Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in the country will observe a prayerful vigil on Tuesday night to observe Shab-e-Baraat.
This year, Shab-e-Baraat and the Hindu festival of Holi are falling on the same day, prompting the Islamic Centre of India, after a meeting on Sunday, to issue an advisory on the ceremonial festival of Shab-e-Barat.
According to Islamic tenets, Shab-e-Baraat is the night when Allah (swt) seals the fate of a Muslim, including their death, and whether they will be able to conduct Hajj.
Due to the virtues of this pious night, it is one of the holiest nights in Islam. People use the night to atone for the sins of their ancestors and prevent them from hellfire.
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board on Monday issued a detailed advisory which also gives out the timing of Isha prayers at some prominent mosques and shrine of the union territory, including the shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani or Alamdar-e-Kashmir in Central Kashmir’s Chrari Sharif town.
Many Muslims also observe a fast after completing the vigil with some observing fast for three days and some for even six days.
According to the Islamic calender, the vigil is observed on the 14th and 15th nights of the month of Sha’aban, which symbolises a night of mercy and fortune. Muslims believe Allah descends from heaven with his mercy, forgives sins and distributes largesse to those who repent in this night and take a vow to follow the true path. .
“Additionally, the night can be used to seek mercy for the deceased and ill family members. It is believed that Allah decides the fortune and the future of every creature of the earth on this night. Muslims across the world celebrate the night differently depending upon cultural diversity and local traditions,” according to zamzam.com.
There are many stories associated with Shab-e-Baraat. Shia believe that the 12th Imam was born and the community celebrates the day as his birthday. Many Muslims believe that on the 15th Shaban, Allah saved the arch of Nuh from the life threatening flood.
In one hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was seen visiting Jannatul Baqi on the 15th of Shaban. On the night, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for his family members in the graveyard.
Following the gesture, Muslims would go to the graves of their loved ones and seek forgiveness for the deceased.