The Sindh and Punjab governments have announced a holiday for all educational institutions on Wednesday, 4th February 2026, in observance of Shab-e-Barat. The decision applies to both public and private schools, allowing students a day off to participate in spiritual activities.
According to the School Education & Literacy Department of Sindh, the closure follows a decision made during a Sub-Committee meeting of the Steering Committee on Education held on 28th November 2024. The notification confirmed that all schools under the department’s control will remain closed in recognition of Shab-e-Barat.
Shab-e-Barat is one of the most spiritually significant nights in Islam. Millions of Muslims in Pakistan and around the world engage in prayers and self-reflection on their actions. On the night of 14th Shaban, many devotees perform Salat al-Tasbeeh, a revered prayer observed in mosques.
The announcement has brought excitement to students, who now enjoy an unexpected school holiday. Communities are also preparing to observe the night with devotion, reflection, and religious rituals. Families are using this opportunity to spend quality time together while engaging in acts of worship.
Muslims celebrate Shab-e-Barat on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Shaban. It is considered a night for prayer, forgiveness, and reflection. Devotees spend the night offering extra prayers, reciting the Quran, remembering Allah SWT, and making special duas for forgiveness and blessings.
Many also pray for deceased relatives and visit graveyards. Charity and sharing food with others are common practices. Some people observe optional fasting the following day. Observances of Shab-e-Barat vary among communities, influenced by cultural practices and scholarly guidance.
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This holiday ensures that students and families can fully participate in one of Islam’s sacred nights without school commitments, highlighting the importance of spiritual reflection and community traditions in Pakistan.
