Nisfu Sha’ban: A Night of Forgiveness and Reflection

As the sacred month of Sha’ban approaches, we find ourselves on the eve of a significant night—Nisfu Sha’ban. 

This blessed occasion holds immense spiritual value for believers, and it is a time to seek forgiveness, reflect, and draw ourselves closer to Allah Almighty.

To commemorate this auspicious night, let’s explore the meaning, merits and virtues as well as essential practices during this blessed time.

The Merits of the Night of 15th Sha’ban

The Night of 15th Sha’ban, referred to as Laylat al-Nisf min Sha’ban in Arabic, stands as one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar.

This night occurs on the eve preceding the 15th day of Sha’ban since the night precedes the day.

‘Ata’ bin Yasar, a narrator of hadith from the Companions, asserted that after Laylat al-Qadr, there is no night superior to the Night of Mid-Sha’ban. Its significance lies in the divine blessings bestowed upon it.

❤️ Being granted forgiveness

 

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيَطَّلِعُ فِي لَيْلَةِ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَيَغْفِرُ لِجَمِيعِ خَلْقِهِ إِلاَّ لِمُشْرِكٍ أَوْ مُشَاحِنٍ

“Verily, Allah gazes at His creation on the middle of Sha’ban and forgives all His creations except for those who attribute partners to Allah (shirk) and those who have rancour in their hearts towards others.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban)

إذا كانت لَيْلَةُُ النِّصْفِ من شَعْبَانَ فَقُومُوا لَيْلَهَا وَصُومُوا نَهَارَهَا فإن اللَّهَ يَنْزِلُ فيها لِغُرُوبِ الشَّمْسِ إلى سَمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا فيقول: ألا من مُسْتَغْفِرٍ لي فَأَغْفِرَ له، ألا مُسْتَرْزِقٌ فَأَرْزُقَهُ، ألا مبتلى فَأُعَافِيَهُ، ألا كَذَا ألا كَذَا حتى يَطْلُعَ الْفَجْرُ

“On the 15th of Sha’ban, wake up to observe the vigil-prayer in the night and fast during the day, for Allah descends to the nearest heavens from dusk to ask: Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provisions so that I may provide him? Is there anyone facing tribulations so that I may protect him? (and it goes on) Is there anyone this and that’ until the sun rises at dawn.” (Narrated by Imam Ibn Majah)

🛐 It is the night when our deeds are raised to Allah Almighty

 

Our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

ذَلِكَ شَهْرٌ يَغْفُلُ النَّاسُ عَنْهُ بَيْنَ رَجَبٍ وَرَمَضَانَ وَهُوَ شَهْرٌ تُرْفَعُ فِيهِ الْأَعْمَالُ إِلَى رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُرْفَعَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِم

“It is a month where people tend to neglect, between the months of Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds, and I like my deeds to be raised while I am fasting.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i)

✨ It is the month when the verse commanding Salawat was revealed

 

According to Imam Al-Qastallani and Abu Dzar Al-Harawi, the revelation of verse 56 from Surah Al-Ahzab to the Prophet ﷺ occurred during the month of Sha’ban. Scholars consistently emphasize the importance of increasing our prayers and salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ in alignment with this divine revelation.

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلاَئِكَـتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِيِّ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ صَلُّواْ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيماً

“Indeed Allah and His angels bestow their prayers upon the Prophet. O you who believe, bestow prayers and peace upon him in abundance.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56)

🛐 Essential Practices During this Auspicious Night

Recitation of Surah Yasin

It is the practice of many of the pious people of the Ummah to recite Surah Yasin three times on the 15th night of Sha`bān.

The first time it is recited with the intention of being blessed with a long life spent in obedience to Allah.

The second time it is recited with the intention that calamities are diverted.

The third time it is recited with the intention of not being in need of people and being blessed with a good ending. After each recitation of Sūrah Yā Sīn they recite the following prayers.

You may also recite these following du’as during the blessed night:

Dua for Forgiveness (Istighfar):

 

أَسْتَغْفِرُ الله وَأَتُوْبُ إِلَيْهِ

Astaghifrullah wa atubu ilaih.

“I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most Great, and I repent to Him.”

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni.

“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا

Rabbanā lā tuākhidh’nā in nasīnā aw akh ta’na.

“Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred.” [Qur’an 2:286].

Dua for Blessings and Goodness:

 

اَللّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِى رَجَبَ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَان

Allahumma baarik lana fi rajaba wa Sha’baana wa ballighna Ramadan.

“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’baan, and let us reach Ramadan”

Remember, Nisfu Sha’ban is a time of mercy, hope, and renewal. Let us engage in acts of worship, recite the Quran, and pray for our loved ones and the entire Ummah. Feel free to share this email with your loved ones. May Allah Almighty grant us His Divine Blessings, Mercy and Forgiveness on this auspicious night, Amin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

References: 

https://muslim.sg/articles/the-virtues-and-benefits-of-the-month-of-sha-ban 

www.muwasala.org

https://muslim.sg/articles/the-virtues-and-benefits-of-the-month-of-sha-ban