Shab-e-Bara'at

The Fifteenth of Sha’ban

Laylat al-Bara’at (لَيلَةُ البَرَاءَة — the Night of Acquittal / Night of Forgiveness), also known as Shab-e-Bara’at in Persian/Urdu, falls on the 15th night of Sha’ban — the night before the 15th day, which begins at Maghrib.

Sha’ban is the month immediately before Ramadan. Its middle night — the 15th — is considered a night of special divine mercy, forgiveness, and the recording of deeds.

The Basis in Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said:

“On the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and forgives more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of the Banu Kalb.” (Reported by Ibn Majah and al-Tirmidhi)

Another hadith reports the Prophet (SAW) saying:

“This is the 15th night of Sha’ban. In this night, Allah emancipates a great number of people from the Fire — more than the number of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb. But Allah does not even look at an associator (mushrik), one who bears malice in his heart, one who severs family ties, or one who lets his garment trail arrogantly.”

The Quran (44:3–4) refers to a “blessed night” in which all matters of wisdom are decreed:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ ۞ فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ “Indeed, We sent it down on a blessed night — indeed, We were to warn. Therein every matter of wisdom is decreed.” (44:3–4)

Many scholars of the Ismaili Tayyibi tradition interpret this “blessed night” as Laylat al-Bara’at (the 15th of Sha’ban), in which the destinies of the year are fixed.

What Happens on This Night — Theology

According to the tradition:

Deeds of the past year are reviewed: The books of deeds are opened and the record of each person’s past year is examined
Destinies for the coming year are written: Who will live, who will die, who will receive sustenance — all is decreed on this night
Special divine mercy descends: Allah’s mercy encompasses the earth in a special way; sincere du’a is accepted
The night for resolving enmities: The Prophet (SAW) emphasized that one should not have malice or enmity in their heart entering this night — it is a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness

Du’a al-Kumayl — The Night’s Special Du’a

The most famous du’a recited on the 15th of Sha’ban is Du’a al-Kumayl (دُعَاءُ كُمَيل) — a comprehensive du’a of repentance and supplication attributed to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), which he taught to his companion Kumayl ibn Ziyad al-Nakha’i.

Du’a al-Kumayl is among the most beautiful and profound du’as in the Islamic tradition. It encompasses:

Praise and glorification of Allah through His Most Beautiful Names
Acknowledgment of one’s sins and shortcomings
Heartfelt plea for forgiveness, mercy, and protection from punishment
Expression of trust in Allah’s generosity and love
Prayer for the Day of Judgment

يَا مَن اسمُهُ دَوَاءٌ وَذِكرُهُ شِفَاءٌ وَطَاعَتُهُ غِنَى “O One whose name is a cure, whose remembrance is a healing, whose obedience is wealth…”

The recitation of Du’a al-Kumayl on the night of the 15th Sha’ban is a practice of the Bohra community and has been transmitted through the Dais from the time of the Imams.

Bohra Community Practice

The Dawoodi Bohra community observes the 15th of Sha’ban with:

Congregational prayers in the masjid on the night of the 15th
Du’a al-Kumayl recited collectively
Nafl (voluntary) prayers throughout the night
Visits to the mazar (graves of pious ancestors) to make du’a for them and for oneself
Sadaqah (charity) given with increased generosity
Fast on the 15th day — many observe a nafl fast on the day of the 15th Sha’ban

The emphasis in Bohra practice is on:

Sincere repentance — the night of bara’at is about clearing one’s account before Allah
Mending relationships — ensuring no enmity or grudge remains before the night
Du’a and dhikr — filling the night with remembrance of Allah
Seeking forgiveness for the deceased — visiting graves and making du’a for departed family

The Night Before Ramadan

The 15th of Sha’ban is also significant as marking the midpoint of the month before Ramadan. It is a time to:

Begin preparing the heart and body for Ramadan
Reflect on one’s state and make sincere tawbah (repentance)
Set intentions for worship in Ramadan
Read more Quran, increase salawat on the Prophet (SAW)

Sha’ban itself is a month the Prophet (SAW) gave special attention to. It is narrated that he fasted more in Sha’ban than any other month outside Ramadan. The community’s heightened ibadah from the 15th of Sha’ban through Ramadan is a spiritually continuous arc.

Shab-e-Bara'at — the Night of Forgiveness