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About Shab-e-Barat

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About Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat, known in Arabic as Laylat al-Baraah or the night of the middle of Shaban, is the night between the 14th and 15th of Shaban, the month before Ramadan. Many Muslims believe it is a night when God forgives generously and the year's matters are decreed.

It is kept with special devotion in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and as Berat Kandili in Turkey. People pray late into the night, read the Quran, ask forgiveness of God and of each other, visit the graves of family members and give charity. Many fast on the next day.

Homes may be lit with lamps and families make sweets such as halwa to share with neighbours. Some Muslims do not mark the night in any special way, so it is kind to wish only those who keep it.

  • Night of 14 to 15 Shaban
  • Also called Laylat al-Baraat or Mid-Shaban
  • About two weeks before Ramadan

Where it began

Shab is a Persian word for night, and Barat is often explained as freedom or forgiveness. Many Muslims believe that on this night God shows great mercy and sets the course of the coming year.

The night is kept widely in South Asia, Turkey and parts of the Arab world. Customs and views differ between communities, and these differences are respected within the faith.

How it grew over time

  1. Early Islamic centuries

    Scholars record the merit of prayer on the middle night of Shaban.

  2. Medieval period

    Mosques in many cities hold night prayers and are lit with lamps.

  3. Later centuries

    In South Asia, visiting graves and sharing sweets become part of the night.

  4. Today

    Mosques fill with people praying through the night.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • India and Pakistan

    Families make halwa, visit graves of loved ones and pray at the mosque.

  • Bangladesh

    Homes make rice bread and halwa to share with neighbours and the poor.

  • Turkey

    Known as Berat Kandili, mosques are lit and families share special bread.

Shab-e-Barat today

Many Muslims spend the night in prayer and reading the Quran, ask forgiveness, pray for departed family members and give food and money to those in need. Some fast on the following day.

How people celebrate Shab-e-Barat

  • Night prayers and Quran reading
  • Asking forgiveness of family and friends
  • Visiting graves and praying for the dead
  • Fasting on 15 Shaban
  • Halwa shared with neighbours
  • Charity for the poor

How to wish well

  • Shab-e-Barat Mubarak is the usual greeting in South Asia. Asking forgiveness for any hurt is the heart of many messages.
  • Keep it devotional and gentle. Fireworks and party talk are discouraged by many scholars.
  • Not all Muslims observe this night. Wish those you know who keep it.
  • Remember me in your duas is always welcome.

Questions about Shab-e-Barat

When is Shab-e-Barat 2027?

In 2027 the night of 14 to 15 Shaban is expected around 22 to 23 January 2027, depending on the moon sighting in each country.

What is Shab-e-Barat?

It is the night of the middle of Shaban, kept by many Muslims as a night of prayer, forgiveness and remembering the dead, about two weeks before Ramadan.

What do you say on Shab-e-Barat?

Shab-e-Barat Mubarak, along with a request for forgiveness and prayers, such as please forgive me and remember me in your duas.

What does Barat mean?

Barat comes from the Arabic baraah, meaning freedom or release, as in release from sins through forgiveness.

Do all Muslims observe Shab-e-Barat?

No. It is widely observed in South Asia and Turkey, while some Muslims and scholars treat it as an ordinary night.

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