Shab-e-Baraat’ signifies
the 15th night and day of the month of ‘Shaban’
in Muslim calendar during which Prophet Mohammed
had asked Muslims to stay up during the night
and fast during day time.
Men offered namaz and recited prayers at mosques,
which started late in the evening and went on
till the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Women
stayed back at home and engaged in zikr (recitation
of the holy Quran) and performed namaz.
Sewiyan — a sweet dish made with vermicelli
was prepared at homes to offer fateha (recitation
of verses from the holy book). During Shab-e-Barat,
Muslims also seek forgiveness of their dead by
feeding the hungry, giving charity or by just
praying for them. Men also visit the graves of
their departed relatives to pay their respects. |
