The holy night of Lailatul Bara’at (Shab-e-Barat) will be observed across the country tonight with due reverence and a solemn religious atmosphere. On this occasion, the Islamic Foundation has arranged a series of religious programs at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, including recitation from the Holy Qur’an, Hamd and Na’at, sermons, and special prayers.

The program at Baitul Mukarram will begin after the Maghrib prayer with a religious sermon. At 6:30 pm, a discussion highlighting the virtues, significance, and spiritual importance of Lailatul Bara’at in the light of the Qur’an and Hadith will be delivered by Mufti Maulana Nazrul Islam Qasemi, Khatib of Badamtoli Shahzada Lane Jame Mosque in Dhaka.

Later, at 8:30 pm, Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, will speak on the teachings of Shab-e-Barat, focusing on recommended practices and actions to avoid, based on Islamic sources. The session will be presided over by A. Salam Khan, Director General of the Islamic Foundation. The mosque will remain open throughout the night to facilitate voluntary prayers, remembrance (zikr), and supplications. The observance will conclude with the final supplication after the Fajr prayer, led by Maulana Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, Senior Pesh Imam of Baitul Mukarram.

In addition, similar prayer gatherings, sermons, and discussions have been arranged at divisional and district offices of the Islamic Foundation, Islamic Mission Centers, and Imam Training Academies across the country.

In Islamic tradition, certain moments and nights transcend ordinary time, deeply influencing human spiritual life. The 15th night of Sha’ban, known as Shab-e-Barat, is one such spiritually significant occasion. It symbolizes divine mercy and forgiveness and serves as a crucial moment for self-reflection and moral renewal. The word “Barat” originates from the Arabic root “Bara’ah,” meaning freedom, absolution, or deliverance. From this perspective, Shab-e-Barat represents liberation from sins, protection from Hellfire, and an opportunity to draw closer to Allah.

Islamic scholars throughout history have regarded this night as an important occasion for ethical reform and spiritual purification. Its virtues are supported by several Hadiths. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that Allah looks upon His creation on the middle night of Sha’ban and grants forgiveness to all except those who associate partners with Him or harbor hatred in their hearts.

Many scholars believe that on this night, matters concerning life, death, sustenance, and well-being for the coming year are assigned to the angels—while ultimate destiny remains within Allah’s absolute knowledge. Islam teaches optimism, emphasizing that sincere repentance and heartfelt supplication can attract divine mercy.

The core acts of worship for this night include prolonged prayers, remembrance of Allah, repentance, and emotional supplication. Observing the night in worship and fasting the following day are considered commendable voluntary acts. At the same time, it is essential to distinguish between practices endorsed by Islamic teachings and those based on cultural customs.

Activities such as fireworks, excessive lighting, loud celebrations, or performing compulsory rituals with fixed formats have no foundation in the Qur’an or Hadith. Instead, such practices disrupt the night’s intended serenity and spiritual focus. Shab-e-Barat reminds believers that Islam is not merely a religion of outward rituals, but one of inner transformation. It is, above all, a night of deep self-examination.