15th Sha’ban: Shab-e-Barat 2026
Sha’ban is a precious month for several reasons – specifically, it is an opportunity to prepare for Ramadan.
It is also the month of Shab-e-Barat (the night of 15th Sha’ban) that is narrated to be when Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants. Therefore, it is a revered day for many Muslims, who are encouraged to perform extra acts of sincere worship.
Sha’ban follows the holy month of Rajab and precedes the holy month of Ramadan. In 2026, Sha’ban is expected to begin on Tuesday 20th January 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.
There are either 29 or 30 days in Sha’ban, depending on the sight of the moon’s crescent.
Many scholars consider Shab-e-Barat (15th Sha’ban), also referred to as mid-Sha’ban, to be a significant day of worship. However, other scholars do not believe that this particular month or day has any sort of significance from an Islamic perspective.
Many south-Asian communities refer to the night of 15th Sha’ban as Shab-e-Barat. In English, this translates to night of forgiveness or night of salvation. Likewise, other communities also refer to this night as Laylat al-Bara’at or Laylat an-Nisf.
15th Sha’ban (Shab-e-Barat) will start on the evening of Monday 2nd February 2026. This date is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.
It is considered by many, that one of the greatest nights of the year for ibaadah (worship) is on the Shab-e-Barat (15th Sha’ban).
Most importantly, the significance of Shab-e-Barat (15th Sha’ban) rests in the belief that Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants on this day.
Shab-e-Barat (15th Sha’ban) is also an opportunity for seeking Allah’s mercy and being forgiven for past and future sins, as well as one’s needs being fulfilled if we turn to Allah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, on the 15th of Sha’ban, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering?” [Ibn Majah].*
The Prophet (PBUH) also said:
Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban and then forgives all His slaves except for 2 types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancour for their fellow Muslims.
Many Muslims believe that on the night of Shab-e-Barat (15th Sha’ban), Allah brings down people’s destiny from the heavens for the year ahead.
We should aim to spend the night in the most virtuous way possible due to the Shab e-Barat (15th Sha’ban) importance in Islam.
The believer on this night should busy himself in the remembrance of Allah, the Exalted, calling on Him, asking for forgiveness of his sins, for his faults to be hidden, for his difficulties to be lifted, and above all, to make tawbah (repentance).
When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban, spend its night in prayer and observe a fast on that day. For Allah descends at sunset on that night to the lowest heaven and says: ‘Is there no one who will ask Me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there no one who will ask Me for provision so that I may provide for him? Is there no one who is afflicted by trouble, that I may relieve him?" And so on, until dawn comes.’
The Prophet (PBUH) was reported to have said to Aishah (RA):
Allah descends on the night of the middle of Sha'ban to the lowest heaven, and He forgives more than the numbers of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb (an Arab tribe renowned for their great flocks of sheep).
*There is a notable difference of opinion on the authenticity of this hadith, however collectively there are several narrations which mention the virtue of this night.
Many Muslims celebrate the night of Shab-e-Barat (15th Sha’ban), regarding it as a night of great divine blessings, mercy and hope.
Many spend the night in worship, either individually in their homes or collectively in the mosques in night prayers (qiyam-ul-layl). It is believed that all sins will be forgiven except those who have grudges or hatred in their hearts towards other Muslims. Therefore the night of 15th Sha’ban is a good opportunity for communities to come together, ask forgiveness from one another and strengthen the ties of kinship.
Many Muslims give gifts and sweets to one another as a way of building bridges and strengthening relationships.
As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Give presents to one another for this would increase your mutual love.
If anyone fulfils his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me”
رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا
Rabbanā lā tuākhidh’nā in nasīnā aw akh ta’na
“Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error.” [Qur’an 2:286]
When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban then spend the night in [salah/ibadah] and fast the [next] day.
Shab-e-Barat fasting is one of the most virtuous forms of worship, and is therefore recommended to gain Allah’s pleasure on this significant day.
Furthermore, Sha’ban is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast his voluntary fasts the most and Sha’ban fasting is therefore very important to Muslims, and can help purify oneself and prepare for Ramadan.
There’s no better way than following the example of our Prophet (PBUH) and fasting in Sha’ban.
The night of 15th Sha’ban is an opportunity for us to gain closeness to Allah and to purify ourselves in order to reap the great rewards of Ramadan.
The best acts of worship on this night are to ask Allah and your friends and family for forgiveness for any wrongdoings, to offer optional (nafl) prayers, engage in the remembrance of Allah and contemplation (dhikr), to read Qur’an and send salutations (salawat) upon the Prophet (PBUH).
It’s also a great opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in need around the world by remembering them in our prayers and giving sadaqah in order to please Allah and gaining the blessings of the night.
Take advantage of the rewards of Sha’ban by donating sadaqah today.
We will always treat your personal information with the utmost care and will keep it private (read our privacy policy). You can opt out at any time by contacting us via email at IslamicReliefWorldwide@irworldwide.org or by clicking the unsubscribe button on one of the emails you receive from us.
Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.