On celebrating Shab-e-barat
K Kabir, New York, USA
The opinion given by Mr S Ashraf Ali, former director of the Islamic Foundation in Dhaka on Shab-e-barat is in direct contradiction with many Islamic scholars' around the world. This is practised only in the sub-continent, and not in the Mid-East, Europe or the US. I have asked Muslims from the Mid-East about it and they haven't even heard of Lailatul Barat, but certainly Lailatul Qadr. All scholars have said that this is not based on authentic hadith. There is no authentic sahih Hadith on the 15th of Shaban being a special night. Our Imam at our local masjid, a PhD in Islamic Studies, has done research and lectured us on the 15th of Shaban. Like many other scholars, he has come to the same conclusion that there is no authentication of the 15th of Shaban being a special night. I have seen various renderings on-line by various Muslim scholars in my search on this subject. Mr. Ashraf has claimed that there is authentic hadith on this. It would be most desirable if he can give the specific references on authenticity and the chain that corroborates his assertions. Some on-line hadith references on this subject (Ibn Majah) stating that Hazrat Ali (RA) mentioned about the 15th being special is considered inauthentic. I have seen hadith references that say fasting up to and before the 15th of Shaban is recommended by our Prophet Muhammad(SM) but not after this day.
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