There is no doubt that every moment of life spent in the submission and obedience to Almighty Allah and His beloved Prophet S.A.W. is exceptionally meaningful and highly valuable but there are some specific occasions that have more significance. Among those, the month of Sha’ban is one of the best months in the estimation of Allah. Therefore, the Muslims have been accustomed to celebrate some auspicious events during the month of Sha'ban by praying, reciting Quran, and making a great deal of supplication (Nawafil) to Allah during this month. As the month of Sha’ban is an introduction to Ramadan,our beloved Prophet S.A.W used to say "O' Allah! Bless us abundantly in Rajab and Sha'ban and deliver us safely unto Ramadan."
There are scores of Hadith that endorse its authenticity. There is famous Hadith narrated by Aisha RA “I missed Allah's Messenger during the night and found him in Al-Baqi'. He said: Were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would deal unjustly with you? I said: Allah's Messenger, I thought that you had gone to some of your other wives. He (the Prophet) said: Verily Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, comes down to the heaven of the world in "The Middle Night of Sha'ban" and forgives sins even more abundant than the hair of the goats of Kalb.Another Hadith is narrated by Abdullah IbnAmribn al-'Aas Allah's Messenger said, “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on "the middle night of Sha'ban" and forgives all His creation except two people, the Mushahin(one bent on hatred) and the murderer”
Scholars including Imam Shafii, Imam Nawawi, Imam Ghazzali, and Imam Suyuti, the night of mid-Sha’ban deliberated upon it and observed it as a night of worship and salvation. Even Imam Ibn-Taimiyyah RA put forward his own opinion about this night. When asked about the 15th night of Sha’ban. He replied: “As for the 15th night of Shabaan is concerned, there are many narrations (quotes from the Sahabah) regarding its virtue. It has been reported of the Salaf that they prayed on this night. Therefore, praying alone on this night, having precedence in the Salaf, is sufficient evidence and something of this kind surely cannot be denied‘‘. On another occasion, Ibn-Taimiyyah was asked the same question and he replied: “If one prays on this night alone or in a select company of people as many groups amongst the Salaf (predecessors) did, "then it is good".(FatawaIbnTaimiyyah). Imam Suyuti says: “As for the night of mid-Sha`ban, it has great merit and it is desirable (Mustahab) to spend part of it in supererogatory worship. Imam Shafi' mentioned in his writings, “Verily, Dua is accepted on five nights: the night of Juma’, the night of Eid Al-Adha, the night of Eid Al-Fitr, the first night of Rajab, and the 15th night of Shabaan”
The virtue of the Night of Mid Shaban has been established right from the Prophet (S.A.W) himself and has come from multiple channels of transmission from Abdullah bin Amr, Abu Hurairah, Abu Thulabah, Awf bin Malik, Abu Bakr, Abu Musa, Aishah (May Allah be pleased with all of them) each of the narrations strengthening each other. The virtues of this blessed night are established by Ahadith and a group of the Salaf (predecessors) is an early Muslim of the first three generations of proponents of the religion.But,few sects are claiming that all those Ahadith mentioned in support of this Night are Zayeef (weak). But, the Muslims who are adhering to the full faith regarding its spiritual significance perform Nawafil (special/optional prayers) and ask forgiveness for themselves as well as their ancestors. People offer Nawafil in their homes and mosques and pray out for desires, forgiveness, worldly and after-worldly fortunes, reciting the Quran doing good acts to get Allah's attention and blessings. 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.
As the night is believed to be a night when Allah declares fortune and forgiveness for anyone in a quest.
In Kashmir Valley, the majority of the Muslim population observes this night with religious fervor and gaiety. They treat it as an opportunity to seek forgiveness for their offenses. People visit Mosques to serve Halva, tea for the devotees. The main congregation prayer is held at the Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Thousands of people from different parts of the Valley stay there for whole night.
The author is a teacher by Profession
Email:------minamharoon123@gmail.com
