Nisfu Sha‘ban, a Night of Mercy and Preparation

Nisfu Sha‘ban, a Night of Mercy and Preparation

Nisfu Sya‘ban refers to the night of the 15th of the month of Sya‘ban, the month that comes just before Ramaḍān. The word “nisfu” means half, so Nisfu Sya‘ban simply means the middle of Sya‘ban.

This night has long been regarded by many Muslims as a meaningful and blessed night. It is a moment to pause before Ramaḍān, to reflect, to soften the heart, and to return to Allah with sincerity. While scholars differ in how they assess some narrations related to this night, there is broad agreement that it is a time to increase remembrance, seek forgiveness, and make duʿā`.

One of the narrations often mentioned regarding this night is reported from the Prophet ﷺ. He said:

“Allah looks upon His creation on the night of the middle of Sya‘ban and He forgives all of His creation, except for the one who associates partners with Allah, and the one who carries hostility and rancour in the heart.”

This narration is reported from Companions such as Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal and Abū Mūsā al Ash‘arī, and recorded by scholars including Ibn Mājah and Ibn Ḥibbān.

This hadith highlights an important meaning of Nisfu Sya‘ban. It is not only a night of additional worship, but also a night of inner repair. A heart weighed down by hatred, unresolved resentment, or deep bitterness can be deprived of forgiveness at a moment when forgiveness is widely offered. For this reason, Nisfu Sya‘ban has always been understood as a night to return to Allah with a clean heart.

Reciting Surah Yā Sīn on the Night of Nisfu Sya‘ban

In many Muslim communities, especially in Yemen, Southeast Asia, and among Ba ʿAlawī influenced traditions, a well known devotional practice on the night of Nisfu Sya‘ban is the recitation of Surah Yā Sīn three times.

This practice is understood as a devotional tradition passed down through generations. It is not treated as an obligation, nor claimed to be a fixed Sunnah with a specific required formula. Rather, it serves as a gentle structure to focus the heart, make duʿā`, and turn to Allah on this night.

Surah Yā Sīn is recited three times. Each recitation begins with a specific intention, as described below. After completing each recitation of Surah Yā Sīn, a duʿā traditionally associated with this night is recited. The text of this duʿā can be found here: https://www.revamp.sg/the-prayer-of-nisfu-shaban

The Three Intentions Between the Three Yā Sīn

First recitation of Surah Yā Sīn
The intention is to ask Allah for a long life filled with obedience, guidance, and meaningful worship. It is not merely about living longer, but about living a life that remains connected to Allah until the end.

Second recitation of Surah Yā Sīn
The intention is to seek protection from trials, calamities, harm, and hardship, both seen and unseen, for oneself, one’s family, and the wider ummah.

Third recitation of Surah Yā Sīn
The intention is to ask Allah for sufficiency and reliance upon Him alone. Many also include the intention for halal provision, contentment of the heart, firmness of faith, and a good ending. The essence of this duʿā` is to not be dependent on people, but to be dependent on Allah.

After completing the three recitations and duʿās, many continue with ṣalawāt upon the Prophet ﷺ, quiet remembrance, and personal supplication, before proceeding to ʿIshā.