed enough to experience Shab-e-Barat, the night of forgiveness tonight.

Sindh government has announced a public holiday on March 29 (today). On this day, Muslims ignore all non-essential activities to devote their time to prayers.
Shab-e-Barat brings its own festivities as it has equal importance as an Eid day. Muslims tend to share sweets and dishes, they pray alone or in a congregation to ask for forgiveness. This time, Muslims may pray in small groups or alone as they will follow coronavirus SOPs.

Muslims in Gulf countries have enjoyed the festival yesterday night.

Shab-E-Barat According To Muslims Scholars

According to Imam Al-Shafi’ee:

“There are five nights when the supplications (Duas) are accepted by Allah. These are (1) Friday night, (2) Night before Eid-ul-Fitr, (3) Night before Eid-ul-Adha, (4) First night of Rajab and (5) Night of Nisf Shaban.”

According to Imam Malik:

“There are four nights in which gates of righteousness are opened, (1) Night before Eid-ul-Fitr, (2) Night before Eid-ul-Adha, (3) Night of Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah during Hajj) and (5) Night of Nisf Shaban.”

Celebration Of Shab-E-Barat

At this auspicious night, people tend to distribute sweets and other delicacies to each other. People also pray to Allah Almighty in the congregation. Men visit graveyards and pray for the departed souls. Mosques and homes are illuminated as well. 

Fasting

Fasting in Shaban is not a Farz. However, some people keep fast on 15th Shaban as a nafl worship. Fasting in Shaban is Sunnah.

We are blessed to have the night of forgiveness when many people are struggling against diseases and problems. On this Holy night, let’s not forget those struggling against the coronavirus pandemic. Let’s not forget to pray for frontline workers and health workers who are putting efforts to end the pandemic. Let’s not forget to pray for the development and long life of Pakistan.