Fifteenth Sha‘ban

angels gather, and a special atmosphere of mercy spreads over the earth. According to this explanation, the date of 15 Sha‘ban is the date of rizq (sustenance) and divine gifts. On this night, angels record the matters of people’s destinies. Because of the special importance of this night, Muslims engage in zikr (remembrance) and worship. They repent from their sins and make firm promises to live righteously in the future. In this way, they seek to attract the mercy of God so that He may decree good for them. Some narrations about 15 Sha‘ban are found in books of Hadith. While these narrations are not very strong in terms of authenticity, some of them are as follows: Ali ibn Abi Talib reports that the Messenger of God said: “When the 15th night of Sha‘ban arrives, stand in prayer through its night and fast during its day. Because on this night, God descends to the nearest sky. Then He says: ‘Is there anyone seeking forgiveness, so I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision, so I may grant it to him? Is there anyone in difficulty, so I may relieve his distress?’ This continues for all kinds of needs until the time of dawn.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1388) According to another narration, Aisha says that the Messenger of God said: “Jibreel came to me and said: ‘This is the night of mid-Sha‘ban. On this night, God frees from Hell as many people as the number of goats of the tribe of Banu Kalb.’