Shab-e-Barat 2019: Significance, importance, all you need to know

Shab e Bharat 2019: A run-up to Ramadan, Shab-e-Barat is observed all over the world on the night between day 14 and 15 of Sha’ban. Also, known as Mid-Sha’ban or Bara’at Nigh (The Night of Records), the festival is marked as the night of forgiveness or day of atonement. This year, the 15th of Shaban will begin after the sun sets on Saturday, April 20, 2019. The festival will be observed until the next sunset, i.e. the evening of Sunday, April 21, 2019.

It is believed that on Shab-e Barat, God writes their destinies for the coming year, after taking into account their past actions. This is why the night is spent in asking for his mercy for any transgression.

According to Twelver Shias, Muhammad al-Mahdi, the final Shia Imām, was born on 15 Sha'ban. Shi'as celebrate Muhammad al-Mahdi's birthday on that day and perform religious acts such as prayers, fasting, and worship. Iranian cities are decorated on night of Mid-Sha'ban.

Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, believe it to be the day when God saved Noah’s ark from the flood and celebrate the day to mark God’s mercy.