Lailat al Bara'ah is a significant Islamic festival celebrated by the Muslim community in Oman and globally. The holiday, also called Shab-e-Barat or Night of Absolution, is considered as the night of seeker of fortune and luck. Highly regarded in the Islamic calendar, it falls on the 15th day of the Islamic month of Sha'ban.
This auspicious night bears great significance as it is believed that on this particular night, the fortunes and destinies of mortals are decided for the upcoming year. The devout followers pray all night, asking for God's forgiveness for their past sins and blessings for the future. It's considered a night of mediation, prayer, and repentance where Muslims indulge in night-long prayer, reciting the Quran and doing other acts of worship.
In Oman, people observe this sacred night with immense devotion. Mosques are filled with worshippers who take part in the night-long prayers, and homes are lit with candles and lamps. Fasting on the following day is a common practice among many believers. Special meals and sweets are prepared, which are often shared with the poor and needy, as a means of gaining blessings from Allah. The Omani streets are often flooded with children who go door to door, collecting sweets and treats.