Mid-Sha'ban | |
---|---|
Observed by | Muslims |
Significance | Salvation |
Date | 15 Sha'ban |
Bara'at Night (Arabic: ليلة البراءة, translit. Laylat al-Bara’at) or Mid-Sha'ban (Arabic: نصف شعبان, translit. Niṣf Sha‘bān) is a holiday observed by various Muslim communities on the night between 14 and 15 Sha'ban, that means the Full Moon day. It is regarded as a night when the fortunes of men for the coming year are decided and when Allah may forgive sinners. In some regions, this is also a night when one's deceased ancestors are honoured. Additionally, Twelver Shia Muslims commemorate the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi on this date. Some Salafi streams oppose the recognition of Mid-Sha'ban as exceptional.
The 15th of Sha'ban goes by several names, depending on the country in which it is observed. Most can be categorised into two general meanings:
The base for celebrating Mid-Sha'ban is not without dispute. Whether or not 15 Sha'ban is regarded as a special holiday, has primarily been an issue of interpreting the Quran and classifying the Hadith.
Although not mentioned directly in the Qur'an, two verses are sometimes ascribed to Mid-Sha‘ban:
"We sent it (this Qur'an) down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments"[Quran 44:3–4]
This passage has however also been attributed to another Islamic holy night, Laylat al-Qadr, based on additional verses.