Works of Abul Baraa Muhamad Amreeki

Sha-be-raat…

Sha-be-ba-raat…

The night of the 15th of Sha’ban…Is it an auspicious occasion?

By the Student of Knowledge, Shaykh Abdurrahman Murad

All praise is due to Allah and peace and blessing be upon His Messenger Muhammad and his family and companions.

To what follows:

Year in and year out..the same arguments are used, at times tweaked to appeal to the larger audience. The names of scholars who saw it legal to mark this night with something special are mentioned as though it is the ‘ultimate’ proof!
In reality…we believe that the truth is not synonymous with aperson’s name! As Muslims we strive to follow the example of our beloved Prophet, may Allah praise him!

So the question that we must ask…is there any authentic proof to indicate that this night is ‘special’?
There is only one narration, authenticated by Imam al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him…The Prophet, may Allah praise him, said:

يطلع الله إلى خلقه ليلة الصنف من شعبان فيغفر لجميع خلقه إلا مشرك أو مشاحن

Meaning: Allah looks at his creation during the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, and He forgives all His creation except for a Mushrik (polytheist) and one who is envious/jealous/full of hatred towards his fellow Muslims.” (Sahih at-Targhib).

So, how about ‘special prayers’, performed in Jama’ah (congregation) during this night? All the narrations are extremely weak or fabricated.

In relation to marking the day with a special fast…there is no authentic proof to indicate that it should be done.
In general, it is known of the Prophet that he fasted during the month of Sha’ban…and other months. If you have a habit to fast Mondays and Thursdays…and the 15th of Sha’ban falls on these days, then fast it. But do not tie that with a belief that it is ‘more rewarding’.

Look at it like this…a thin line exists between the Sunnah and Bid’ah…so don’t cross it!