Laylat Al-Baraat

Laylat Al-Baraat occurs in the middle of the month of Sha’ban, the month before the holy month of Ramadan. Laylat Al-Baraat commemorates the night Muslims believe that God descends from heaven and forgives sins. Therefore, Laylat Al-Baraat is an important day for Muslims to seek forgiveness and repentance. On this night, which begins at sunset on the 14th day of Sha’ban and ends at dawn of the 15th day of Sha’ban, Muslims spend the night in prayer with the hope to ward off calamity, have a long life and be independent of people. Some of them fast on that day. Laylat Al-Baraat is considered one of the holiest nights on the Islamic calendar. Muslims are encouraged to fast for at least six days during this month. According to Islamic belief, the Prophet Muhammad fasted more in Sha’ban than any other month in the year. According to Prophet Muhammad, Sha’ban is a month in which an account of deeds is presented before God and he wished that his deeds be presented at a time when he was in a state of fasting. Muslims are also recommended to perform ‘Salah al Khair’ or the Prayer of Benefits at least once in a lifetime. The ritual of this traditional prayer comprises one hundred rakahs (prescribed movements and words performed by Muslims when they pray).