Shab e Barat 2023

Shab e Barat observers on start of Islamic Date of Shaban 15 and as per Georgian date expected in the evening of 6th March 2023 in Arab world and followed regions.

Shab e Barat 2023 in other regions including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and followed regions will be observed in the evening of 7th March 2023.

Shab e Barat is known as The Night of Forgiveness in Islamic faith and Muslims worldwide. Shab e Barat is also called Laylat al-Baraat in Arabic world.

Mid-Sha'ban is a Muslim holiday observed by Shia and Sunni Sufi Muslim communities on the eve of 15th of Sha'ban — the same night as Shab-e-barat or Laylat al-Bara'ah. Salafis do not celebrate this holiday.

• Date: Tue, Mar 7, 2023 – Wed, Mar 8, 2023
• Observed by: Muslims

When is Shab-e-Barat 2023​

This year, Shab e Barat 2023 is expected to be on the night of Thursday, March 7th, 2023. However, the exact date is subject to the sighting of the moon of Shaban, 1444.

What is Shab-e-Barat:​

Shab e Barat is an important night in the Islamic calendar and it is celebrated in the mid of Shaban (on the night in between the 14th and 15th of Shaban). This is the reason why it is called Nisf Shaban. This blessed night starts at sunset on the 14th of Shaban and ends at dawn on the 15th of Shaban.

Different countries have different ways of celebrating this day and each has a different name for it. Nisf Shaban is known as Shab e Barat or Shabe Barat in South Asia, especially in Sub-continent, Lailatul Barat in Arabic, Nisfu Syaban (Malam Nisfu Syaban) in Indonesia and Malaysia and Berat Kandili in Turkey.

Shab e Barat is a night that many Muslims revere as the night of forgiveness, praying the whole night asking Allah to bestow them with His blessings.

Shab-e-Barat according to Hadith:​

First of all, there are no Sahih Hadiths or verses in the Quran that clearly point out or talk about the significance of the night. However, especially in South Asia, many people celebrate the night, spending time in worship of Allah.

However, there are some Daaif Hadiths that mention the importance and virtues of this night.

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)

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Another Hadith reported by Aishah (R.A.) stated that the Prophet (S.A.W.) spent the night of 14th and 15th Shaban in extensive prayer to the extent that she thought he had died. (Al-Bayhaqi & Al-Tabarani).

Fasting on 15th Shaban:​

There is no authentic Hadith that explicitly mentions the importance of fasting especially on the 15th day of Shaban. As mentioned above the Prophet (S.A.W.) used to fast frequently during this month. So 15th Shaban cannot be singled out for fasting.

Celebration of Shab-e-Barat:​

Different countries have different ways of celebrating this night. People often tend to distribute sweets to each other on this night. Some people even celebrate the night with fireworks although this is a result of the influence of the local traditions and does not have any religious significance and even some scholars called this Bidah (Innovation in religion). In Iraq, people often distribute sweets to children. In South Asian countries, people usually distribute a local dessert known as “Halwa” or other delicacies to neighbors, family, friends, and the poor and needy. Middle Eastern countries normally do not celebrate the night.