15 Shaban: Duas, Significance, Things To Do, and Misconceptions

The 15th of Shaban, known as Laylatul Bara’at (the Night of Forgiveness), holds a special place in Islamic tradition.

It is a night when Muslims seek Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. While the significance of this night is widely acknowledged, there are also misconceptions and debates surrounding its observance.

Significance of the 15th of Shaban

Allah’s mercy is boundless, and throughout the year, He provides special occasions for His servants to seek forgiveness and blessings. The month of Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr are prime examples.

Similarly, the 15th of Shaban is a night when Allah descends to the lowest heaven, offering forgiveness and answering the supplications of His creation.

Several narrations highlight the virtues of this night, though many are considered weak. However, scholars like Imam Ahmad, Imam al-Awza’i, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Rajab have acknowledged its merit due to the abundance of narrations. For instance, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, looks down at His creation in the middle night of Shaban and forgives all His creation except two people: the one who holds a grudge and the murderer.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban, 5665)

This hadith, among others, underscores the night’s spiritual importance.

Things To Do

While there is no specific form of worship prescribed for the 15th of Shaban, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of devotion individually. Here are some recommended practices:

1. Night Prayers (Qiyam al-Layl): Spend the night in voluntary prayers, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
2. Recitation of the Quran: Reflect on the Quran and recite it with sincerity.
3. Supplications (Duas): Make heartfelt duas, asking for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
4. Fasting: While fasting on the 15th of Shaban specifically is not proven from authentic hadiths, fasting during the ayyam al-beedh (13th, 14th, and 15th of every lunar month) is recommended.
5. Visiting Graveyards: It is preferable to visit graveyards on blessed nights, including the 15th of Shaban, to reflect on the afterlife and pray for the deceased.

Salatul Tasbeeh: A Special Prayer

One of the optional prayers that can be performed on this night is Salatul Tasbeeh. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Intention: Make the intention for four rak’ahs of Salah.
2. Recitation: After reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah, recite the following 15 times before going into ruku:
   Subhanallah, Walhamdulillah, Wala Ilaha Illallah, Wallahu Akbar.
3. Ruku: In ruku, recite the above dua 10 times after saying Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem three times.
4. Standing: After rising from ruku, recite the dua 10 times.
5. Sujood: In each sajdah, recite the dua 10 times after saying Subhana Rabbiyal A’la three times.
6. Repeat: Continue this pattern for all four rak’ahs.

This prayer can be performed daily, weekly, monthly, or even once in a lifetime.

Common Misconceptions

Despite its virtues, there are several misconceptions about the 15th of Shaban:

1. Specific Prayers: There is no specific Salah or form of worship prescribed exclusively for this night.
2. Congregational Worship: Scholars, including Imam Ibn al-Salah, discourage congregational prayers or gatherings for this night, as they lack a basis in the Sunnah.
3. Fasting: Fasting specifically on the 15th of Shaban is not proven from authentic hadiths. However, fasting during the ayyam al-beedh is recommended.
4. Cultural Practices: Customs like cooking specific foods, lighting lamps, or decorating mosques have no basis in the Quran or Sunnah.
5. The “Blessed Night” in Surah Dukhan: The majority of scholars agree that the “Blessed Night” mentioned in Surah Dukhan refers to Laylatul Qadr, not the 15th of Shaban.

Prominent scholars, including Ibn Taymiyyah, have acknowledged the virtue of the 15th of Shaban due to the abundance of narrations, even if many are weak. However, they emphasize that worship should align with the Quran and Sunnah, avoiding innovations (bid’ah).

For example, Imam Ibn al-Salah stated:

“The middle night of Shaban does have merit. To spend its night in acts of worship is recommended (mustahabb); but on an individual basis, not collectively.”

The 15th of Shaban is a night of immense spiritual potential, offering an opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

While it is essential to engage in worship, it is equally important to avoid innovations and adhere to authentic practices.

May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of this blessed night and accept our sincere efforts.

And Allah knows best.

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