The 15th of Shaban – A Night of Forgiveness
It was narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, on the 15th of Shaban, from sunset until dawn, Allah (SWT) asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering? ′ [Ibn Majah].
Most esteemed Islamic scholars have authenticated the hadiths that validate the significance of this special night. This is a night where Allah (SWT) forgives his servants’ wrongdoings and raises their deeds should they turn to Him and repent.
Tonight, (at Maghrib) will mark the night of 15th Shaban 2022, so how can we take advantage of this virtuous night this year?
Shaban is a special month in the Islamic calendar, a time for us to ask for forgiveness, increase in our voluntary fasts, give charity and make continuous DUA for our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. The night of the 15th of Shaban, also known as Nisf-Shaban, Layla’tul Bara’ah or Shabe- Bharat, has been noted by scholars throughout Islamic history as a night of particular significance. Use this night to draw closer to our Merciful Creator and ask all that you desire from Him.
Duas to recite asking for forgiveness
“O Allah (SWT), I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger and in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot praise You enough. You are as You have praised Yourself.” (Sahih Muslim).
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me” [Qur’an 2:286].
رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا
Rabbanā lā tuākhidh’nā in nasīnā aw akh ta’na
“Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error” [Qur’an 2:286].
Fasting on the 15th of Shaban
It is a confirmed Sunnah to fast the Bright Days, being the 13th, 14th and 15th days of every Islamic month. Increasing our voluntary fasts during the beloved month of Shaban is also a beloved practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) and one we should strive to emulate, especially during a time when our deeds are raised to Allah (SWT).
It was narrated by Aisha (RA): Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to fast till one would say that he would never stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that he would never fast. I never saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Shaban. (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Prepare for Ramadan from tonight
Increasing our voluntary (nafl) prayers and supplicating more at night, particularly within the last third, is another excellent way of multiplying our rewards during this blessed time. As the month of mercy is only around the corner, we should be working on purifying our spiritual intentions, discarding our unpleasant habits, and letting go of any grudges we hold against one another.
Tonight is the perfect opportunity to ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and to enter Ramadan with a fresh slate and continue the journey of boosting our iman insha’Allah!
Double your rewards
Another way you can make the most of the blessings of the 15th Shaban is to give from your wealth where you can. This Ramadan, millions of communities continue to starve daily, living in harsh conditions with little clothes or shelter to protect them and keep them warm. One single act of kindness can change their life forever.
Your donations towards any of our amazing appeals, will ensure that those who are in desperate need will receive your immediate support.
This is a special month and we should not neglect its blessings. Remember, when you are fasting, your rewards are multiplied!
‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.” (Sahih Bukhari).
Multiply your rewards tonight!
May Allah (SWT) allow us to reach the month of Ramadan and to benefit from the blessings of Shaban. May He shower us with His infinite Mercy, guide us onto His path and keep us from going astray. Ameen.
THURSDAY 17 MAR 2022
