On the contrary, this night is meant for worshipping Allah in solitude. It is the tune to enjoy the direct contact with the Lord of the Universe, and to devote one's attention to Him and Him alone. These are the precious hours of the night in which nobody should intervene between one and his Lord, and one should turn to Allah with total concentration, not disturbed or intermitted by any one else.

That is why the Holy Prophet (SAW) observed the acts of worship in this night in total seclusion, not accom-pained by anyone, not even by his favourite life companion Sayyidah Aishah (RA) and that is why all forms of the optional worship (Nafl 'ibadah), are advised by him to be done in individual, not in collective manner.

Fast of the I5th Sha'ban...

On the day immediately following the Night of Bara'ah, (i.e. the 15th of Sha'ban), it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. The Holy Prophet (SAW), is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. Although the scholars of Hadith have some doubts in the authenticity of this report, yet it is mentioned earlier that the fasts of the first half of Sha'ban have special merits and the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to fast most of the days in Sha'ban. Moreover, a large number of the elders (Salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th Sha'ban. This constant practice indicates that they have accepted the relevant Hadith as authentic. Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Sha'ban as an optional (Nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of qada on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit himself from the merits of this fast.

Meaning of the word Sha'ban:- Consecutively escalating. (Undisturbed increase)

Upon the Arrival of the Sha'ban moon beginning of innumerous blessings are showered upon us. Just as the initiation of rainfall begins with "pltter patter" such blessings reach us in the same accord and fashion.

Beginning of Sha'ban:

 Blessings are intiated which progressively escalate so that by mid Sha'ban the blessings have reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings reach their peak by the end of Ramadan. Example supporting the above stated: Just as a farmer prepares for a fruitful harvest by harrowing his screage so that the soil may readily retain water, in contrast our souls are geared by the presence of such blessings in Sha'ban effectively preparing us for a fruitful and completely advantageous Ramadan. Our Holy Prophet (SAW) has said, "Sha'ban is my month and Ramadaan the month of Allah." (Daylami)

Events of Sha'ban:

"Laila-tul Baraa'at (Night of forgiveness) the fifteenth night of Sha'ban.
"QibIa", the direction to be adopted within salaah, was reverted back to the "Ka'aba" in Makkah (after being coverted to Baitul Muqaddas in Jerusalem for a short period of time). This took place two years after Hijraah on the 15th of Sha'baan.
Fasting in th eblessed month of Ramadaan was made compulsory two years A.H. on the 25th of Sha'baan.
Three years A.H. Hadhrat Hafsa (R.A) was joined in matrimony with the Prophet (SAW).
In this very month forty two years later Hadhrat Hafsa (R.A) took leave from this world.
The birth of the Prophet's (SAW) grandson Hadhrat Hussain (R.A) took place, four years on the fifth of Sha'ban.
The battle of Banu Mustaliq took place in Sha'ban.
During the above mentioned battle, the "Aayah of Tayammum" (Purifying with sand before salah) was revealed, five years A.H.
The daughter of the beloved Prophet (SAW) Umme Kulthum (RA) took leave from this world, nine years A.H.