Shab-e-Barat tonight

Holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in the country tonight with due religious fervour.

Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the holy Quran, hold milad, zikr and perform other religious rituals throughout the night, seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind.

They will also visit the graves of their relatives and Muslim saints and distribute sweets and homemade food among the poor, their neighbours, friends and relatives.

Various religious and socio-cultural organisations and the Islamic Foundation have drawn up elaborate programmes to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages on the occasion.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private TV and radio stations will air special programmes while newspapers will run articles, highlighting the significance of the night.

According to Muslim belief, Shab-e-Barat is the night when Allah arranges the affairs of His creations for the following year by taking into account their past deeds.

Shab-e-Barat also means the night of forgiveness. On this exalted night, Muslims pray to Allah both in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan and seeking forgiveness of their sins.