Do you know there is a night in the Islamic calendar in which Allah determines the fortunes, life, and death of individuals for the coming year? It is the night between the 14th and 15th of Shaban, known as Shab e Barat. In 2026, Shabe Barat falls on Wednesday, February 4th.
What Does Shab e Barat Mean
Shab-e-Barat (شب برات) means ‘Night of Forgiveness.’ The term is the combination of the two words ‘Shab’ and ‘Barat’. ‘Shab’ means ‘night’, and Barat means ‘forgiveness, freedom, or salvation.’ It is a night of forgiveness and divine mercy, where Allah forgives sins and blesses those who turn to Him in sincere repentance. On this night, people are freed from their past sins.
This is an important night observed primarily by Muslims in South Asia, Central Asia, and some other regions on the 14th/15th night of Shaban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is celebrated about two weeks before Ramadan begins.
When is Shabe Barat 2026
Shab-e-Barat 2026 will be observed on the night of Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The first of Shaban begins on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, which means Shab-e-Barat will fall on February 3. The day will be observed on February 4.
When is Shab e Barat 2026 in the USA?
In the United States, Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night between Monday, February 2, 2026, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Because Islamic days begin at sunset, the night of worship and reflection will occur on Monday night, with the 15th of Shaban falling on Tuesday, February 3.
According to the Central Hilal Committee of North America, the Shaban moon was sighted on January 20, and the 1st of Shaban starts on January 21. So, the fifteenth of Shaban falls on February 3.
Shab e Barat 2026 Around the World
In 2026, Shab-e-Barat will be observed on different dates as the regional moon sightings differ. For most countries, it begins at sunset on the previous day, followed by the day of the holiday.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Shab e Barat will be observed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The National Moon Sighting Committee officially announced the date following the start of Sha'ban on January 21.
India
In India, the 15th night of Sha'ban will be observed starting sunset on February 3, with the main day on February 4.
Pakistan
Like India, Pakistan typically follows the same lunar cycle, making February 4 the date for the 15th of Sha'ban.
Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar)
The Middle Eastern and Arab countries will observe Shabe Barat on February 3. In these countries, the month of Shaban often begins a day earlier than in South Asia.
How Shab-e-Barat is Celebrated
Shab e Barat is celebrated in different ways in different countries. It is usually celebrated with night-long prayers, Quran recitation, seeking forgiveness, and visiting graves.
Worship and Prayer
The night is dedicated to intense spiritual devotion. Muslims engage in Nafal Salah (voluntary prayers) and perform hundreds of units of prayer throughout the night.
People recite the Quran wholeheartedly, particularly Surah Yasin. Believers spend hours in prayer, reflect on their past sins, and seek divine mercy.
The night is considered especially auspicious for dua (supplication), with many praying for health, prosperity, guidance, and forgiveness for themselves and their families. People also attend special gatherings at mosques where scholars deliver sermons about repentance and spiritual purification.
Visiting Graves
This tradition stems from the belief that the souls of the deceased are particularly receptive to prayers on this night. Family members gather at cemeteries, often in groups, to honor their departed loved ones. They thoroughly clean the graves and may apply fresh whitewash or paint. Fresh flowers are placed on the graves.
They offer prayers for the deceased's forgiveness and elevated status in the afterlife. Some pour rose water over the graves as a gesture of respect and remembrance.
Charity and Food
People take part in charity on the occasion of Shab e Barat. People believe that generosity on this night brings immense spiritual rewards. Communities organize large-scale food distribution programs, setting up stalls to serve free meals to the needy.
Traditional sweets are prepared in abundance and distributed to neighbors regardless of their faith. Many families cook meals and share them with extended family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Some people sponsor complete meals for orphanages, madrasas (Islamic schools), and homeless shelters. Cash donations are given to charitable organizations, and clothes are distributed to those in need. The act of giving is seen as a means of purifying one's wealth and seeking Allah's forgiveness.
Fasting
Voluntary fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Shaban is a common practice, with the 15th being especially significant. Those who fast on Shab-e-Barat day (from dawn to sunset) abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of devotion and self-discipline. Some continue fasting the day after Shab-e-Barat as well, believing it multiplies the spiritual benefits.
Festive Decorations
Muslims in many countries also decorate homes, markets, and mosques. Homes are adorned with strings of colorful lights, creating a festive ambiance similar to other Islamic celebrations. Streets are decorated with banners bearing religious messages and verses from the Quran.
Children often carry small lanterns while walking through neighborhoods. People come together in celebration and create a joyful atmosphere that encourages reflection and worship throughout the night.
Significance of Shab e Barat (15th Shaban)
The 15th of Shaban, known as Shabe Barat, is a significant and revered night of the year. Muslims spend this night in prayers and repentance, and seek the mercy of Allah. Fasting on this day is highly encouraged.
Hazrat Aishah (RA) narrates:
“The Messenger of Allah did not fast in any month of the year more than he did in Shaban. He used to fast all of Shaban.” (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2180)
Allah Almighty descends to the lowest of the paradise during the night of mid of Shaban.
Hazrat Aishah (RA) narrated:
"I could not find the Messenger of Allah one night. So I left and found him at Al-Baqi. He said: 'Did you fear that you had been wronged by Allah and His Messenger?' I said: 'O Messenger of Allah! I thought that you had gone to one of your wives.' So he said: 'Indeed Allah, Mighty and Sublime is He, descends to the lowest Heavens during the night of the middle of Sha'ban, to grant forgiveness to more than the number of hairs on the sheep of (Banu) Kalb.'"(Jami at-Tirmidhi 739).
Is Shab-e-Barat allowed in Islam
Islamic scholars differ on the celebration of Shab e Barat. Some scholars observe it while others deny and consider it Bidaa (innovation in religion).
Those who observe it
- Believe it is a blessed night where Allah makes decisions about people's sustenance and lifespan for the coming year
- Often base this on certain hadiths they consider authentic
- Mark it with prayers, Quran recitation, visiting graves, and charitable acts
- See it as an opportunity for repentance and worship
Those who don't observe it
- Argue that the hadiths about this night are weak or fabricated
- Say there's no clear evidence from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or the early companions that they specifically celebrated this night
- Believe focusing on this night as special is an innovation (bid'ah) not rooted in authentic Islamic practice
- Point out that worship should be consistent year-round rather than concentrated on certain nights without a clear textual basis
The middle position
- Acknowledge it is permissible to engage in personal worship on this night, but without considering it obligatory or making it a community celebration
- Oppose innovations like fireworks, special foods as ritual, or beliefs that are not supported by authentic sources
Conclusion
In 2026, Shab-e-Barat (the 15th of Sha’ban) is observed starting the evening of Tuesday, February 3, and concluding at dawn on Wednesday, February 4.
