Next: about 23 Jan 2027
Mid-Shaban
Shab-e-Barat or Nisfu Shaban, the night of forgiveness in the month before Ramadan.
When is Mid-Shaban in 2027?
Mid-Shaban 2027 is on Saturday, 23 January 2027. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2026, Tuesday, 3 February 2026; 2028, Wednesday, 12 January 2028.
About Mid-Shaban
The night of the middle of Shaban, the eighth Islamic month, is called Shab-e-Barat in South Asia, Nisfu Shaban in Indonesia and Laylat al-Bara'a in the Arab world. Many Muslims believe that on this night God decides the course of the coming year and forgives those who seek pardon, and so they spend it in prayer, reading the Quran and visiting the graves of relatives. In Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, mosques are crowded and halwa is cooked and given to neighbours and the poor. Children light fireworks in some places. Some scholars regard its observance with caution because they find the traditions about it less sure. In Iran, the same night is the birthday of the twelfth Imam and is a celebration, with lights and sweets.
Mid-Shaban dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Mid-Shaban date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday, 3 February 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, 23 January 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 12 January 2028 |
This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.
What is eaten
- halwa
- zarda
- roti
Also part of it, and being written: Shab-e-Barat (The night of forgiveness.), Mahdi (The twelfth Imam whose birthday it is in Shia tradition.), Halwa (The sweet cooked on the night.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Mid-Sha'ban" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.