Laylat al Bara’at is a Muslim holiday celebrated at night, which is associated with the descent of God from heaven and the generous forgiveness of sins. It is regarded as a night when the fortunes of individuals for the coming year are decided and when Allah may forgive sinners. Therefore, on this night every year many Muslims pray and fast the next day. This year, the celebration begins at sundown on March 28.
Also called Mid-Sha’ban, Laylat al Bara’at falls in the middle of the month Sha’ban, a month before Ramadan.
Laylat al Bara’at is important to many Muslims, but not for all the same reasons:
- In the Shia view, it is the date when Imam al-Mahdi was born. Shias believe him to be the twelfth, final and current Shia Imam and also the Mahdi, a very important Islamic figure who is believed by all Muslims to bring absolute justice to the world by establishing Islam as the global religion.
- In the Sunni, view Mid-Sha’ban is a night of worship and salvation, commemorating when Allah saved Noah’s followers from the deluge. It is also when Allah prepares the destiny for all people on Earth for the coming year. For this reason it is sometimes called the “Night of Emancipation” (Laylat al Bara’at).