Muslims across the country celebrate “Shab-e-Baraat,” also known as the “Night of Forgiveness,” an important festival that falls on Sunday on the evening of the 14th and 15th of Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.
Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in Delhi, declared his son as the successor during a ‘dastarbandi’ ceremony in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque on Sunday.
The ceremony involves tying a “dastarbandi” (turban) on the head of the next imam, followed by prayers.
Sayyed Ahmed Bukhari said: “This is the night of prayer. This is the night of forgiveness of sins. Everyone should pray silently and then everyone should go home.”
Shab-e-Barat celebrations were held at Nizamuddin Darga in Delhi.
A large number of people are seen praying around the holy dargah.
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In awe of the Shab-e-Baraat celebrations, Delhi Police officials have deployed multiple checkpoints around the national capital to maintain law and order.
The Dargah Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar was decorated with lights and a large number of people gathered there.
People also come to Mumbai’s ‘Bada Qabristaan’ to pray for their deceased relatives.
Shoaib Khatib, trustee of the Juma Masjid in Mumbai, said: “Mumbai’s Badakabrista is 200 years old and spreads over 8 acres. The departed people come here to pray for them. Mumbai Police has made good arrangements. “Whatever guidelines are laid down, everyone follows them. People who come here can also worship peacefully. The Mosque Trust makes arrangements a month before Shab-e-Baraat. “
People sit and listen to religious hymns in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
The word “Shab” is of Persian origin and means night, while “Barat” is an Arabic word that represents redemption and forgiveness. On the night of Shab-e-Barat, Muslims around the world ask God to forgive their sins.
South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, as well as Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan are full of enthusiasm for this festival.
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Many people believe this is a holy night when Allah is more forgiving and sincere prayers can help wash away their sins. This night is also used to seek mercy for deceased and sick family members, and it is believed that Allah determines people’s fate for the coming year, their livelihood and whether they have the opportunity to perform Hajj (hajj).
Furthermore, Shab-e-Barat has its own unique traditions depending on cultural diversity and local traditions. During the day, Muslims prepare delicious sweets like Halwa, Zarda and other delicacies and distribute them to neighbors, relatives, family members and the poor. Many people visit the graves of their loved ones to pray for their eternal peace. Some people also fast on Shab-e-Barat.
Mosques are decorated and many have regular readings and announcements throughout the day in preparation for the evening’s main events. After sunset, Muslim devotees start praying with “Isha Ki Namaz” and continue throughout the night until the next day, and then eat Sehri (the pre-dawn meal before the Shab-e-Barat fast).