Many Muslims focus on special prayers, voluntary fasts, and additional acts of worship on the 15th of Sha’ban. The practice of fasting more than usual during this month is mentioned in the authentic Hadith. It is narrated in Sahih Bukhari that ‘the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to fast most of the days of Sha’ban’.
Hazrat Usamah ibn Zayd (RA) once asked the Prophet (PBUH), why he fasted so much in the month of Shaban? In response, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “It is a month that people are generally indifferent to. It is between Rajab and Ramadan. It is in this month that all the deeds of a servant are presented to Allah. So I want my deeds to be presented in such a state when I am fasting.”
In light of this hadith, scholars say that it is better to observe as many voluntary fasts as possible in the month of Sha’ban. However, fasting the entire month continuously is not in accordance with Sharia law.
In addition, scholars remind Muslims of another important thing: it is very important to pray more during this month, to pray for health, and to ask Allah for help in reaching Ramadan and performing the fasting and worship of Ramadan properly.
Many people are engaged in voluntary prayers, recitation of the Quran and supplications during Shab-e-Barat or Laylatum Min Nisfi Shaban. The day after the night of 14 Shaban, fasting can be observed. Hazrat Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “O Abu Dharr! When you fast for three days in a month, then fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th.” (Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Mishkat)
There is no special rule or intention for performing voluntary prayers on Shab-e-Barat. Just like other voluntary prayers, one should perform voluntary prayers on this night as per the normal rules. No special intention needs to be made.
If someone establishes a different rule or intention to perform voluntary prayers on this night, it will be considered an innovation, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not describe any rule for performing prayers on Shab-e-Barat.
Any news, information, images, photographs, diagrams, videos, audio content published/broadcast by BD24Live.com may not be used without prior permission under the Copyright Act.
