When is Shab e Barat 2018, when do you fast during the Muslim festival and what quotes are there?
The observance is known as a night for forgiveness when Muslims offer prayers to Allah
THE Muslim festival of Ramadan is fast approaching – but there are a series of other observances that take place as the fasting month approaches.
One of these is Shab e Barat, which marks the midway point of the Islamic month of Sha'ban. Here's what you need to know about it.
When is Shab e Barat 2018?
Every year, Shab e Barat is observed on the night between the 14 and 15 of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
This year, the month began on April 18, which means the festival this year takes place from dusk on Tuesday, May 1, until dawn the following day.
Last year, the festival was around 10 days earlier.
Shab e Barat is also widely known as Bara'a Night and Mid-Sha'ban, for obvious reasons, while in the Arab world it's referred to as Laylat al-Bara'at.
What is Shab e Barat all about and how is it celebrated?
The festival of Shab e Barat falls in the run up to Ramadan and is considered the night when God forgives sinners.
Muslims believe that God writes destinies for the coming year, taking into account their past actions – so they ask his mercy for any transgressions.
It is also common in many regions for worshippers to offer prayers to Allah for forgiveness from their deceased loved ones.
In Bangladesh, many people will fast on the day after the Shab e Barat night and in South Asia individuals hand out food and aid to their neighbours and the poor.
The date of Shab e Barat is also celebrated as the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is commemorated by Twelver Shia Muslims as being the saviour of mankind.
What quotes about Shab e Barat 2018 are there?
Since the event is known as a night of absolution, deliverance and salvation, quotes for Shab e Barat are related to messages around forgiveness.
- “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.” – Hannah Arendt
- “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” – C.S. Lewis
- “Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.” – Nelson Mandela
- “Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.” – Oscar Wilde
MORE ON RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
When is Ramadan 2018?
Ramadan in 2018 will begin in the evening of Tuesday, May 15, and will end in the evening of Thursday, June 14.
The beginning and end are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar.
Hilal, the crescent, is usually a day or more after the astronomical new moon.
The "night of power" or "night of decree" is considered the holiest night of the year, as Muslims believe the first revelation of the Koran was sent down to Muhammad on this night.
It is thought to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan - the 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29th.
Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, are elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, chronically ill or menstruating.
The fast is from dawn to sunset, with a pre-dawn meal known as suhur and sunset meal called iftar.