Today is the holy night of Shab-e-Barat.

Tonight, Muslims across the country will solemnly observe Shab-e-Barat, also known as Lailatul Bara’at, with deep religious reverence and spiritual devotion. The occasion, falling on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha’ban, is widely regarded as a night of forgiveness, reflection, and divine mercy.

In Dhaka, the Islamic Foundation has organised a series of events at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, including recitations from the Holy Qur’an, naats (praises of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), religious sermons (waz), and collective prayers. Following the Maghrib prayer, the programme commenced with a sermon highlighting the virtues and significance of Shab-e-Barat.

At 6:30 pm, Mufti Nazrul Islam Qasemi, Khatib of Badamtoli Shahjada Lane Jame Mosque, delivered a discourse on the merits and importance of the night based on the Qur’an and Hadith. Later, at 8:30 pm, Dr Afam Khalid Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, addressed the attendees on the teachings of Shab-e-Barat, outlining both recommended practices and actions to avoid. The event was presided over by A. Salam Khan, Director General of the Islamic Foundation and Senior District and Sessions Judge.

The mosque remains open throughout the night for nafl prayers, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and personal devotion. The programme will conclude after the Fajr prayer with the Akhiri Munajat (final supplication) led by Senior Pesh Imam Maulana Muhammad Mizanur Rahman.

Similar events, including seminars, sermons, and prayer gatherings, are being conducted at the Islamic Foundation’s divisional and district offices, Islamic Mission Centres, and Imam Training Academies across the country.

Shab-e-Barat holds profound spiritual significance. The term “Bara’at” derives from the Arabic root bara’ah, meaning release or salvation, symbolising liberation from sins and divine forgiveness. Islamic scholars consider this night a moment of introspection and moral renewal. According to Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Allah looks upon His creation during the middle night of Sha’ban and forgives all except those harbouring hatred or disbelief.

The night is closely associated with destiny, as it is believed that matters of life, death, sustenance, and happiness for the coming year are presented to the angels. While ultimate fate remains with Allah, sincere prayers and repentance allow believers to seek divine mercy and blessings. Traditional observances include night-long worship, heartfelt supplications, and fasting the following day, emphasising personal reflection over ostentation.

Shab-e-Barat Schedule at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque

Shab-e-Barat emphasises that Islam is a faith of the heart, not of mere ritual display. Fireworks, loud celebrations, or mandatory ceremonies are not sanctioned in Qur’an or Hadith. Instead, the night calls for deep spiritual reflection, self-evaluation, and sincere engagement with Allah, reminding believers of the true essence of faith.