PBA Desk: Today, the Holy Shab-E-Baraat. Religious Muslims will worship nightlong for the forgiveness of sins in today night. Today Sunday (21 April), all the newspapers and media offices are closed on this holy day. There will be a public holiday on this occasion tomorrow Monday.
Shab e-Barat, also known as Mid-Sha’ban or Bara’at Night, is a Muslim holiday which is observed some muslim countries on the evening between the 14th and the 15th Sha’ban – or full moon day. Sha’ban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. This is also called the month of preparation for the fasting of Ramadan.
Shab e-Barat is regarded as a night when the fortunes of individuals for the coming year are decided and when Allah may forgive sinners. In some regions, this is also a night when prayers are arranged for forgiveness from Allah for one’s deceased ancestors.[2] Additionally, Twelver Shia Muslims commemorate the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi on this date. In some Muslim countries, it is also a night to honor those ancestors who have come before you.
There is a difference of opinion among the Muslims about celebrating the festival. While this holiday isn’t mentioned outright in the Holy Quran, Some people think that Shabe Barat is indirectly referred in the Holy Qur’an. They think there are two verses that are associated with this holiday. “We sent it down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning, Therein is decreed every matter of ordainment” – Quran 44:3–4. However, these verses also allude to with the Night Of Qadr. For example, it has been clearly mentioned in Surah al-Kadr that it (the Qur’an) has been revealed in the Night of the al Qadr. The Holy Quran refers the Lailat al Qadr as the Night of Power, marks the night in which the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SA)by Allah. Muslims regard this as the most important event in history, and the Qur’an says that this night is better than a thousand months (97:3), and that on this night the angels descend to earth.
Shab e-Barat is usually a festive occasion that is celebrated in a number of different ways. Many people will spend the day preparing sweets. These sweets can include Kaju Barfi, Papaya Halwa, and Milk Halwa and are often distributed the day before the 15th of Sha’ban. On this day, people also pray to Allah and worship at the mosque. Some people will spend the evening with their friends and families. However, not everyone who celebrates this day does so in a festive manner. Some people celebrate it by spending the whole night fasting and praying.
In some Islamic countries, Shab e-barat is an optional holiday that workers can choose to take or not to take. However, if they do choose to celebrate this holiday, then it comes out of the optional holidays they may have available.
