Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar year. This festival of Shab- E- Barat is usually celebrated either on the 13th or 14th day of Shaban. Eventually, it happens to be just 15 days ahead of Ramadan, the holiest period of Islamic faith. The night of Shab- E- Barat, symbolizes a night of forgiveness. During this time, people usually pray to God in preparation of the holy Ramadan and also for forgiving all their previous sins. According to a particular Islamic school of thought, this night the Prophet takes pain in visiting all homes and subsequently makes an attempt to relieve the humanity of all sorts of pain and suffering. The night of Shab- E- Barat immortalizes the entry of Prophet Mohammad to the holy city of Mecca. The festival of Shab- E- Barat is renowned for its famous celebrations. Since, this festival is essentially celebrated in night; the sky gets brightened as a result of dazzling fireworks. Houses and streets are also enlightened by candles and electric bulbs. Various types of sweets and other desserts are distributed at random in the night, and also sent to friends and relatives. Some persons are also known to spend their time in charity works during this time.
Fatiha (the blessings), are also recited over the meals on the eve of this festival. This is done in the name of the Prophet, his daughter Fatima, and her husband Ali. A very popular Islamic belief is that if someone prays to Allah (the Islamic form of Almighty) all through the night of this festival, he might be forgiven for all crimes committed on his part. Some people also visit the mosques to offer prayer and practice meditation. Even, some Muslims are known to offer the optional Namaz during the late hours.