The night of Bara'ah (emancipation) the 15th night of Sha'baan is indeed a significant and blessed night. On this night, Allah Ta'ala showers His servants with special and divine mercy.
It is recorded in the Ahadith that all Muslims are forgiven on this night besides the following:
1. Idolaters
2. Those who harbour enmity against others
3. Those who consume alcohol
4. Those who disobey their parents
5. Those who commit murder
6. Those who sever family ties
7. Those who wear their trousers, kurtas, lungis, etc. below their ankles
We should, at this time, take stock of ourselves. Are we of those that will be deprived of Allah’s mercy on this night due to our evil actions? If we find ourselves guilty of the above evil actions then we need to rectify ourselves.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR THE NIGHT OF BARA'AH:
Salaah – Salaah is the most preferred form of Ibadah for this night. It should be noted that there is no particular number of Rakaats to be read on this night.
Tilaawat – the recitation of the Holy Quran is very beneficial on this night.
Zikr – engage in the remembrance of Allah Ta'ala with the tongue and heart.
Dua – the greatest benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is through Dua and supplication. The recommended Dua for this night is:
أَعُوذُ بِعَفْوِكَ مِنْ عِقَابِكَ وَأَعُوذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ لَا أُحْصِي ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ
(O' Allah) I take refuge in your forgiveness from your punishment, and I take refuge in your pleasure from your anger and I take refuge in you from you. I cannot praise you as you ought to be praised. You are as you have praised yourself. (Shuabul Imaan)
