Preparing for Ramadan

This is the "Night of Blessing" or the "Night of Decree", celebrated on 14 Shabaan of the Islamic year. It is the night of the last full moon before Ramadan, the month of fasting for all Muslims.

It was at this time every year that Prophet Muhammad (SM) used to begin his preparations for the month of Ramadan by spending whole night in prayer and worshipping Allah. It is also said that on this holy night Prophet Muhammad (SM) was found praying for the departed souls at "Jannat-ul-Baqui" in Madinah. Therefore according to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SM) many Muslims also spend the night of Lailat ul-Barat by staying awake all night in prayer and visiting the graves of their near and dear ones on the 15 Shabaan and pray for the salvation of the departed souls.

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Muslims believe that every year on this night Allah makes His Order (Decree) known to the angels as to the destiny and of the life and death of every human being for that year. Therefore we should ask for Allah's mercy and forgiveness on this special night of Shab-e-Barat.

Muslims also celebrate this night by cooking and eating special meals and sweets and lighting candles. Sweets and different kinds of bread are also distributed among the less fortunate. Many Muslims also fast for two days, on 14th and 15th of Shabaan.