Question: Is it permissible for us to celebrate the night of mid Sha'baan, as it is customary in our country that we gather on that evening in the masjid, recite Qur'an and make Takbirullah? Is this permissible for us today or is it forbidden?

Answer: Praise be to Allah. Allah′s Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad.

First: Celebrating the night preceding the fifteenth of Sha'ban has no evidence to permit or prohibit in the Quran or Sunnah.

Second: It cannot be said that celebrating the 15th of Sha‘ban itself is lawful or unlawful, but the practices and actions involved may be declared lawful or unlawful.

Third: It is narrated that the people of the Levant used to fast during that day and pray voluntary night prayers at its night. This narration cannot be accepted as evidence independently, since the non-prophetic actions do not form authoritative proofs unless the act is made by a Companion(s) and has contextual evidence to attribute it to the Prophet.

Fourth: Some prohibit celebrations on the ground that the prophet did not celebrate, but this fact itself is not authentic evidence for the following reasons:

- Celebrating itself is allowed in the Quran and Sunnah.
- Celebration is not a strict divinely–set act like prayers and fasting
- It is known in the history of Islam and other religions and civilizations that people celebrate their glorious victories, great achievements and religious occasions. Islam is not an exception in this regard and it does not abrogate this human norm.
- If the Prophet did not do something, this does not mean that it is haram (prohibited). Rather, it means that it is not obligatory unless the evidence proves otherwise. If this principle is not established, we will judge many great reformations and achievements as innovations and, thus, forbidden. Here it shall be affirmed that using bid‛ah as synonym of “forbidden” is not acceptable by Muslim scholars and jurists. Only the heretic innovation, which conflicts with the universal principles and general rules of Sharia, is declared impermissible.

Fifth: Praying at night and fasting daytime are permissible acts during the entire year, except for the two festivals (‘eids) and tashriq days (11-13th of Dhul-Hijjah), celebrating the fifteenth of Sha‘baan by prayers, fasting and dhikr is thus permissible and even recommended.

Sixth: Those celebrating this event shall not claim that celebration is an act of Sunnah or obligatory. Meanwhile, they shall not condemn others who refuse to take part in these activities.

Seventh: These events are good opportunities for Muslims to gather, especially in the West; they collectively worship Allah, know each other, make friends, build strong relationships, and strengthen Muslim families. Since it is a mean to enormous benefits [masalih], it is a legally-considered benefit [maslaha].

Therefore, there is nothing wrong with Celebrating the fifteenth of Sha‘ban in the manner mentioned in your question, particularly it is the great day in which the Change of the Qiblah to Mecca occurred. In addition, there are several weak narrations encouraging such good deeds at that time, which indicate the historical Muslim interest in this occasion as recorded in early verbal and practical tradition. There are many lessons to learn from these religious events.
Finally, celebration must not include any haram (unlawful) actions.