Month of Prophet Muhammad alaihissalam

Assalamualikum
Mahe shabaan shareef Mubarak
15th shabaan Shabe Baraat or Lailatul bara'a  Mubarak

Sha’abaan – month of forgiveness of sins:

It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Anas bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased with him), he said that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) among the great months of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the month of Rajab and that is the month of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). The one who respects and reveres Rajab verily reveres the commands of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will enter the person into Jannah who reveres His command and will grant him His pleasure.
Sha’abaan is My month. Whoever reveres Sha’abaan verily reveres My command and whoever respects My command, on the day of the Qiyamah, I will be the his helper and a source of good for him.
Ramadhan is the month of My Ummah. Whoever respects Ramadhan and maintains its sanctity and does not violate it and fasts in its days and stands up in worship in its nights and saves his organs, that person will come out of Ramadhan in such a state that there will no sin on him for which Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will call him to account.
(Baihaqi, Shu’abul Iman, Hadith No: 3652, Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No: 35216)

 

 

Hadith related from the Companion Abdullah b.'Amr (May Allaah be pleased with him) which says that the Prophet(Sallalahu Alaihi Wassalam) said: "Allah looks at His creation during the night of the

15th of Sha'ban and He forgives His servants except two- one intent on hatred (mushanin) and a murderer (qatilu nafs). ( Ref : Musnad Ahmad 2/176 #6642. Al-Bazzar also related this Hadith and he classified it as 'hasan'. )

 

Imam Suyuti (Rh)says in his Haqiqat al-sunna wa al-bid`a:“As for the night of mid-Sha`ban, it has great merit and it is desirable (mustahabb) to spend part of it in supererogatory worship.” ( Ref: Suyuti, Haqiqat al-sunna wa al-bid`a aw al-amr bi al-ittiba` wa al-nahi `an al-ibtida` (1405/1985 ed.) p. 58. He adds: "However, this must be done alone, not in congregation.")

 

Five letters of the word Sha’abaan and what they mean

The leader of all saints, Hadhrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (May Allah sanctify his soul) says
about the secret meanings hidden in the word “Sha’abaan”:
There are five letters in the word “Sha’abaan” (i.e. in the Arabic word):
The Arabic “Sheen,” which stands “Sharaf” i.e. honor.
“’Ain,” which stands for “’Ulu” i.e. elevation.
“Ba” which stands for “birr” i.e. virtuousness.
“Alif” which stands for “Ulfat” i.e. love
“Noon” which stands for “Noor” i.e. radiance, light.

These letters indicate that in the month of Sha’abaan, the worshippers of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) are granted these bounties by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).

 

Hadhrat Ghouse Azam Dastagir (May Allah be well pleased with him) points out the temporary nature of this world and the changing of times and says about the importance of the month of Sha’abaan in these words:

Life has 3 states:

The past state, the present state and the future state.

 In the same way, there are 3 months: Rajab, which has passed and will not return and

Ramadhan, which we are waiting for. We do not know whether we will be alive to get it

or not and Sha’abaan is the link between these 2 months.

We should consider obedience to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as a respipte (Ghaneemat)
(Ghuniya Lit talibi tariqil haqqi, Vol. 1, Pg No: 188)

 

Sha’abaan is the month of Durud:

The verse of Durud was revealed in this month and the command for Durud was given to us, so for this reason we are asked to send a lot of Durud on the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in this month. As given in Ghuniya Lit talibi  tariqil haqqi, Vol. 1, Pg No:188:

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would fast for the whole of Sha’abaan. When I asked Him, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) writes (the names of) all those who would die in this year in this night. I desire that My time of passing away should be when I am fasting. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: This is that month between Rajab and Ramadhan, which people do not think about and this is the month in which deeds (a’amaal) are presented before Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), so I want that I should be fasting and My deeds should be presented before Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).(Sunan Nasai, Vol. 1, Pg No: 321. Hadith No: 2317, Musnad Imam Ahmed, Musnad UlAnsaar, Hadith No: 20758)

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.

 

wassalam

LAYLATUL BARAA'AH (NIGHT OF SALVATION) SHAB-E-BARAAT

Bismillah hirrahman nirraheem

Nahmadahu va nusalli ala rasoolahil kareem

Assalamualikum va rahmatullahi va barakatahu

Most beloved fasts of the Prophet (pbuh) is fasting in the month of Shaban

Narrated Hazrat Aishah(ra);

I asked himself Prophet (pbuh):

“You fast most on the month of Shaban.”

He commanded:

O Aishah! This month is such a month that the names of all people who are going to die in the coming year are given to Azrail (The Angel of Death). I wish, if my name given, I must be in a state of fasting. (Bukhari)

In another narration Hazrat Aishah(ra):

“Shaban was the most beloved month to Allah’s Prophet to fast in it. And he used to fast and connected it with Ramadan.”

(Nasai, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Bayhaqi, Abu Dawud)

LAYLATUL BARAA'AH - NIGHT OF SALVATION 

The 15th night of Shabaan is a very blessed night. According to the Hadith Shareef, the name of this Mubarak night is "Nisf Shabaan"which means 15th night of Shabaan. The reason for this special night to attain its name of Laylatul Baraa'ah, meaning the Night of Salvation, Seeking Freedom from Azaab and Calamity, is that in this night the Barkaat and acceptance of repentance may be accomplished. Laylatul Baraa'ah in Persian, as well as in Urdu, is called Shabbe Baraat.

Deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds

Usama (ra) said:

“O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Shaban.”

Prophet (pbuh):

“That is a month of which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. In this month deeds are and lifted up and presented to the Lord of the Worlds. I wish my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.” (Nasai, Ahmad Bin Hanbal)

Allah (swt) will forgive past sins of him who fasts on Shaban

“When the night of the middle of Shabaan (the night of Baraat) comes, spend the night in pray and spend the day fasting, Allah descends to the lowest Heaven and says, “Is there anyone begging for forgiveness that I might forgive him? Is there anyone begging for sustenance that I may feed him? Is there any such and such?” This goes on until the break of dawn” (Ibn Majah)

HOW TO WELCOME THIS NIGHT 
On this auspicious night, you should perform fresh Ghusal and Wudhu and perform the two Rakaat of Tahhiyatul Wudhu. In every Rakaat, after the Suratul Fatiha, you should read Ayatul Kursi once and Surah Ahad three times. Also perform eight Rakaats of Salaah with four Salaams. In each Rakaat after the Surah Fatiha, you should read the Ayatul Kursi (once) and Surah Ahad fifty times. 

WHAT TO RECITE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SUNSET 
After sunset, you should recite "La Hawla walaa Quwwata illa Billahil-aliyil Azeem" forty times with three times Durood Shareef before and after. It is mentioned that by reciting this, Almighty Allah will forgive forty years of your sins and forty Hoors will await to serve you in Jannatul Firdous. 

COUNTLESS MERCIES 
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated: "Verily! Almighty Allah directs His Special Grace on the world on this Night. He forgives my Ummah more than the number of wool that is found on the sheep of the Bani Kalb". We should remember that in those days the Bani Kalb possessed the most number of sheep that any other tribe. 

How great is the Mercy of Almighty Allah on this night that He forgives millions of Muslims. We also realise from this that these numbers can only pertain to the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah collectively, for the righteous followers of the Hanafi, Shaafi'i, Maaliki and Hambali indeed number millions of Muslims. 

THE VISITORS OF THIS NIGHT 
It is narrated that the departed souls (Arwaah) of the Muslims visit the houses of their friends and relatives on this night and proclaim: "O people of the house! You stay in our houses and enjoy the wealth that we have left behind. You use our children and take work from them, please perform our Esaale Sawaab. Verily our deeds have become complete, while your record of deeds is still spread". 

If the people of the house perform the Esaale Sawaab and Khatam Shareef on this night, then the Arwaah depart will the Sawaab extremely happy and overjoyed all the time making Du'a for the people. 

VISIT TO THE CEMETERY 
Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu anha) reports: "One night, which was the 15th of Shabaan, I did not find the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in the house so I went in search of him. After a long search, I found him in Baqiah (the cemetery of Madinah) offering Du'a for the deceased and praying for their forgiveness". (Baihaqi) 

A special point must be made to visit the cemetery during this night and pray for the deceased buried therein, as the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is been reported as having visited the cemetery on this night and spending a long time therein, lamenting, reading and praying for the deceased. 

TO KEEP FAST 
According to the Hadith Shareef which is narrated by Ibne Habaan (radi Allahu anhu) that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "When the night of 15th Shabaan arrives spend the night awake and keep fast the next day". 

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) reports that the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said often in his Khutba (sermon): "O people! Lighten and cleanse your bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that it shall be easy and helpful to you for the fast during Ramadaan. Whoso fasts for three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off". (Baihaqi) Fasting is also recommended on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Shabaan. 

HOW TO SPEND THE NIGHT 
On this night, perform Nawaafil, recite the Quran Shareef, recite abundant Durood Shareef, Istighfaar and Kalima Tayyibah. It is also mentioned that if one reads Surah Dukhaan seven times on this night, Almighty Allah will reward you with 70 worldly needs and 70 deeds for the Hereafter. 

SHAB-E-BARAAT Laylat al-Bara’ah – Night of Salvation

Laylat al-Bara’ah – Night of Salvation

The 15th night of Shabaan is a very blessed night. According to the Hadith Shareef, the name of this Mubarak night is “Nisf Sha'baan” which means 15th night of Shabaan. The reason for this special night to attain its name of Laylat al-Bara’ah, meaning the Night of Salvation, Seeking Freedom from Azaab and Calamity, is that in this night the Barkaat and acceptance of repentance may be accomplished. Laylat al-Baraa’ah in Persian, as well as in Urdu, is called Shab-e Bara’at. It is the special night of seeking forgiveness and repenting to Almighty Allah, remembering our past sins and sincerely settling the mind that one will never commits sins in the future. All the deeds that are against Shari’ah must be totally avoided so that our Du’a and Istighfaar, hopefully, will be accepted.

Advise from Imam of Ahlus Sunnah:

Muslims should check themselves and AlaHadrat, Imam Ahmad Rida al-Qadiri Fadil e-Bareilly (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) has given a beautiful advise in this regard. This great Imam said:

“Verily the auspicious night of Shab-e- Bara’a is drawing near when the deeds of the slave will be presented to the Almighty Allah. I humbly supplicate in the Darbar-e-Aqdas of the AlmightyAllah that through the Wasila-e-Uzma of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) He forgives the sins and transgressions of all Muslims. Aameen.


On this occasion, it should be the duty of all Sunni Muslims to forgive one another and to make sure that whatever debts owed to one another is settled. The importance of Huqooq al-Ibaad cannot be over-emphasised as this is among the pre-requisites for proper Ibaadat. I pray that all Muslims humbly remember this night and try as much as possible to perform Ibaadat and other pious deeds so that their Record of Deeds be presented in all dignity.


Finally, I pray that the Almighty Allah assists you and I and the Muslim Ummah wherever you may be. Muslims should be aware of sincerity and honesty in all their deeds. May Almighty Allah forgive all of us. Aameen. -- Faqeer Ahmad Rida Qadiri ”

How to welcome the Night?

On this auspicious night, you should perform fresh Ghusal and Wudhu and perform the two Rakaat of Tahhiyatul Wudhu. In every Rakaat, after the Suratul Fatiha, you should read Ayatul Kursi once and Surah Ahad 3 times. Also perform eight Rakaats of Salah with four Salaams.In each Rakaat after the Surah Fatiha, you should read the Ayatul Kursi (once) and Surah Ahad fifty times.

What to Recite immediately after Sunset?

After sunset, you should recite “La Hawla walaa Quwwata illa Billahil-aliyil Azeem” forty times with three times Durood Shareef before and after. It is mentioned that by reciting this, Almighty Allah will forgive forty years of your sins and forty Hoors will await to serve you in Jannat al-Firdous.

Countless Mercies

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has stated: “Verily! Almighty Allah directs His Special Grace on the world on this Night. He forgives my Ummah more than the number of wool that is found on the sheep of the Bani Kalb”. We should remember that in those days the Bani Kalb possessed the most number of sheep that any other tribe. 

How great is the Mercy of Almighty Allah on this night that He forgives millions of Muslims. We also realise from this that these numbers can only pertain to the Ahl as-Sunnah Wah Jama’ah collectively, for the righteous followers of the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali indeed number millions of Muslims.

The visitors of this Night

It is narrated that the departed souls (Arwaah) of the Muslims visit the houses of their friends and relatives on this night and proclaim: “O people of the house! You stay in our houses and enjoy the wealth that we have left behind. You use our children and take work from them, please perform our Esaale Sawaab. Verily our deeds have become complete, while your record of deeds is still spread”.

If the people of the house perform the Esaale Sawaab and Khatam Shareef on this night, then the Arwaah depart will the Sawaab extremely happy and overjoyed all the time making Du’a for the people.

Visit to the Cemetery

Hadrat Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu ta’ala anha) reports: “One night, which was the 15th of Shabaan, I did not find the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) in the house so I went in search of him. After a long search, I found him in Baqiah (the cemetery of Madinah) offering Du’a for the deceased and praying for their forgiveness”. (Baihaqi)

A special point must be made to visit the cemetery during this night and pray for the deceased buried therein, as the Most Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is been reported as having visited the cemetery on this night and spending a long time therein, lamenting, reading and praying for the deceased.

To keep Fast

According to the Hadith Shareef which is narrated by Ibne Habaan (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “When the night of 15th Shabaan arrives spend the night awake and keep fast the next day”.

Hadrat Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) reports that the Most Beloved (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) of Allah ta’ala said often in his Khutba (sermon): “O people! Lighten and cleanse your bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that it shall be easy and helpful to you for the fast during Ramadan. Whoso fasts for three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off”. (Baihaqi) Fasting is also recommended on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Shabaan.

How to spend the Night?

On this night, perform Nawaafil, recite the Qur’an Shareef, recite abundant Durood Shareef, Istighfaar and Kalima Tayyibah. It is also mentioned that if one reads Surah Dukhan seven times on this night, Almighty Allah will reward you with 70 worldly needs and 70 deeds for the Hereafter.

Do not be amongst deprived of Mercy

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Almighty Allah forgives all Muslims on this night, besides the fortune tellers, the magicians, the alcoholics, those who disrespect their parents and those who take part and encourage adultery”.

In another narration, the following people have also been mentioned:

• One who deals in usury (Riba),
• One who wears his trousers below his ankle with pride and arrogance (In Arabia, people displayed their wealth and boasted in this manner),
• One who creates disunity among two Muslims,
• The person who unjustly takes away the right and property of another Muslim and has not yet rectified himself.

All these persons are not shown Mercy on this auspicious Night.