Laylat al-Bara'ah: 15th of Sha'ban

[Lennier]

The month of Sha'ban is now upon us and we would do well to note the virtues of this month. Here is a book by the late great scholar Maulana Fazlur Rahman A'zami (r):

http://www.islamibayanaat.com/Englis...habeBaraat.pdf

He states:

Fasting in the month of Sha'baan, without the stipulation of any day, is proven from Rasulullah (S.A.W.). In fact, he used to fast excessively during this month. Hazrat Aisha (R. A.) describing the fast of Nabi (S. A. W.) says that aside from the month of Ramadan, he never used to fast for the entire month. However, of the remaining eleven months, he would fast in Sha'baan the most. - Bukhari Page 264 VI.

He also points out, however, that fasting specifically on the 15th of Sha'ban is not proven from the hadiths. He does, however, prove by citing an authentic hadith that this night is one of forgiveness:

It is reported from Hamat Mu'adh bin Jabal (R.A.) that Rasulullah (S.A.W.)
said:
"On the fifteenth night of Sha'baan, Allah bestows his special attention on His entire creation. He then pardons His entire creation except an idolater and one who harbours enmity." - Tabrani has recorded this Hadith in Awsat, Ibnu-Hibaan in his Sahih and Baihaqi - Targhib-wat-Tarhib Page 118 V2, Page 459 V3

[Lennier]

The following is advice from Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him!):

What Should be Done in this Night?

In order to observe the Night of Bara'ah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as he can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so for one reason or another, he can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose, and should perform the following acts of worship:

(a) Salah. Salah is the most preferable act to be performed in this night. There is no particular number of Rak'at but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salah like qiyam, rukoo' and sajdah should be longer than normal. The longest surahs of the Holy Qur'an one remembers by heart should be recited in the Salah of this night. If someone does not remember the long surahs, he can also recite several short surahs in one rak'ah.

(b) Tilawa. The recitation of the Holy Qur'an is another form of worship, very beneficent in this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Qur'an as he can.

(c) Dhikr. One should also perform dhikr (recitation of the name of Allah) in this night. Particularly the following dhikr is very useful:

One should recite Salah (durood) on Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as many times as he can. The dhikr can also be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure.

(d) Dua. The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. It is hoped that all the prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, insha-Allah. Prayer itself is an 'Ibadah, and Allah Almighty gives reward on each prayer along with the fulfillment of the supplicator's need. Even if the purpose prayed for is not achieved, one cannot be deprived of the reward of the prayer which is sometimes more precious than the mundane benefits one strives for. The prayers and supplications also strengthen one's relation with Allah Almighty, which is the main purpose of all kinds and forms of worship.

One can pray for whatever purpose he wishes. But the best supplications are the ones made by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. These are so comprehensive and all-encompassing prayers that all the human needs, of this world and the Hereafter, are fully covered in the eloquent expressions used in them. Actually, most of the prophetic prayers are so profound that human imagination can hardly match their greatness.

Several books in various languages are available which provide these prophetic prayers, and one should pray to Allah Almighty in accordance with them, whether by reciting their original Arabic text or by rendering their sense in one's own language.

http://www.albalagh.net/general/shaban.shtml

[John Rambo II]

JZK for this

[justice]

As far as I know, fasting is highly recommended throughout the month but nothing special for the night of 15th is authentic. Allah knows best.

The following links have more info:
http://islamqa.com/en/ref/8907/

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S...EAskTheScholar

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S...EAskTheScholar

[dark_knight]

JZK for the links

[Asif]

Originally Posted by justice

As far as I know, fasting is highly recommended throughout the month but nothing special for the night of 15th is authentic. Allah knows best.

I agree.
I always get told off by my parents who do pretty much everything Mufti Usmani says above on the 15th while I don't.