Shab-e-Barat, one of the most significant nights in Islam, will be observed in 2026 from the evening of Tuesday, February 3, to the evening of Wednesday, February 4, according to the Hijri calendar. Observed on the 15th night of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, the occasion is widely known as the Night of Forgiveness, when Muslims turn to prayer, seek mercy, and reflect on their actions.
On this night, many believers stay awake to offer prayers, recite the Quran and ask forgiveness from Allah, viewing it as an opportunity to cleanse the heart, seek guidance and prepare for the year ahead. The term Shab-e-Barat means the Night of Forgiveness and Freedom, reflecting the belief that Allah grants mercy, forgives sins and blesses those who pray sincerely.
The night is believed to be a time of mercy, when Allah forgives the sins of those who pray with sincerity and grants blessings for the coming year. It is also believed that an individual’s fate for the year ahead is decided based on their deeds. Shab-e-Barat encourages reflection, repentance and strengthening one’s bond with Allah, while also praying for others, including the departed.
Salat ul Tasbih, a four-Rakat Nafal prayer focused on seeking forgiveness, is also commonly offered. During this prayer, the Tasbih “Subhanallahi Wal Hamdulillahi Walaa Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar” is recited multiple times, with at least 75 recitations in each Rakat.
Some believers also offer two additional Rakats of Nafal after Maghrib, during which Surah Yasin is recited along with Dua Nisf Shaban, often with the intention of living a righteous life. Recitation of the Holy Quran, Dhikr and sending Durood upon Prophet Muhammad are also widely practised. Many recite Surah Yasin three times between Maghrib and Isha prayers, with specific intentions such as a long life and protection from difficulties.
“Seek forgiveness, and Allah will open the doors of mercy,” believers are reminded.
“True peace lies in patience, gratitude and faith,” as reflected in Islamic thought.
“This night reminds us to return to Allah with sincerity,” according to Islamic teachings.
On this night, many believers stay awake to offer prayers, recite the Quran and ask forgiveness from Allah, viewing it as an opportunity to cleanse the heart, seek guidance and prepare for the year ahead. The term Shab-e-Barat means the Night of Forgiveness and Freedom, reflecting the belief that Allah grants mercy, forgives sins and blesses those who pray sincerely.
Shab-e-Barat 2026: History and significance
Several beliefs are associated with the history of Shab-e-Barat. One popular narration says Prophet Muhammad entered the city of Makkah on this night. Another belief refers to an incident involving his wife, Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa, who searched for him and later found him praying in a cemetery in Medina, seeking forgiveness for those who had passed away.The night is believed to be a time of mercy, when Allah forgives the sins of those who pray with sincerity and grants blessings for the coming year. It is also believed that an individual’s fate for the year ahead is decided based on their deeds. Shab-e-Barat encourages reflection, repentance and strengthening one’s bond with Allah, while also praying for others, including the departed.
Shab-e-Barat 2026: Prayers commonly offered
On the 15th night of Sha’ban, Muslims may offer various Nawafil prayers and engage in Tasbeeh to seek blessings from Allah. After the Maghrib prayer, which marks the start of the night, some offer two Rakats of Nafal. In the first Rakat, Surah Ikhlas is recited three times along with Surah Falaq after Surah Fatiha, while Surah Naas is recited in the second Rakat. Believers then make dua seeking protection of their Imaan.Salat ul Tasbih, a four-Rakat Nafal prayer focused on seeking forgiveness, is also commonly offered. During this prayer, the Tasbih “Subhanallahi Wal Hamdulillahi Walaa Ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar” is recited multiple times, with at least 75 recitations in each Rakat.
Some believers also offer two additional Rakats of Nafal after Maghrib, during which Surah Yasin is recited along with Dua Nisf Shaban, often with the intention of living a righteous life. Recitation of the Holy Quran, Dhikr and sending Durood upon Prophet Muhammad are also widely practised. Many recite Surah Yasin three times between Maghrib and Isha prayers, with specific intentions such as a long life and protection from difficulties.
Shab-e-Barat 2026: Wishes to share
- May this Night of Forgiveness bring peace, mercy and acceptance of prayers.
- Wishing you a blessed Shab-e-Barat filled with faith and reflection.
- May Allah forgive our sins and guide us on the path of righteousness.
- On this sacred night, may your prayers be heard and your heart be at ease.
- Shab-e-Barat Mubarak. May Allah’s mercy surround you and your family.
- May this holy night bring hope, forgiveness and inner peace.
- As we pray on Shab-e-Barat, may our faith be strengthened.
- Wishing you a night of sincere prayer and divine blessings.
- May Allah accept our duas and grant us guidance for the year ahead.
- Shab-e-Barat Mubarak. May this night bring calm hearts and renewed faith.
Shab-e-Barat 2026: Islamic quotes to reflect on
“Allah’s mercy is greater than all sins,” Islamic teachings emphasise.“Seek forgiveness, and Allah will open the doors of mercy,” believers are reminded.
“True peace lies in patience, gratitude and faith,” as reflected in Islamic thought.
“This night reminds us to return to Allah with sincerity,” according to Islamic teachings.
