Muslims observe Shab-e-Barat

By Our Correspondent,Banke, Feb. 5: Muslims in Banke celebrated the sacred festival Shab-e-Barat on Tuesday night with devotion, worship, and social harmony.

According to the Islamic calendar, this festival is observed on the night of the 14th of Shaban and is regarded as a night of self-purification, seeking forgiveness, and devotion to Allah.

On Tuesday night, members of the Muslim community gathered in mosques, stayed awake throughout the night, and participated in worship. The atmosphere was spiritual marked by Quran recitation, prayers, and individual supplications.

Religious leader Maulana Mufti Fazal Haq said that Shab-e-Barat was concluded after special prayers throughout the night and the offering of morning congregational prayers at Nepalgunj’s Jama Masjid, Gausiya Masjid, Phulwari Masjid, and Faizane Madina Masjid operated by Dawate Islami.

According to him, after the morning collective prayer, participants visited graveyards to offer prayers (duas) in memory of deceased ancestors, relatives, and family members.

On the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, the Muslim community has also embraced the religious tradition of giving charity to the poor, distressed, and helpless, as well as observing a one-day fast. According to religious belief, forgiveness is sought from Allah and special prayers are offered on this night.

Islamic scholar Maulana Abdul Jabbar Manjari said that Shab-e-Barat is a sacred night for reviewing one’s deeds of the past year and self-evaluation for the coming year.  According to him, there is a public belief that sincere worship pleases Allah and brings liberation from sins.

During this festival, it is customary to prepare various kinds of halwa which are shared and distributed among relatives and friends.

 Fifteen days after this festival, the holy month of Ramadan begins, followed by the celebration of Eid. 

Shab-e-Barat has been found to further strengthen religious tolerance and mutual harmony in Banke.