Niṣf Sha’ban (Mid-Sha’ban) falls between the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban, the eighth month in the Islamic calendar. The event is also known as Shab e-Barat, Bara’a Night, the Night of Records, or the Night of Fortune and Forgiveness.
Associated with God’s decrees for the coming year, the night is thought to be a time when Allah is especially merciful. Muslims all over the world celebrate Mid-Sha’ban with special prayers, Qur’an recitation, staying awake during the night for prayer, praying for loved ones, giving charity, fasting, and other acts of devotion. Many Muslims consider it the second holiest night of the year (after Laylat al-Qadr).
To Name this Day:
Personal Exploration
Read a scholarly teaching on The Night of Mid-Sha’ban.
Spiritual Practice
As with all Islamic holy days, this holiday is a time to practice charity, devotion, forgiveness, gratitude, and service. Spending the night of Mid-Sha’ban in prayer is recommended, as is fasting on the 14th and the 15th of Sha’ban.
Mid-Sha’ban Recitation of Surah Ya Siin
1. After praying Maghrib or Isha on the night of Mid-Sha’ban, read Surah Ya Siin, the Qur’an’s 36th chapter, with the intention of long life in Islam and faith (iman). Offer the Mid-Sha'ban Supplication (below).
2. Then read Surah Ya Siin with the intention to ward off affliction from one’s self and from the followers of Prophet Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him. Offer the Mid-Sha'ban Supplication.
3. Next read Surah Ya Siin with the intention to receive sustenance and Allah’s provision without reliance on people. Offer the Mid-Sha'ban Supplication.
O Allah! You shower favors on everyone, and no one can do You any favor.
O The Possessor of Majesty and Honor,
O The Distributor of bounty and rewards, there is no one worthy of worship except You.
O Allah! If in the Mother of All Books that is with You, You have written me down as someone who is doubtful of achieving salvation, or deprived, or rejected, or without enough substance, Oh Allah, with
Your Grace remove all of these misfortunes from me.
And in the Mother of All Books that is with You, establish me as someone who is blessed, with abundance provision and charitable good deeds.
Indeed, what You said in the The Book You sent through the tongue of Your Blessed Prophet is true
That Allah changes and establishes what He wants and with Him is the Mother of All Books.
My Lord! For the sake of Your Divine Manifestation on this fifteenth night of the blessed month of Sha’ban in which You issue all Wise and Irrevocable Decrees,
Remove from us all calamities and hardships, those that we know about as well as those that we don’t, while You know everything.
Truly, You are the Most Powerful, Most Generous.
And may Allah the Exalted shower blessings and peace on Sayyidina Muhammad, and on his family and his companions.
And all praise is for Allah, Lord of all the worlds.
Amin.
Salat al-Tasbih (Prayer of Glorification)
After Maghrib, pray 2 rakats, and then another 2 rakats (out loud if led by an imam in community or silently as an individual). In every prayer position repeat the following: subhanallah (Glory to God), alhamdulillah (Praise to God), laa illaha illallah (there is no god but God), Allahu akbar (God is greatest) 10 times.
