A Night of Mercy, Light and Forgiveness
In the serene mountains of Neelum Valley, the night sky glows with a thousand stars. Inside a modest home, Razia, a widow and mother of three, sits by a small lantern. Her children are asleep, and her worn prayer mat lies open before her. It is Shab-e-Barat — the Night of Forgiveness and Mercy. As the cool air fills the valley, Razia lifts her hands and whispers, “Ya Allah, forgive me and my children. Let us see another Ramadan with ease.”
Her voice trembles with both gratitude and pain. The last year was difficult. Her husband’s passing left her with nothing but debts and memories. Yet she has faith — the kind that flourishes even in hardship.
That faith was answered. Last Shab-e-Barat, she received a food pack from the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, sent by a UK donor who wanted to share mercy on this sacred night. For Razia, that gift meant survival.
“When I broke my fast that night,” she says softly, “I tasted not just food — I tasted hope.”
Across the valleys of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, millions share Razia’s prayer. They await Ramadan with love and longing, even as poverty, isolation, and uncertainty weigh on their lives. And every year, through the generosity of UK donors, mercy reaches them — often on nights like Shab-e-Barat.
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What Is Shab-e-Barat?
Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, falls on the 15th night of Sha’ban, two weeks before Ramadan. It is believed to be a night when Allah (SWT) showers His mercy, forgives sins, and writes the destinies of His servants for the coming year.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“On the 15th of Sha’ban, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ‘Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?’”
(Ibn Majah)
Another hadith mentions:
“Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who harbour hatred.”
(Ahmad)
It is a night of reflection — when we turn our hearts toward Allah, seeking forgiveness for the past and blessings for the future.
When Is Shab-e-Barat 2026?
Shab-e-Barat in 2026 is expected to fall on the evening of 2nd February 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.
As the night descends, Muslims around the world will bow in prayer, recite Qur’an, and make heartfelt du’as, hoping to be among those whose sins are forgiven and destinies blessed.
The Significance of Shab-e-Barat
For many believers, Shab-e-Barat is a spiritual checkpoint — a time to pause, reflect, and renew. It bridges the gap between Sha’ban and Ramadan, preparing our hearts for the month of fasting and mercy that follows.
On this night, believers engage in:
- Seeking forgiveness for past mistakes.
- Offering extra prayers to draw closer to Allah.
- Performing acts of charity to spread mercy among others.
- Mending relationships to clear the heart of resentment.
It is a night when the veils between the heart and the divine seem thinner, and when compassion becomes a living expression of faith.
The Prophetic Example
Aisha (RA) reported:
“I missed the Prophet (ﷺ) one night and found him in al-Baqi’ cemetery. He said: ‘Did you fear that Allah and His Messenger would deal unjustly with you?’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I thought you had gone to one of your wives.’ He said, ‘Verily Allah descends to the lowest heaven on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives more people than the hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb.’”
(Tirmidhi)
The Prophet’s example teaches us that forgiveness and intercession are central themes of this night — not just for ourselves, but for the ummah.
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Acts of Mercy on Shab-e-Barat
1. Seek Forgiveness
Spend the night in sincere repentance. Ask Allah to forgive your sins, soften your heart, and guide your path toward goodness.
2. Pray Extra Salah
Offer voluntary prayers (Nafl) or wake for Tahajjud. It is said that Allah’s mercy is closest during the last part of the night.
3. Recite Qur’an and Dhikr
Reflect on Surah Yasin and verses about Allah’s mercy. Remember Him through dhikr and send blessings upon the Prophet (ﷺ).
4. Fasting on the 15th of Sha’ban
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban, then spend the night in prayer and fast the next day.”
(Ibn Majah)
5. Give Charity (Sadaqah)
Charity given on Shab-e-Barat is multiplied in reward. It cleanses the heart, brings relief to others, and invites Allah’s mercy.
Shab-e-Barat and the Blessing of Charity
Shab-e-Barat reminds us that forgiveness and generosity are intertwined. To seek Allah’s mercy, we must also show mercy to others.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“If anyone fulfils his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where 4.46 million people live and 82% are rural, many families live in fragile conditions. With one doctor per 3,886 people, limited access to healthcare, and rising food costs, hardship remains widespread.
Your Sadaqah this Shab-e-Barat can provide immediate relief — food for iftar, clean water, and support for widows and orphans.
“When a UK donor gives on Shab-e-Barat,” says Parveen Kausar, Trustee at Kashmir Welfare Foundation, “they are part of something eternal — forgiveness, mercy, and hope reaching across continents.”
Mercy in Motion
This Shab-e-Barat, as you seek forgiveness, let your mercy travel further.
💙 Feed a fasting family. Support a widow. Prepare a child for Ramadan.
Every act of charity you give tonight is a prayer answered tomorrow.
The Reality in Kashmir – Data That Demands Compassion
According to the AJK At a Glance 2024 Report:
- Population: 4.46 million
- Rural population: 82%
- Literacy rate: 77.5% (female 68.2%)
- Infant mortality rate: 47–51 per 1,000 live births
- Maternal mortality ratio: 104 per 100,000 births
- Doctor-to-patient ratio: 1:3,886
Behind each number is a face like Razia’s — someone relying on your mercy to find theirs.
What Your Sadaqah Achieved Last Year
🌙 Ramadan 2024 & Sha’ban Impact Highlights
- 10,000 families fed through food packs.
- 75 clean water wells constructed.
- 4,000 patients treated in mobile medical camps.
- 600 orphans sponsored for education.
- 120 widows trained in small business skills.
Each of these blessings began with a moment of giving. This Shab-e-Barat, you can start the next chapter of mercy.
Why Give Before Ramadan
Giving Sadaqah in Sha’ban and on Shab-e-Barat prepares your heart — and others’ homes — for Ramadan. It allows your charity to reach families in time for their first iftar, their first clean drink, their first sigh of relief after months of hardship.
In Islam, charity before Ramadan isn’t just rewarded — it’s multiplied. It’s a statement that mercy doesn’t wait.
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UK Gift Aid Reminder
If you’re a UK taxpayer, you can increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost through Gift Aid.
That means £40 becomes £50 — enough to provide two food packs instead of one.
Tick the Gift Aid box and let your mercy multiply this Shab-e-Barat.
Dua for Mercy and Forgiveness
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
Make this dua throughout the night, between prayers, and in sujood. May it cleanse your heart as your Sadaqah brings light to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Shab-e-Barat and why is it important?
Shab-e-Barat, the 15th night of Sha’ban, is the Night of Forgiveness when Allah’s mercy is said to descend, forgiving sins and blessing those who seek repentance.
2. When is Shab-e-Barat 2026 in the UK?
Shab-e-Barat 2026 is expected on Sunday, 1st February 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.
3. What should I do on Shab-e-Barat?
Engage in prayer, repentance, and charity. Recite Qur’an, perform Tahajjud, and give Sadaqah to help those in need.
4. Can I fast on the 15th of Sha’ban?
Yes. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged fasting the day after Shab-e-Barat as a way to purify one’s heart and renew spiritual strength before Ramadan.
5. Can I Gift Aid my Sadaqah or donation?
Yes. If you’re a UK taxpayer, ticking the Gift Aid box adds 25% to your donation at no extra cost, multiplying your impact.
Mercy Begins With You
As the stars shimmer over Kashmir and the ummah bows in prayer, remember: mercy is not distant. It flows through hands that give.
On this Shab-e-Barat, seek forgiveness not only with words, but with deeds. Let your Sadaqah bring relief to those who whisper the same dua as you: “Ya Allah, forgive us and bless us with ease.”
Give Before Ramadan Begins:
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