Fifteenth Sha‘ban

FIFTEENTH SHA‘BAN I n the Quran, God Almighty says: By the Book that makes things clear, surely We sent it down on a blessed night—We have always sent warnings—on that night every wise decree is specified by Our own command—We have been sending messages, as a mercy from your Lord, He hears all and knows all, He is the Lord of heaven and earth and all that is between them—if only you would really believe—there is no deity save Him: It is He who gives both life and death—He is your Lord, and the Lord of your forefathers. (44:2-8) In these verses of the Quran, the blessed night (laylatun mubarakah) that is mentioned—according to one opinion—refers to the night of mid-Sha‘ban (15 Sha‘ban). According to this view, the night of 15 Sha‘ban is the night of God’s annual decisions. On this night, all matters for the coming year are decided. God Almighty turns His attention toward the human world. A large number of