Du'aa for this night - Laylatul Baraa-ah

Do-aa' for this night
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It is reported that Rasoeloullaah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said to Hadhrut Aa-ishah [radhiallaahu anha] on this night read this do-aa' and teach it to others too, for Jibra-iyl (alayhimus salaam) has taught this do-aa' to me:

`I seek protection in your forgiveness from Your wrath, and I seek shelter in Your pleasure form Your displeasure, and I seek safety with You from You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself.

This fifteenth night of Sha-baan is known as; LAYLATOEL MUBAARAKAH (The blessed night which is full of unseen benefits).

LAYLATOEL BARAA-AH (The night in which people are observed and pronounced clear of sin).

LAYLATOER RAH-MAH (The night of mercy and grace).

LAYLATOES SAKK (The night on which matters are determined for the year).

From relevant ahaadieth it is also understood that;

l. Due to the blessings of this night `Saghaa-ier sins, which are of lesser reproach are forgiven by Al-laah.

2. Allaah forgives in abundance on this night. (This forgiveness is even for numerous persons who had deserved the reproach and punishment of the fire).

3. On this night Allaah fixes and concludes all those who are to be born that year, and those who are to die that year.

4. On this night each persons sustenance for that year is determined. It must be understood that though all these aspects of Taqdeer are in the `ALLOW HOEL MAH-FOOTHZ' preserved tablet by Al-laah, on this night the responsibility of these tasks are finally given to the Malaa-ikah (Angels).

5. On this night each persons actions and doings (of the past year) are raised before Allaah.

6. Rasoeloullaah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] taught a special do-aa' for this night in which Al-laah's safety and security is sought.

7. It is Moesta-hub to spend as much time as possible in Iebaadah of Allaah during this night, e.g. Nafl - salaah, recital of the Qur'aan, the various different musnoon Thik-r of Allaah etc. (Note: Care must be taken that no special gatherings are called up for such purpose on this occasion).

8. One should make Towbah and Istighfaar (sincere repentance) on this night. Though grave and heinous sins are forgiven by deep regret and sincere Towbah after reformation, the sins of lesser reproach are the ones that are waived on this night by Allaah's mercy and grace. It is this barakah, virtue and sacredness which is referred to.

9. One should visit the Qabrastaan on this night and beseech for Allaah's mercy for those deceased buried there.

10. It is Moesta-hub (desirable) to fast on the fifteenth day of Sha-baan.

There are a number of malpractices which deprive a person of Allaah's compassion, mercy, grace and forgiveness on this night. These are;

SHI-RK (To ascribe partners to Allaah).

SHAH-NAA' (To harbour malice and hatred).

QATLOEN NAFS (To commit suicide or shed another's blood without the Shar-iy right to do so).

QAT-OER - RAHIM (To sever relationship without a Shar-iy cause).

ISBALOEL IZAAR (To wear ones trouser hanging below the ankles).

UQOOQOEL WAALIDAIYN (To be disobedient to ones parents (or guardians). (Note: Care must be taken and one shall be prudent in conduct and behaviour. This is because by the principles and teachings of Shari-ah in Islaam there is no commitment to parents for such adherence which is contrary to the teachings of our beloved Nabiy [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] harmful to the upliftment of Islaam or even detrimental to Moesliem welfare).

MOEDMINOEL KHAMR (To be an alcoholic, habitual drunkard, or one who takes other things which despair the human mental state).

(N.B. By sincere, unreserved repentance one could be saved from such misfortune and degeneration).

Lastly, it should be understood that some groups have introduced customs into their lives relating to LAYLATOEL BARAA-AH. Such additional habitual practices have neither been sanctioned nor authenticated by Rasoeloullaah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam], his illumine Khulafaa'oer Raashidyn, the Asharah Moebash-sharah', (ten elite who were blessed with the information of entrance into Jannah) or even other companions of Rasoeloullaah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. Having extra decor and lighting in homes and Musjieds for this night, having displays of fireworks on this night, cladding graves with new sheets for this night, prostrating to graves on this night, (e.g. Cooking of special milk and rice for this night believing that the souls of the deceased shall not visit ones home if certain special foods or deserts are not prepared, and then to take offence if someone does not partake therefrom, etc.) These all are unfounded, un-Islaamic, merely customary practices.

May Allaah save us and all coming generations from this type of estrangement from the teachings of Rasoeloullaah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam].

Published by: Waterval Islamic Institute, Johannesburg

http://www.alinaam.org.za/library/baraat09.htm



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