Fifteenth Sha‘ban
In the Quran, God Almighty says:
By the Book that makes things clear, surely We sent it down on a blessed night—We have always sent warnings—on that night every wise decree is specified by Our own command—We have been sending messages, as a mercy from your Lord, He hears all and knows all, He is the Lord of heaven and earth and all that is between them—if only you would really believe—there is no deity save Him: It is He who gives both life and death—He is your Lord, and the Lord of your forefathers. (44:2-8)
In these verses of the Quran, the blessed night (laylatun mubarakah) that is mentioned—according to one opinion—refers to the night of mid-Sha‘ban (15 Sha‘ban). According to this view, the night of 15 Sha‘ban is the night of God’s annual decisions. On this night, all matters for the coming year are decided. God Almighty turns His attention toward the human world. A large number of angels gather, and a special atmosphere of mercy spreads over the earth.
According to this explanation, the date of 15 Sha‘ban is the date of rizq (sustenance) and divine gifts. On this night, angels record the matters of people’s destinies. Because of the special importance of this night, Muslims engage in zikr (remembrance) and worship. They repent from their sins and make firm promises to live righteously in the future. In this way, they seek to attract the mercy of God so that He may decree good for them.
Some narrations about 15 Sha‘ban are found in books of Hadith. While these narrations are not very strong in terms of authenticity, some of them are as follows:
Ali ibn Abi Talib reports that the Messenger of God said: “When the 15th night of Sha‘ban arrives, stand in prayer through its night and fast during its day. Because on this night, God descends to the nearest sky. Then He says: ‘Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, so I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision, so I may grant it to him? Is there anyone in difficulty, so I may relieve his distress?’ This continues for all kinds of needs until the time of dawn.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1388)
According to another narration, Aisha says that the Messenger of God said: “Jibreel came to me and said: ‘This is the night of mid-Sha‘ban. On this night, God frees from Hell as many people as the number of goats of the tribe of Banu Kalb.’
But on this night, God does not look toward the one who commits shirk, the one who holds hatred in his heart, the one who disobeys his parents, or the one who drinks alcohol.”
Aisha says: “Then the Messenger of God said: ‘Do you allow me to worship on this night?’ I replied, ‘Yes, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you.’
Then the Prophet stood up, offered prayer, and made a long prostration, until I feared that his soul had been taken. I stood and touched his feet, and then I felt them move. I became happy. Then I heard the Prophet making this dua in prostration: ‘O God, I seek refuge in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger. I seek refuge in You from You. You are full of glory. I cannot praise You as You deserve. You are as You have praised Yourself.’”
Aisha says: “When morning came, I mentioned this dua to the Messenger of God. He said: ‘O Aisha, learn this prayer and teach it to others. Because Jibreel taught it to me and told me to recite it in prostration.’” (Shu’b al-Iman by al-Bayhaqi, Hadith No. 3837)
After reflecting on these verses and Hadiths, a few important points come to light. And these are the very points that should be focused on during the night of 15 Sha‘ban:
“The 15th of Sha‘ban is the night of God’s yearly decisions. On this night, God especially turns His attention toward His servants. That’s why one should engage in remembrance and worship throughout the night.”
The most important act on this night is istighfar (seeking forgiveness). As shown in the Prophet’s dua, every person should examine themselves, admit their mistakes, seek forgiveness, and make a firm promise to stay away from sin in the future.
God’s mercy and rewards are granted on this night. But as mentioned in the Hadith, this is for the obedient—not for those who persist in disobedience. True hope in God’s mercy is only for those who are willing to abandon wrongdoing.
Certain sins block a person from this mercy. Even on this special night, one may be deprived if involved in these sins: shirk (associating partners with God), hatred and jealousy in the heart, disobedience to parents, drinking alcohol, etc. It is necessary to stay away from such actions to receive the blessings of this night.
Everything has its manners. Similarly, 15 Sha‘ban has its etiquettes, and only the one who observes these etiquettes will truly benefit from this night.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 19 February 1992
