By Zain Awan
A lesser known, but an important Muslim festival falls on May 1 in India and most parts of South Asia.
Shab-E-Baraat, known as the Night of Forgiveness or Day of Atonement, begins in Tuesday evening and ends following evening.
It is seen as an occasion when the fortunes of men and women, young and old, are decided by the Almighty for the coming year.
It is believed that, on this holy night, Allah descends to earth from the heavens and offers mercy to His people. So, Muslims celebrate by praying throughout the night and fasting the following day until dusk.
Also called Mid-Sha’ban, it is predominantly celebrated by Muslims with Sufi heritage or those who follow heterodox form of Islam, especially in countries like Lebanon, Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kirghizstan.
The Rituals
Shab-E-Baraat, literally the Night of Emancipation, is observed on the 14th day of Sha’baan- the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
Some clerics opine that there is no mention of Shab-E-Baraat in the scriptures. However, a Quranic verse, Sura Dukhan, does mention Laila Mubaraka, which, according to various Islamic scholars, is Shab-E-Baraat.
It is like All Saints’ Day, the annual festival, which is celebrated in honour of all the saints, known and unknown. People remember their deceased ancestors and relatives.
Faateha or the blessings are recited. Muslims pray the whole night long– seeking forgiveness and good fortune.
Some Muslims also go to mosques for prayers and meditation. Special sermons are given to those gathered at the mosque, which brim with the worshippers until dawn when they begin the day-long fasting.
The festival also marks the countdown to the commencement of Ramzan. Two weeks after Shabe-E-Baraat, the Islamic month of fasting begins, which culminates in Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the biggest festivals of Muslims the world over.
The Celebrations
Like a typical Muslim festival, Shab-e-Baraat too is an occasion of celebrations, feasting and sharing.
According to a popular legend, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) visits each house on this pious night and relieves the pains and sufferings of the people.
Some community members light up their homes and neighborhood with candles and strings of fancy bulbs.
Foods like Biryani, Qorma, and sweets are prepared and shared with friends, neighbors, relatives and loved ones. Goodies are also distributed to the poor.
Unislamic or not, the occasion is worth celebrating- for it gives a reason to the people to seek forgiveness and purification, get closer to their Creator and feast- not without sharing and caring, the basic tenets of humanity.