15th of Shaban 2023

What is the 15th of Shaban and why is it so important?

The 15th night of Shaban is believed to be one of the greatest nights of the year.

In fact, it is believed that after Laylatul Qadr, the blessed night in Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed, the most special night is the 15th of Shaban.

So what is the 15th night of Shaban? Why does it hold significance and when does the 15th Shaban take place in 2023?

The significance of the month
 

15th Sha'ban, known as Shab e Barat in Urdu, which takes place in the 8th month of the Islamic calendar, is expected on the 7th March 2023 this year, just two weeks before the start of Ramadan.

1. It’s the month in which your deeds are shown to Allah (SWT)

The main blessing of this night is that Allah (SWT) pours His mercy and forgiveness upon earth from Maghrib until Fajr. The Prophet (ﷺ) described the extent of His forgiveness through powerful language in numerous narrations:
 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancour for their fellow Muslims’. [Ahmad]

 

2. It's the month in which the Prophet (ﷺ) loved to fast

“The most beloved of months for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to fast in was Sha’ban”. (Abu Dawud)

It is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) to increase our voluntary fasts during Sha’ban, as this is the month in which actions are raised to Allah (SWT).

"I never saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Shaban.” (Al-Bukhari)

3. Many people neglect this month, not realising its merit

“That is a month occurring between Rajab and Ramadan that many people neglect.” (Al-Nisai)

“Whoever revives a Sunnah from my Sunnah and the people practice it, will have the same reward of those who practice it without their reward diminishing.” (Sunan ibn Maajah)

4. Fasting in Shaban prepares you for Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Shaban can serve as your training for Ramadan, both spiritually and physically.

One of the more popular hadiths relating to the 15th of Shaban is:

Aishah (may Allah (SWT) be pleased with her) reported to have said: ‘‘’I could not find the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on one of the nights, so I went out and found him in (the cemetery of) Baqī. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Did you fear that Allah and His Messenger will do injustice to you?” I said: O Messenger of Allah, I thought you might have gone to the house of some of the wives. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied: “Verily, Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha’ban to the first heaven and forgives the sins of the people, even if they were equivalent to the hairs of the goats of Banī Qalb. [Tirmidi]

Good deeds you can acquire on this night
 

Many will use the 15th Shaban, or Shab e Barat 2023, for prayer, others will fast during the day, and some will engage in dhikr all night long. Some will go to the Mosque to pray Qiyam al-layl, the night vigil - sadly, not everyone will be able to.

For thousands of Muslims across the world, a Mosque to spend blessed nights such as Sha’ban is a distant dream.

HELP BUILD A MOSQUE

We want to change this - building vibrant Mosques in places across Africa and Asia, our brothers and sisters can share in the same joy we do.

You can build a Mosque in your name or the name of a loved one from just £3.33 a day.
 

SPONSOR AN OPRHAN

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this’’ and he held his two fingers together to illustrate. [Bukhari]

Every single day, poor, vulnerable children around the world are made orphans, left feeling alone, frightened and without hope.

You can support an orphan to become a Hafiz or Hafiza of the Quran, for just 70p a day.

Our Hifz Orphan programme ensures orphan children are provided with a comprehensive education, a safe loving environment, nutritious meals, clothing, and healthcare.

Our Hifz classes are led by experienced teachers who provide the support children need to continue in Islamic or mainstream education or start an apprenticeship.

It’s a beautiful opportunity for a child to turn their life around. You can help create a lasting relationship that brings faith, hope, and a profound appreciation of life this Sha’ban.

Maximise your reward in Shaban
 

For those who’ll be doing extra worship on the 15th Sha’ban, don’t miss out on the extra prayer, supplications, and charity - just like an exam requires practice and preparation, so does Ramadan.

As we gear up for the blessed month of Ramadan, make sure your Sha’ban is a memorable one - make this Sha’ban a month in which you attain forgiveness, Insha’Allah!