Shab-e-Barat 2026 date and time: Check city-wise Sehri-Iftar timings and Nafil Roza rules

Shab-e-Barat 2026 date: Fasting tomorrow? Check city-wise Sehri-Iftar timings and Nafil Roza rules (image: canva)

Shab-e-Barat 2026, the Night of Forgiveness, will be observed in India from the evening of February 3 to sunrise on February 4. Muslims mark the occasion with prayers, charity, and voluntary fasting, seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal before Ramadan.

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As the Islamic calendar progresses through the sacred month of Sha’ban, Muslims across India are preparing to observe Shab-e-Barat 2026, one of the most spiritually significant nights of the year. Often referred to as the Night of Forgiveness, this occasion falls on the 15th night of the eighth lunar month. It is a time when the faithful seek divine mercy, reflect on their deeds, and offer prayers for the salvation of their ancestors. With the night spanning from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning, devotees are gearing up for special prayers, charity, and the observance of Nafil Roza (voluntary fasting).

When is Shab-e-Barat 2026?

Confusion often arises regarding the exact Gregorian date due to the lunar cycle. In 2026, Shab-e-Barat will be observed starting from the evening of Tuesday, February 3, continuing until Fajr (sunrise) on Wednesday, February 4.

While the night of worship is Tuesday, the specific fast of the 15th of Sha’ban will be kept on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Additionally, many devout Muslims choose to observe the "White Days" (Ayyam al-Biz) fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the month. For this year, these dates correspond to February 2, 3, and 4, allowing devotees to maximize their spiritual rewards before the arrival of Ramadan.

Shab-e-Barat 2026: Significance

Shab-e-Barat is not just a night of prayer; it is widely believed to be the night when destinies are reviewed. According to tradition, it is on this night that God writes the destinies of all men for the coming year, taking into account their deeds and intentions.

Devotees spend these hours in repentance (Tauba), asking for forgiveness for past sins and praying for health, prosperity, and peace. It is also a night of deep compassion, where people remember their departed loved ones, reinforcing the values of gratitude and moral responsibility.

Fasting Rules: Nafil Roza Guidelines

Fasting on Shab-e-Barat is not compulsory but is highly recommended as a voluntary act of devotion (Nafil).

• The fast is observed to seek spiritual cleansing and closeness to the Divine.
• While some fast only on the 15th (February 4), others fast for two or three consecutive days starting from the 13th of Sha’ban to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet.

City-wise Sehri and Iftar Timings (February 2–4)

For those observing the fasts leading up to and including Shab-e-Barat, accurate timing is essential. Below is the schedule for major Indian cities.

Devotees spend the night in mosques or homes, reciting the Holy Quran, offering special Nafl prayers, and making Dua for forgiveness.

Distributing food to the poor is a key aspect of the night. In many households, traditional sweet dishes like Halwa are prepared and shared with neighbors and family, symbolizing the sweetness of blessings and community bonding.

Disclaimer: All timings mentioned are based on astronomical calculations and standard Islamic calendars. Actual sightings of the moon may vary by region. Please consult your local mosque or religious authority for the precise Sehri and Iftar timings in your area.