Forgiveness on the Night of 15th Shaban
Countless souls are forgiven by Allah Ta’ala on this blessed night – thus known as ‘Laylatul Bara'ah’ (Night of freedom from the fire).
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “This is the night of the half of Shaban. Allah Ta’ala looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who pray for mercy …” (Bayhaqi)
Unfortunate person
Despite the magnitude of this night, some will be deprived.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “This is the middle Night of Sha'ban. Allah frees in it a large number of people from the Fire, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe of Kalb – but He does not cast a glance at a person who :
1. associates partners with Him,
2. harbours malice in his heart
3. severs family ties
4. leaves his garment below his ankles
5. disobeys his parents
6. has a habit of drinking wine.” (Bayhaqi)
Let us make amends now and restore broken relationships to avoid being among the deprived.
What to do on this Night
The night should be used purposefully in seeking sincere repentance, optional Salah, Dua, Durood, restoring strained relationships and other acts of virtue.
The following Dua has been reported from Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) on this night:
A’uzu bi afwika min iqabik wa auzu bi ridaka min sakhatik wa auzu bika minka la uhsi Sana an ‘alayka anta kama asnayta ‘ala nafsik.
Translation: O Allah! I seek protection through Your forgiveness from Your punishment. I seek protection from Your anger by means of Your pleasure. I seek protection in You from You, I cannot truly praise You as You ought to be praised, You are as You have praised Yourself.
Fast of Shaban
Fasting on the 15th of Sahban is encouraged and meritorious.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was asked, “Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?’ He replied, ‘Fasts of Shabaan in honour of Ramadan.” (Ibnu Abi Shaybah)
Preparation for Ramadan
Shaban presents an ideal opportunity to ponder over one’s past life and firmly resolve to reform and change oneself. Make a firm intention to make Ramadan the best Ramadan of one’s life.
Darul Ihsan Centre
