Lailat al-Bara’ah

When is Lailat al-Bara’ah?

On the Islamic calendar, the observance is marked on 14 and 15 Shaban. The Gregorian date varies each year. In 2022, Lailat al-Bara-ah falls on the 18th of March.

What is Lailat al-Bara’ah?

Also known as Mid Sha’ban (because it falls in the middle of the Islamic month of Sha’ban), this marks a night on which many Muslims pray for forgiveness. (The name translates into English as “Night of Forgiveness.”) Some believe that, on this night, God fixes people’s destiny for the upcoming year. Some Muslims mark this night with prayer and fasting.

Did you know . . .?

• Lailat al Bara’ah occurs roughly two weeks before Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims.
• On this same date, Shia Muslims observe the birthday of the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi. Shia Muslims believe that al-Mahdi will, alongside Isa (Jesus), bring about peace and the kingdom of God on earth at the end of the world.

Want to learn more?

Some Muslims prepare sweets during this time. One example is zarda, a rice pudding with origins in South Asia: zarda recipe.