Holy Shab-e-Barat Observed Across Bangladesh Tonight

The holy night of Shab-e-Barat is being observed across Bangladesh tonight, marking the 14th night of the Islamic month of Shaban. Known in Arabic as Lailatul Mubarakah (the Night of Blessings), the night is regarded as one of immense spiritual significance for Muslims.

According to Islamic belief, on this sacred night Almighty Allah opens the doors of His infinite mercy and determines the fate of His servants based on their deeds, including matters of life and death. Devout Muslims across the Muslim world observe the night as a blessed occasion, seeking forgiveness, mercy, and divine favor.

In Bangladesh, religious devotees are spending the night engaged in nafl prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, zikr, and other forms of worship, praying for Allah’s mercy, blessings, and forgiveness.

On the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued a message, describing the night as a unique opportunity to attain Allah’s mercy. He called upon the people to pray for the welfare of the country and the nation and to dedicate themselves to humanitarian service. He also extended his greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world.

In his message, he said, “On this glorious night, through worship, charity, and repentance, we can attain closeness to Allah and seek His forgiveness. Through self-reflection and sincere repentance, we can purify ourselves from sin and receive Allah’s infinite grace, blessings, and mercy.”

Marking the occasion, the Islamic Foundation has organized special programs at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, including recitation of the Holy Quran, Hamd and Naat, religious sermons, and prayer gatherings.

The term Shab-e-Barat originates from Persian, where Shab means night and Barat means fortune. In Arabic, the night is referred to as Lailatul Mubarakah. Hadith literature describes it as Lailatul Nisf-e-Shaban, the night marking the midpoint of the month of Shaban, making it highly revered among Muslims worldwide.

According to Hadith, on this night Allah determines the destiny of His servants. Muslims therefore spend the night in worship, seeking forgiveness for past sins and praying for peace and prosperity in their future lives. Many also visit the graves of parents and elders, offering prayers for the forgiveness of departed souls.

Special waaz, milad, and doa mahfils are being held at mosques across the country, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private television channels and radio stations are broadcasting special religious programs to mark the occasion.

As part of the tradition, many people prepare food items such as halua and roti at home and distribute them among relatives, neighbors, and the underprivileged, emphasizing social responsibility and compassion.

Shab-e-Barat also brings the spiritual message of the approaching holy month of Ramadan, which begins just 14 days after the 14th of Shaban. As such, the observance of Shab-e-Barat is widely regarded as the beginning of preparations for Ramadan.