Question:
Is it important for us to pray on the night of 15th of Shaʿabān (shabb-barāt)? Do we have to read Sūrah Yāsīn on this day?
Answer:
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
As far as the 15th Night of Shaʿabān is concerned, some scholars and Islamic experts are of the view that, this is a blessed and significant night based on source texts. One should render additional volunteer acts of optional worship and good deeds during this night.
The great ḥadīth scholar, Shaykh Fadhl al Raḥmān Al-A’azamī (may Allāh preserve him) writes;
“An overview of the various [prophetic] narrations regarding this night lends credence to the acceptability of the virtue of this night. The reason being that although these narrations are weak, they are numerous and narrated by a number of Companions. Some are such, that not much criticism has been levied at their chain of narrators. Imam Ibn Ḥibbān has included some of these narrations in his ‘Ṣaḥīḥ” and Ḥāfidh Mundhirī has remarked regarding the chain of some, that the chain is acceptable. Therefore, according to the principle of the professors of ḥadīth (muḥaddithūn), the excellence of the night of barā’ah (15th of Shaʿabān) is proven from a conjunction of all these narrations. This is the general consensus of the professors of ḥadīth and Islamic jurists, and this is correct. Even Imām Ibn Taymīyyah, a scholar notorious for refuting such things, also accepts the virtue of the night of barā’ah. He says, ‘So many narrations and reports exist, regarding the excellence of the fifteenth night of Shaʿabān that one is compelled to accept that this night does possess some virtue.’ Some of the pious predecessors used to specially devote this night for ritual prayer. – Faydh al-Qadīr”
That being said, if someone revers this night and engages in optional worship, it will be praise worthy. However, there is no blame or reprimand for one who may not wish to observe the significance of the 15th of Shaʿabān.
Also, worthy to note is that there is no specific recitation or practice for this night. Any nafl (voluntary optional) act may be conducted.
And Allāh Knows Best