Shab-e-Barat

About Shab-e-Barat

Shab-e-Barat, a Persian name often translated as the night of records or of forgiveness, is observed on the night between the 14th and 15th of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar. In Arabic it is known as Laylat al-Bara'ah or the night of mid-Sha'ban. Many Muslims in Bangladesh treat it as a night for asking forgiveness, praying for the living and the dead, and preparing their hearts for Ramadan, which begins about two weeks later.

How the night is kept varies from family to family. Some spend it in voluntary prayers, Quran recitation and dhikr, and fast on the following day; others keep it more simply. Islamic scholars have long held different views about which of the popular customs are rooted in religious teaching and which are local tradition, so it is best understood as a night that many people honour in their own way.

The date follows the lunar calendar and moves about eleven days earlier each year, so in some years, such as 2029, it falls twice in one Gregorian year. Bangladesh lists the day after the night as a public holiday, and the exact date is fixed by the moon-sighting committee at the start of Sha'ban. The dates here are the expected holiday days.

How it is celebrated

In Bangladesh the evening is marked by full mosques, special sermons and people visiting the graves of parents and grandparents to pray for them. A much-loved home custom is making halwa from semolina, chana dal, carrots or papaya, served with thin chaler ruti or fried bread and shared with neighbours and the poor. In Old Dhaka, bakeries are known for huge decorated breads, sometimes shaped like fish or crocodiles, that sell out on the day.

The holiday is a single day, and the shopping around it is modest and local: ingredients for halwa, new tupi or prayer mats, attar and sometimes a fresh panjabi. Some families also use the occasion to give charity before Ramadan.

What people buy

1. Halwa ingredients

   Semolina, chana dal, sugar, ghee, milk powder, cardamom and nuts are bought for the halwa that is cooked at home.

2. Rice flour for ruti

   Fine rice flour or atta is needed for the thin rutis that are served with halwa and meat curry.

3. Prayer mats and tupi

   A clean or new jaynamaz and cap are common purchases for a night spent in prayer.

4. Attar and tasbih

   Non-alcoholic attar and prayer beads are small items many people buy for the evening.

5. Islamic books

   Copies of the Quran, books of duas and Islamic reading for children are popular in this season, ahead of Ramadan.

Gift ideas

1. Prayer mat and tasbih set

   A soft prayer mat with matching tasbih is a respectful gift for parents and grandparents.

2. A beautifully bound Quran

   A clearly printed Quran or a Bangla translation makes a lasting gift for the family.

3. Attar gift box

   A small box of attar is easy to share and suits a night of prayer.

Shopping tips

Shab-e-Barat comes quickly once the Sha'ban moon is seen, so order prayer items and dry ingredients a week or so ahead. It is also a good moment to plan Ramadan and Eid shopping, before couriers get busy.

On Midmart each shop delivers separately and charges its own delivery fee, so items from several shops arrive as several parcels with several charges. Midmart never handles payment or delivery; each seller arranges their own, so check the delivery time with the seller if you need items before the night.

Shop for Shab-e-Barat

• prayer mat
• tupi
• attar
• tasbih
• quran
• semolina
• panjabi

Shab-e-Barat dates

Dates marked “expected” depend on the moon sighting or the official calendar and are confirmed close to the day.

Questions about Shab-e-Barat

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