MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The religious festival of Shab-e-Barat in Kashmir will take place tonight, on Thursday during the 14th day of Sha’ban, making the evening of Thursday, Feb 13, 2025, to Friday, Feb 14, 2025, under deep religious observation.
Religious teachings name Lailat al-Mubarakah, translated to the blessed night, Lailat al-Sak or the night of decree, and Lailat al-Rahmah or the night of mercy as significant events in Islam. During this night Muslims present themselves before Allah to ask for forgiveness for their transgressions while seeking divine repentance. There will be worshipful prayers dedicated to the nation’s wealth and Muslim unity along with family members’ happiness.
Azad Kashmir is all set to observe the night of divine decree. Mosques throughout the nation organise special spiritual gatherings for their community members who perform prayers along with Quran recitations and make acts of devotion that include nawafil which are voluntary, and tasbeeh or supplications. Countless believers will continue their worship activities throughout the night while asking Allah to grant them His mercy and blessings and to ease the pain of the Kashmiris.
Nearly a multitude of people intend to visit cemeteries this evening to perform Fateha for deceased family members and ask for their absolution. Security personnel will implement strong protective measures across graveyards and mosques to safeguard the attendees during this time while graveyards receive specialized cleaning services as well as lighting maintenance.
Muslim believers unite in mosques and homes on Shab-e-Barat to request divine mercy for themselves with their families and all people of the Muslim world. The occasion includes specific prayers asking for national security together with country growth and peace for Kashmir and Palestine as well as releasing those who died from their sins.
Muslims dedicate this moment to reflecting upon life while renewing their spirituality to receive Allah’s mercy. Throughout the world, Muslims observe this holy night with a religious dedication to receive divine blessings as well as forgiveness for the next year. Prayers for the Kashmiri martyrs and hardships on the people will be made.
In Muslim belief, Shab-e-Barat represents the critical spiritual occasion known as the ‘Night of Forgiveness’. During the 15th night of Sha’ban within the eighth month of the Islamic calendar Muslims celebrate this night as receiving divine decree alongside divine blessings and divine mercy. During this night Muslims believe Allah decides the future life outcomes of believers for the coming year regarding their vital resources and life duration as well as the timing of their departure. Believers use this significant time to ask for mercy by seeking pardon for their transgressions while performing marginalised acts of devotion and prayer.
People observe this night by praying nawafil along with Quran reading and tasbeeh which involves remembering Allah. During ceremonies at cemeteries, Muslims engage in prayers which target their loved ones in death to bring harmony and pardon. The night reminds people about life’s fleeting nature while creating an opportunity to examine one’s deeds to seek forgiveness through prayer and promise a commitment to fulfilling righteous actions.
Muslims believe Allah shows His greatest mercy on Shab-e-Barat because true repentance at this time can eliminate all previous misdeeds. Believers receive spiritual renewal through this practice which forces them to strengthen their faith while showing kindness and seeking blessings between themselves and others. Muslim traditions deeply emphasise the importance of night ceremonies thus making the occasion vital for religious activities throughout the worldwide Muslim community.
