The Pulse of Existence: Awakening Love for the Awaited Saviour

Reflections on the 15th of Sha’ban, the Witness of our Deeds, and the Path to Spiritual Connection

As the moon of Sha’ban reaches its fullness on the 15th night, the hearts of believers turn towards Samarra, towards the promise of justice, and towards the “Spring of Life”—Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). This night, known as Laylat al-Barat (The Night of Salvation), is second only to the Night of Qadr in its sanctity. It marks the auspicious birth of the Twelfth Imam, the Saviour of Humanity, born at dawn in the year 255 AH.

However, in the era of Occultation (Ghaybah), a profound question arises for the yearning believer: How can we truly love someone we cannot see?

Beyond Stories: The Path of Contemplation (Tafakkur)

Usually, our love for the divinely chosen ones is nourished by reading the details of their lives. We read of Imam Ali’s (AS) bravery or Imam Husayn’s (AS) sacrifice, and our hearts swell with affection. However, as noted by the scholar Shaykh Ali Reza Panahian, the life of Imam Mahdi (AJ) is shrouded in the mystery of occultation. We do not have volumes of stories about his daily interactions or his public sermons.

If we rely solely on historical anecdotes, our connection may remain distant. To bridge this gap, we must shift from merely reading history to deep reflection and thoughtful contemplation.

The Witness of Our Deeds

The Holy Quran states:

“And say, ‘Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers...’”
— Surah At-Tawbah, Chapter 9, The Repentence, Verse 105

In the exegesis of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), “the believers” referred to in this verse are the Imams of the Ahlul Bayt, specifically the Imam of the Time. It is a well-established tenet of our faith that the file of our deeds is presented to Imam Mahdi (AJ) on a weekly basis (specifically on Mondays and Thursdays according to narrations).

But here requires the deep reflection mentioned in your query: Why does he review our deeds? Is he merely an inspector? A judge looking for faults?

If we view him as a policeman, we will feel fear and distance. But if we reflect deeply, we realize his review is born of intense love. As the images you shared eloquently describe:

“Is it out of mere curiosity? Or is it out of love – like kind, caring parents who closely follow their child’s academic progress because it truly matters to them?”

When the Imam sees a good deed in our file, he prays for our elevation. When he sees a sin, he is pained—not out of anger, but out of sorrow for us—and he prays for our forgiveness before the deed ascends to the Throne of Allah. Realising that there is a fatherly figure who cares deeply about our spiritual successes and failures transforms our relationship with him from abstract belief to a living, breathing bond of love.

Rituals of the Eve of 15th of Sha’ban: Strengthening the Bond (Shab-e-Barat)

The 15th of Sha’ban is not just a birthday; it is a night of destiny. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (AS) has said: “It is the best night after Laylat al-Qadr.” To honour this night and the Master of the Age, we turn to specific acts of worship.

The Amaal of Surah Yaseen (36th Chapter of Quran)

One of the most effective spiritual remedies for this night is the recitation of Surah Yaseen three times. This act connects our worldly needs with our spiritual devotion.

Instructions: Recite Surah Yaseen 3 times with the following intentions:

1. First Recitation: Intention for a Long Life (to be spent in obedience).

2. Second Recitation: Intention for Prosperity and abundance in sustenance.

3. Third Recitation: Intention for Safety from Misfortune.

The Dua: After completing the recitations, recite the following Dua 21 times without speaking in between:

اَللهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَظِيْمٌ ذُوْ اَناَةٍ وَلَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا لِحُكْمِكَ يَا اللهُ يَا اللهُ يَا اللهُ اَلْاَمَان اَلْاَمَان اَلْاَمَان

Allaahumma Innak A’zeemun D’u Anaatin Wa Laa T’aaqata Lanaa Li—h’ukmika Yaa Allah Yaa Allah Yaa Allah Al —amaan Al —amaan Al —amaan;

O Allah, verily Thou art Sublime, Patient, gives respite, (because) we do not have the capacity to withstand the conditions that take effect under Thy authority. O Allah! O Allah! O Allah! Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!

مِنَ الطَّاعُوْنِ وَالْوَبَآءِ وَمَوْتِ فَجَعَةٍ وَسُوْءِ الْقَضَآءٍ وَ شمَتَتِ الْعَادَآءِ رَبَّنَا نَكْشِفْ عَنَّا الْعَذَابَ اِنَّا مُوْمِنُنَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

Minat T’aa--o’on Wal Wabaaa—i Wa Mawti Faja—a’tin Wa Soo—il Qaz”aaa-i Wa Shamatatil Aa’—aaaa—i Rabbanak—shif A’nnal A’x’aaba Innaa Moo—minoona Bi—rah’matika Yaa Arh’amar Rah’imeen

(Safety from the) rampant epidemics, accidental death, evil events, and rejoicing of enemies at (our) misfortune. O our Lord take away from us the pain and torment, truly we believe in Thy Mercy, O the most Merciful!

Ziyarah of Imam Mahdi (AJ) - Mafatih al-Jinan (by Sheikh Abbas Qummi)

While this night belongs to Imam Mahdi (AJ), the Hadith dictates that the greatest act of proximity to Allah on this night is the Ziyarat of Imam Husayn (AS). It is said that he who visits Imam Hussain on the 15th of Sha’ban shakes hands with 124,000 Prophets. We recite this to honour the forefather of the Awaited Saviour.

(Recite and listen to the following lines slowly, pausing to reflect on the translation)

ألْحَمْدُ للهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظيمِ

Alhamdu lillahi al`aliyy al`azimi

All praise be to Allah; the Most High, the All-great.

والسَّلامُ عَلَيْكَ أيُّها الْعَبْدُ الصَّالِحُ الزَّكيُّ

wa alssalamu `alayka ayyuha al`abdu alSSalihu alzzakiyy

Peace be upon you; O the righteous, pure servant (of Allah).

اُودِعُكَ شَهادَةً مِنِّي لَكَ تُقَرِّبُني إلَيْكَ فِي يَوْمِ شَفاعَتِكَ،

udi`uka shahadatan minny laka tuqarribuny ilayka fi yawmi shafa`atika

I entrust with you a testimony of mine that takes me near you on the day of your intercession (for some people).

أشْهَدُ أنَّكَ قُتِلْتَ وَلَمْ تَمُتْ

ash-hadu annaka qutilta wa lam tamut

I bear witness that although you were slain, you have not died;

بَلْ بِرَجاءِ حَياتِكَ حَيِيَتْ قُلُوبُ شيعَتِكَ،

bal biraja‘i hayatika hayiyat qulubu shi`atika

Rather the hearts of your adherents (Shi`ah) are living on the hope of your being alive;

وَبِضِياءِ نُورِكَ اهْتَدَى الطَّالِبُونَ إلَيْكَ،

wa biziya‘i nurika ahtada alttalibuna ilayka

And by the light of your illumination have those seeking you been guided (to the right path).

وَأشْهَدُ أنَّكَ نُورُ اللهِ الَّذي لَمْ يُطْفَأْ وَلا يُطْفَأُ أبَداً،

wa ash-hadu annaka nuru allahi alladhy lam yutfa wa la yutfa’u abadan

And I bear witness that you are verily the Light of Allah that has not and shall never be extinguished.

وَأنَّكَ وَجْهُ اللهِ الَّذي لَمْ يَهْلِكْ وَلا يُهْلَكُ أبَداً،

wa annaka wajhu allahi alladhy lam yahlik wa la yuhlaku abadan

And you are verily the Face of Allah that has not and shall never be perishing.

وَأشْهَدُ أنَّ هذِهِ التُّرْبَةَ تُرْبَتُكَ،

wa ash-hadu ann hadhihi alttrbata turbatuka

And I bear witness that this soil is yours,

وَهذا الْحَرَمَ حَرَمُكَ،

wa hadha alharama haramuka

And this holy precinct is yours.

وَهذا الْمَصْرَعَ مَصْرَعُ بَدَنِكَ

wa hadha almaSra`a maSra`u badanika

And this death is the death of your body only,

لا ذَليلَ واللهِ مُعِزُّكَ

la dhalila wallahu mu`izzuka

While you have never been humiliated since Allah is the One Who is pouring honor upon you

وَلا مَغْلُوبَ واللهِ ناصِرُكَ،

wa la maghluba wallahu naSiruka

And you have never been defeated since Allah is the One Who is supporting you.

هذِهِ شَهادَةٌ لي عِنْدَكَ إلى يَوْمَ قَبْضِ روُحي بِحَضْرَتِكَ،

hadhihi shahadatun li `indaka ila yawmi qabzi ruhy bihazratika

I would like you to keep this testimony of mine with you up to the day when my soul will be grasped in the presence of you.

والسَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ.

wa alssalamu `alayka wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

Conclusion: A Transformative Reflection

We must not pass over the 15th of Sha’ban lightly. As the final image you shared suggests, “If we dedicate time to this kind of reflection, it can transform us.”

Tonight, let us not just ask for our needs. Let us ask for Him. Let us behave as children who know their loving father is watching—not to punish, but to protect. Let us offer our deeds to him as a gift, ensuring they are wrapped in piety, so that when he reviews them this week, a smile appears on his blessed face.

O Allah, hasten his reappearance and make us among his true helpers and followers.

A Whisper to the Absent Beloved

“O Allah, on this night where destinies are written, I write my heart’s only wish: Let me not die until my eyes are cooled by the sight of him.

O Master of the Time, O Yusuf of Fatima... I am ashamed of the deeds in my weekly scroll that bring sadness to your blessed heart. Forgive me, not because I am worthy, but because you are the Karim (Generous) son of a Generous lineage. You are the kind father who does not abandon his wayward children.

Do not leave us to ourselves in this dark world. Hold our hands when we stumble. Look at us with that gaze of alchemy that turns the dust of our souls into gold. Make our hearts a home ready for your arrival, and write our names—even at the very bottom of the list—among those who stand by you, bleed for you, and live for you.

May our next breath be in your service. Al-Ajal, Al-Ajal, Ya Mawla Ya Sahib az-Zaman.”