When will 15th night of Sha’ban be observed in India, February 3 or 4? Know history, significance of ‘Night of Forgiveness’
Shab-e-Barat, regarded as one of the most spiritually significant nights in Islam, is observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Often referred to as the Night of Forgiveness, the occasion is marked by prayers, repentance and reflection, as believers seek mercy, blessings and forgiveness from Allah.
The night holds immense religious importance and is observed with devotion by Muslims across various parts of the world.
When will Shab-e-Barat be observed in 2026?
According to the Hijri calendar, Shab-e-Barat in 2026 is expected to begin on Tuesday evening, February 3 and continue until Wednesday evening, February 4. As with other Islamic observances, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon.
Fasting on Shab-e-Barat: What devotees observe
The holy night will be observed from Tuesday evening, February 3, until Fajr (sunrise) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Many devotees observe a fast on the 15th of Sha’ban, which falls on Wednesday, February 4 this year.
In addition to this, several Muslims choose to observe Nafil roza (voluntary fasting) for three consecutive days, the 13th, 14th and 15th of Sha’ban. In 2026, these dates correspond to February 2, 3 and 4, and are believed to bring added spiritual rewards during this sacred period.
Shab-e-Barat 2026: History and significance
Shab-e-Barat holds deep religious meaning in Islamic tradition and is observed with great reverence. Among Shia Muslims, the night is believed to commemorate the birth of Muhammad al-Mahdi, the twelfth Imam. Sunni Muslims, however, associate the night with the belief that Allah saved Noah’s Ark from the great flood.
The term Shab-e-Barat is derived from two words, ‘Shab’, a Persian word meaning night and ‘Barat’, an Arabic word meaning forgiveness or salvation. It is widely believed that on this night, Allah determines the destiny of individuals for the coming year based on their deeds, making it a time for sincere repentance and prayer.
Some traditions also mention that Prophet Muhammad entered Makkah on this night, while another narration states that Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa once noticed his absence and later found him praying in a cemetery in Medina, seeking forgiveness for the deceased.
Why Shab-e-Barat is considered a Night of Forgiveness
Shab-e-Barat is largely regarded as a night of atonement and divine mercy. Devotees spend the night offering prayers, reciting verses from the Quran and seeking forgiveness for past sins. Many believe that Allah records a person’s fate for the upcoming year on this night, making it an important moment for spiritual renewal and self-reflection.
How Shab-e-Barat is observed across the world
The occasion is widely observed in South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as in Azerbaijan and Turkey. It is also marked in Central Asian nations, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan.
On Shab-e-Barat, Muslims gather in mosques for special prayers and supplications. Many people also visit graveyards to pray for departed loved ones. Charitable acts, such as distributing food and financial assistance to the needy, form an essential part of the observance.
Traditional sweets like Halwa and Zarda are prepared and shared with family members, neighbours, friends and those in need. Mosques are often decorated and religious recitations and announcements continue throughout the day, leading into the night of prayers.