Lailatul Barat Begins

Lailatul Barat History

Lailatul Barat, also referred to as Bara'a Night, is a night of intercession, a time when Muslims seek forgiveness and blessings from Allah for their past and future actions. The concept of Lailatul Barat lies in the belief that on this night, Allah determines each individual's destiny for the coming year, including decisions about life, death, and sustenance. Hence, it's a time of prayer, reflection, and asking for divine mercy and forgiveness.

Historically, Lailatul Barat has its roots in the Middle Eastern traditions but gradually spread across the world with the expansion of Islam. It became significant in the United Kingdom as the Muslim population in the country increased due to immigration, particularly post-World War II. The UK, known for its cultural diversity, celebrates Lailatul Barat with respect for religious plurality. The observance holds particular relevance for many UK Muslims in building connections with their spiritual roots and maintaining the traditions of their forebears.

In the United Kingdom, Lailatul Barat is observed primarily by night-long vigils, individual prayers, and recitation from the Quran at mosques and at homes. Many fast during the day and engage in additional prayers at night, seeking divine mercy and blessings. Muslim communities in the UK organise special gatherings and events at local mosques, providing opportunities for communal prayers and religious discourses. Lailatul Barat is observed on the 15th night of the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Sha'ban. However, the specific date may vary in the UK, as the Islamic calendar is based on the sighting of the moon, which can differ slightly in various geographical regions.

Facts about Lailatul Barat

• In the Arab world, Lailatul Barat is called Laylatun Nisf min Sha'ban, which translates to the night in the middle of Sha'ban. In Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, however, Shab-e-Barat is used, which means 'Night of records'.
• A companion of Muhammad, Usama ibn Zaid, once asked him, Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha'ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month. Prophet Muhammad replied: That (Sha'ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.
• According to Islamic tradition, on this night, Muhammad had been prostrating in prayer for so long, that his wife Aisha feared that he was dead. She moved his thumb, and when she saw that he moved his thumb back to its original position, she lay in bed, reassured of his health. After he was done praying, Muhammad explained to his wife that Shab-e-Barat is a holy night during which God forgives the believers and releases countless people from hell.
• The observance of Lailatul Barat is more common among Asian communities, given that it is not universally recognized across all Muslim cultures. This reflects the diverse nature of the Muslim population in the UK.
• Many British Muslims use this opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Allah through acts of obedience and repentance, hoping for blessings, mercy, and forgiveness.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Lailatul Barat Begins

Top things to do in the UK for Lailatul Barat

• In most places in the world, this night involves festivities, cooking, and staying up all night in prayer. Schools are often off the next day, to give young children a chance to recuperate.
• In some regions of the world, people visit graves and commemorate their ancestors on this night.
• Visit a Mosque: The UK has numerous beautiful mosques such as the London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre, Birmingham Central Mosque, or the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking. It's common for Muslims to spend Lailatul Barat in prayer, so visiting a mosque to participate or observe might be enlightening.
• Read a book to learn more about Lailatul Barat:
  Islamic Stories - by Anita Ganeri
  The Essentials of Islamic Faith - by Suhaib Hasan
  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam - by Yahiya Emerick