8th Month in the Islamic Calendar : Shabaan
Shabaan is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which the holy night of Shab-e-Baraat is celebrated. Laylat al-Bara'ah - Night of Salvation The 15th night of Shabaan is a very blessed night. According to the Hadith Shareef, the name of this Mubarak night is "Nisf Shabaan" which means 15th night of Shabaan.
The reason for this special night to attain its name of Laylat al-Bara'ah, meaning the Night of Salvation, Seeking Freedom from Azaab and Calamity, is that in this night the Barkaat and acceptance of repentance may be accomplished. Laylat al-Baraa'ah in Persian, as well as in Urdu, is called Shab-e Bara'at.It is the special night of seeking forgiveness and repenting to Almighty Allah, remembering our past sins and sincerely settling the mind that one will never commits sins in the future.
All the deeds that are against Shari'ahmust be totally avoided so that our Du'a and Istighfaar, hopefully, will beaccepted. Muslims should check themselves and A'la Hadrat, Imam AhmadRida Fadil e-Bareilly (radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) has given a beautiful advise inthis regard. This great Imam said: "Verily the auspicious night of Shab-e-Bara'a is drawing near when the deeds of the slave will be presented to the Almighty Allah. I humbly supplicate in the Darbar-e-Aqdas of the AlmightyAllah that through the Wasila-e-Uzma of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu alaihi wa Sallam) He forgives the sins and transgressions of allMuslims. Aameen."On this occasion, it should be the duty of all Sunni Muslims to forgive oneanother and to make sure that whatever debts owed to one another is settled.
The importance of Huqooq al-Ibaad cannot be over-emphasised as this is among the pre-requisites for proper Ibaadat. I pray that all Muslimshumbly remember this night and try as much as possible to perform Ibaadat and other pious deeds so that their Record of Deeds be presentedin all dignity."Finally, I pray that the Almighty Allah assists you and I and the Muslim Ummah wherever you may be. Muslims should be aware of sincerity and honesty in all their deeds. May Almighty Allah forgive all of us. Aameen." Faqeer Ahmad Rida Qaderi (may Allah forgive him)How to welcome the NightOn this auspicious night, you should perform fresh Ghusal and Wudhu and perform the two Rakaat of Tahhiyatul Wudhu.