Shab-e-Barat (Laylat al-Bara’ah, or Nisf Sha’ban) is the night of the 15th of Sha’ban — the month before Ramadan. Across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh it is observed with prayer, Qur’an recitation, seeking forgiveness and visiting the graves of loved ones.
Shab-e-Barat 2027 date
| Night of Shab-e-Barat | Fast of 15 Sha’ban | |
|---|---|---|
| Umm al-Qura (Saudi Arabia) | Friday 22 January 2027 | Saturday 23 January |
| India, Pakistan, Bangladesh (expected) | Saturday 23 January 2027 | Sunday 24 January |
The exact date depends on the sighting of the Sha’ban crescent. Check the Islamic calendar and the Hijri date today as the month approaches.
Its significance
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah looks upon His creation on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives all of His creation except a polytheist or one who harbours enmity” (Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban). Scholars have long encouraged spending this night in worship and seeking forgiveness, and reconciling with anyone we have fallen out with before it arrives.
How to spend the night
- Pray Maghrib and Isha in congregation.
- Seek forgiveness sincerely — Istighfar for yourself, your parents and all believers.
- Recite the Qur’an; many read Surah Ya-Sin.
- Offer Nafl prayers according to your ability.
- Remember the deceased with Dua; visiting the graveyard quietly follows the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
- Fast on the 15th of Sha’ban, as recommended by many scholars.
Avoid fireworks, loud gatherings and wastefulness, which take away from the spirit of the night.
Preparing for Ramadan
Shab-e-Barat is about two weeks before Ramadan. It is a good moment to plan your Qur’an reading, make up missed fasts, and check your Ramadan 2027 Sehri & Iftar timetable.
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