When is Shab e-Barat?
Also known as Bara'at Night, Mid Shaban, The Night of Records, The Night of Fortune and Forgiveness, Shab e-Barat is a holiday observed on the 14th night of Sha'aban, the eighth month in the Islamic calendar. In Turkey, it is called Berat Kandili
Shab e-Barat takes place on the full moon and the date of the public holiday in Bangladesh is dependent on the sighting of the previous new moon signifying the start of the month of Sha'aban.
The traditions of Shab e-Barat
Muslims believe that on the night of Shab e-Barat, God writes the destinies of all men for the coming year by taking into account the deeds committed by them in the past.
Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the Holy Qur'an and perform other religious rituals throughout the night of Shab e-Barat, hoping to receive divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.
In Indonesia, believers gather in mosques to repeatedly recite Allah's name.
On Shab-e-Barat night, most Muslims attempt to stay awake in prayer as much as possible. This is why the public holiday takes place on the day after the night of Shab-e-Barat.
For some Muslims, it is also part of Shab e-Barat traditions to visit the graves of their loved ones and pray for the peace of their souls. In Bangladesh, many people will fast on the day following Shab e-Barat night and some people will give out food and sweets to their neighbours and the poor.
Sha'aban 14 is also honoured by Twelver Shia Muslims as the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be the ultimate saviour of mankind.
