Shab e Barat 2024 Night of Forgiveness and Blessings


Updated: February 14, 2024

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Shab e Barat is an important Islamic festival known as the Night of Forgiveness. On the 15th of Shaban, it is believed that Allah decides the destiny and future of all living things on earth.

At night, Muslims everywhere ask Allah for forgiveness for their mistakes. Also, the night can be used to pray for forgiveness for family members who have passed away or are unwell. It is thought that Allah decides the fate and future of every living thing on Earth on this night. Muslims around the world have different ways of celebrating the night based on their culture and local customs.

The month of Shaban

Shaban is the 8th month in the Islamic Calendar. It is a month when we ask Allah for forgiveness and blessings. The Hadiths also show that this month is special.

“When it is the fifteenth of Shaban, then stand (in worship) at Night and fast during the day. Because Allah descends in this Night at sunset to the first heaven and says: ‘Is there any seeker of forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there any seeker of sustenance that I may sustain him? Is there anyone in affliction, that I may remove his affliction? Is there anyone like this, like that (and so on)’. This continues until Fajr.”Ibn Majah

What is Shab e Barat?

The meaning of Shab e Barat is the night of forgiveness. It also means the night of Atonement. It is called by many different names in different cultures around the world, like Cheragh e Barat, Barat Night, Berat Kandili, or Nisfu Syaaban. Because of the special qualities of the night, it is one of the most sacred nights in Islam. People pray at night to ask for forgiveness for their ancestors’ mistakes and to protect them from going to hell.

Shab e Barat is an important Islamic festival
Shab e Barat is an important Islamic festival

The Date of Shab e Barat 2024 in Different Countries

Shab-e-Barat is celebrated every year on the 15th of the Islamic month of Shaban. The same date is celebrated in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other nearby areas. Shab e Barat is on a different date in the Arab world and some other regions. In 2024, it is expected to be on the evening of 24 February in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and other nearby areas. In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other nearby areas the 15th of Shaban will be on February 25th, 2024. The night of forgiveness in the Islamic calendar is on the 15th of Shaban, 1446 AH.

When Is Shab E Barat 2024 USA?

In the USA, Shab e Barat in 2024 will be on February 24th. The night of forgiveness in 2024 is expected to be on the evening of 24 February 2024 in the USA.

In Islam, there are important events that have special meaning. Shab e Barat is a very important event in Islam. Every year, Muslims in the USA make special plans for the event. They are excitedly waiting to see the moon so they can know the exact date of Shab e Barat in 2024 and make plans for what to do.

Shab e Barat is celebrated by Muslims worldwide

Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, is an important event for Muslims in South and Central Asia, including countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is celebrated widely in these regions.

In South Asia, especially in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, people celebrate Shab-e-Barat with a lot of excitement and respect. Muslims decorate their homes and light candles and lights to celebrate the event. They also go to mosques and temples, read the Quran, and pray to Allah for forgiveness and blessings.

Celebrating Shab-e-Barat Around the World: Customs and Traditions

In some places, like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, people make special food and desserts to share with their family, friends, and neighbors. In the Middle East, especially in Iran, Shab-e-Barat is called Berat Kandili, and it means the night of forgiveness. Iranians celebrate this night by lighting candles and decorating their homes with flowers and colorful lights. They also go to mosques to pray and ask for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings. In Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, Shab-e-Barat is called Nisfu Syaaban. Muslims in these countries celebrate this night by going to mosques and praying. They also light candles and decorate their homes with bright lights and flowers. In Indonesia, Muslims read the Quran and do Zikr, a way of remembering Allah, to ask for forgiveness and blessings.

The History of Shab e Barat

Many people think that this night is special because Allah is very forgiving, and if they pray sincerely, it can help them get rid of their sins. At night, people pray for their family who have passed away or are sick. They believe that Allah decides what will happen to them in the next year, like how much money they will have and if they can go on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Shab-e-Barat is a very holy night in Islam, and people all over the world celebrate it with a lot of excitement. During the celebrations, people fast, pray, visit graves, and share sweets to think about their actions and ask for forgiveness.

The History of Shab e Barat
The History of Shab e Barat

Why is Shab e Barat Celebrated

We do not have a big celebration for Shab e Barat, but we show respect and pray on this day. There is no reason to be happy about it. 

Instead, we watch it by praying, doing extra prayers, reading the Quran, and making dua because Prophet Muhammad, his companions, and the good people of this community have been doing it for a long time.

The Significance of Shab e Barat in Islam

The Quran does not have a special verse about Shab e Barat. However, some Muslim scholars believe that there are verses in the Quran that show the importance of Shab e Barat.

“Surely, We have sent it down in the blessed night. Surely, We are Warner. In this (night) judgement is given on all matters of wisdom (separately) by Our Command.”(Al-Quran, 44:3-5)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for his loved ones on the night of forgiveness called Shab e Barat. On this date, people also like to do good things because it is when Allah decides what will happen to Muslims around the world.

Aishah (R.A.) narrated that:

“… He (S.A.W.) said: ‘Indeed Allah, Mighty, and Sublime is He, descends to the lowest Heavens during the night of the middle of Shaban, to grant forgiveness to more than the number of hairs on the sheep of (Banu) Kalb.'”(Tirmidhi: 739)

So, followers of Islam spend the night asking for forgiveness and wishing for good luck in the future. They want to start fresh.

Shab e Barat Dua and Prayer

Shab e Barat is a special night for prayer and forgiveness. On the 15th of Shaban, people can pray to Allah to forgive their sins. One of the most common prayers at night is Salatul Tasbih, a prayer for people asking for mercy. People can pray an extra 100 rakats of prayer called Nafil. You can pray the Dua-e-nisf-e-Shabaan-al-Muazzam and ask for good things after the Maghrib prayer. This can protect your faith, and bring prosperity and a life full of goodness and kindness from Allah. Muslims can also pray for themselves during the month of Shaban.

The Importance of Fasting

There is no real Hadith that clearly says that fasting on the 15th day of Shaban is important. As I said before, the Prophet (S. AW) used to fast often during this month. So, it is not allowed to just fast on the 15th of Shaban.

Fasting prepares you for Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Shaban can help you prepare for Ramadan, both in your soul and body. One of the well-known sayings of Prophet Muhammad about the 15th of Shaban is: 

Hazrat Aisha narrated:

‘’ I could not find the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on one of the nights, so I went out and found him in (the cemetery of) Baqī. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Did you fear that Allah and His Messenger will do injustice to you?” I said: O Messenger of Allah, I thought you might have gone to the house of some of the wives. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied: “Verily, Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the first heaven and forgives the sins of the people, even if they were equivalent to the hairs of the goats of Banī Qalb. [Tirmidi]

Summing Up

Shab e Barat, you can do good things like praying for yourself and all Muslims, reading the Quran, and any other good deeds to get Allah’s blessings. These actions are recommended by the Prophet (S. AW) in the Hadiths. But remember, you don’t have to do any worship on this night if you don’t want to.


Islamic Prayer Time

Islamic Prayer Time

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