Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness or Laylat al-Bara’at, is one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. It is the night when Allah’s mercy descends upon the earth, destinies are written, and sincere repentance is accepted. Muslims all over the world spend this blessed night in worship, prayer, and seeking forgiveness for their past sins.
In this blog, we will share the exact Shab-e-Barat 2026 date, its importance in Islam, recommended acts of worship, and authentic references. If you are searching for “Shab-e-Barat 2026 date in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Saudi Arabia”, this guide covers everything you need.
📅 Shab-e-Barat 2026 Date (Islamic & English)
According to the Islamic calendar:
- Islamic date: 15th Sha’ban 1447 AH
- Gregorian date: Tuesday, 3 February 2026
- Shab-e-Barat night: Monday night, 2 February 2026 (after Maghrib) until Fajr on Tuesday, 3 February 2026
This means Muslims will observe the Night of Forgiveness starting on the night of 2 February 2026.
- In Saudi Arabia & UAE (Umm al-Qura calendar): 15 Sha’ban falls on 3 February 2026, so Shab-e-Barat begins the previous night (2 February 2026).
- In India, Pakistan & Bangladesh: It will also be observed on the night of 2 February 2026, subject to moon sighting.
👉 Always confirm with your local Hilal Committee or Masjid, as dates can differ by a day depending on moonsighting.
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🌌 What is Shab-e-Barat?
The word Shab means “night,” and Barat means “deliverance” or “freedom.” Thus, Shab-e-Barat means the “Night of Deliverance from sins.”
It is believed that on this night:
- Allah writes the destinies of His servants for the coming year.
- The doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened.
- Those who repent sincerely are granted pardon.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“On the night of the middle of Sha’ban, Allah looks at His creation and forgives all of them, except for the one who associates partners with Him (shirk) and the one who harbors hatred.”
— (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1390)
This hadith shows that Shab-e-Barat is truly a night of mercy and forgiveness.
🌙 Acts of Worship on Shab-e-Barat
Muslims around the world dedicate this night to ibadah (worship). Some recommended acts include:
- Offering Nafl Salah (voluntary prayers) – Extra raka’ats of prayer bring immense rewards.
- Reciting the Qur’an – Many believers read Surah Yaseen, Surah Rahman, Surah Mulk, and other chapters.
- Making heartfelt dua – Asking Allah for forgiveness, health, guidance, and provision.
- Fasting on 15th Sha’ban (the next day) – Fasting on this day is highly recommended as Prophet ﷺ used to fast frequently in Sha’ban.
- Giving charity (sadaqah) – Helping the needy multiplies rewards.
- Seeking forgiveness and forgiving others – Clearing hearts of hatred and reconciling relationships.
🕌 Importance of Shab-e-Barat in Islam
While scholars differ on some practices, most agree that the 15th night of Sha’ban holds special blessings. Throughout Islamic history, it has been observed as a night for:
- Seeking forgiveness (Maghfirah)
- Praying for mercy (Rahmah)
- Reflecting on destiny (Taqdeer)
The Prophet ﷺ himself was seen praying on this night. According to authentic narrations, he spent much of Sha’ban in fasting and worship, highlighting its significance.
🌙 Shab-e-Barat 2026 in India, Pakistan & Bangladesh
In South Asia, Shab-e-Barat is observed with great devotion. Mosques are filled with worshippers, Qur’an recitations continue throughout the night, and many visit graveyards to pray for their deceased loved ones.
- India: Observed on Monday night, 2 February 2026.
- Pakistan & Bangladesh: Also expected on the night of 2 February 2026, subject to moonsighting.
In the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait), the observance will also be on Monday night, 2 February 2026.
🌙 Why is Shab-e-Barat Called the Night of Forgiveness?
This night is called the Night of Forgiveness because Allah forgives countless believers who sincerely repent. However, forgiveness is not granted to:
- Those who commit shirk (associate partners with Allah).
- Those who hold hatred, jealousy, or enmity in their hearts.
Thus, Muslims are encouraged to purify their hearts, forgive others, and ask Allah for mercy.
🌙 Preparing for Shab-e-Barat 2026
Here are some ways to prepare for this blessed night:
Perform ghusl (ritual bath) before the night begins.
Wear clean clothes and sit in a peaceful place for worship.
Make a dua list and ask Allah for everything you need.
Forgive people and clear your heart of grudges.
Increase your zikr (remembrance of Allah) and istighfar (repentance).
🙏 Dua for Shab-e-Barat
A commonly recited dua is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ كَتَبْتَنِي عِنْدَكَ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ شَقِيًّا أَوْ مَحْرُومًا، فَامْحُنِي وَاكْتُبْنِي سَعِيدًا مَرْزُوقًا
Transliteration:
Allahumma in kunta katabtani ‘indaka fi ummil kitaabi shaqiyyan aw mahrooman, famhu anni wa’ktubni sa’eedan marzooqan.
Meaning:
“O Allah, if You have written me among the unfortunate or deprived, erase it, and write me among the blessed and provided for.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is Shab-e-Barat 2026 in India?
Shab-e-Barat 2026 in India will be observed on Monday night, 2 February 2026 (15th Sha’ban 1447 AH).
2. What is the date of Shab-e-Barat 2026 in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, Shab-e-Barat 2026 will also be on the night of 2 February 2026, subject to moonsighting.
3. When is Shab-e-Barat in Saudi Arabia & UAE?
In Saudi Arabia and UAE, Shab-e-Barat will be observed on Monday night, 2 February 2026.
4. What should we do on Shab-e-Barat?
Spend the night in prayer, Qur’an recitation, dua, charity, and repentance. Fasting on the 15th of Sha’ban (3 February 2026) is also recommended.
5. Can we visit the graveyard on Shab-e-Barat?
Yes, it is Sunnah to visit the graveyard, make dua for the deceased, and reflect on the reality of life and death.
🌙 Conclusion
Shab-e-Barat 2026, falling on the night of 2 February 2026 (15 Sha’ban 1447 AH), is a night filled with mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. It is a golden opportunity for Muslims to repent, purify their hearts, and prepare for Ramadan.
May Allah (SWT) forgive our sins, write us among the blessed, and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.
