In his monthly lecture at Masjid An-Nabawi, the President of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, shared valuable insights regarding the 15th night of Sha’ban and the legality of dedicating worship to it. The session, held yesterday, attracted a large audience eager to gain knowledge about this significant night in the Islamic calendar.
Understanding the 15th Night of Sha’ban
Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds a special place in Islamic tradition as it precedes the blessed month of Ramadan. The 15th night of Sha’ban, often referred to as Laylat al-Bara’ah (the Night of Forgiveness), is believed by many scholars to be a night of divine mercy and forgiveness. Throughout Islamic history, it has been associated with increased acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and turning towards Allah in sincere repentance.
During his lecture, Sheikh Sudais emphasized the importance of adhering to authentic teachings regarding the 15th night of Sha’ban. He explained that while certain narrations mention the virtues of this night, acts of worship should always be in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He cautioned against innovations (bid’ah) that have no basis in the Qur’an or authentic Hadith.
Sheikh Sudais reminded the audience that the best way to seek Allah’s mercy is through sincere repentance, increased recitation of the Qur’an, engaging in extra prayers (nafl), and making du’a for oneself and the entire ummah. He further highlighted that the true preparation for Ramadan begins in Sha’ban, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself used to fast frequently during this month.
A key point in Sheikh Sudais’ address was the importance of distinguishing between established acts of worship and cultural practices. While Islam encourages devotion and seeking Allah’s blessings on any given night, dedicating specific rituals to the 15th night of Sha’ban without clear evidence from the Prophet’s teachings can lead to religious innovations. He encouraged the faithful to focus on universally accepted forms of worship such as performing extra nafl prayers, increasing dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and giving charity.
Sheikh Sudais concluded his talk by emphasizing the role of knowledge in shaping a strong and authentic faith. He urged Muslims to always seek guidance from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, relying on scholars who uphold the true teachings of Islam. He also encouraged the use of Islamic resources, such as books and reputable scholars, to gain a deeper understanding of religious matters.
The session at Masjid An-Nabawi served as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and practicing Islam in its purest form. As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, Sheikh Sudais’ message calls upon Muslims to spiritually prepare themselves in the best possible manner through sincerity, devotion, and adherence to authentic teachings.
Credits: Haramain Archive