You may also know Shab e Barat as Bara’at Night, Nim Sha’ban, Nisfy Sya’ban, Berat Kandili or The Night of Records.
It’s a Muslim celebration of forgiveness. Each year, this takes place on between the 14 and 15 of Sha’aban – the eighth month in the Islamic calendar.
This year the holiday will fall on the 1 May 2018 at dusk, and end at dawn on 2 May.
The Islamic calendar is dictated by the moon, so since Sha’aban began on 18 April when there was a new moon, this date was determined for Shab e Barat.
Shia Muslims also believe that this date marks the birth of Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be the ultimate saviour of mankind.
There’s an old superstition among some people that if any leaves drop from the trees on Shab e Barat it signifies death, as there is a tree in heaven with the leaves marked with all humans’ names.
On the night, people will stay up all night and pray to Allah for forgiveness of any sins committed, as well as asking for blessings for he year ahead.
There may be fireworks, and sweets are often handed out to neighbours and local children – particularly halwa.
There may be recitals of the QuRan, and some people like to fast during the day before enjoying the evening’s celebrations.
It’s common for people to visit the graves or their relatives, praying for their souls to be blessed by Allah. #KhabarLive
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