The Leader of the Shia in Pakistan, Allama Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi, stated that Shab-e-Barat comes at a time when oppression and tyranny have reached their peak across the world, and imperialist forces are bent on crushing humanity. Therefore, it is essential not only to revive sincere devotion to God but also to observe the night with prayers for the end of oppression and injustice.
He said that the blessed night of mid-Sha‘ban provides a beautiful opportunity to renew commitment to obedience to God, reject worldly desires, overcome the commanding self (nafs al-ammara), and begin life anew with fresh determination and resolve. On this night, angels of mercy descend to the earth, bringing glad tidings of mercy for the coming year and offering people the chance to correct the mistakes of the past year and spend the coming year in obedience to God and righteous deeds. Numerous traditions emphasize seeking forgiveness and attaining God’s pleasure on this night.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Imam al-Zaman, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), he drew attention to the belief in Mahdism, stating that its most fundamental aspect is the establishment of a pure and righteous society based on justice and fairness. Whenever people are surrounded by hardships and subjected to extreme oppression, when injustice, violence, and corruption spread in human societies, they await a savior who will remove oppression, purify society of evil, and establish a peaceful and righteous order.
He emphasized that this blessed night arrives at a time when imperialism has reached the height of its brutality and oppression, especially in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, where humanity has been humiliated and trampled in a cruel manner, and where terrorism has now been declared against another brotherly Islamic country, Iran. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Muslim Ummah to return to its foundational principles of opposing oppression, standing up to the oppressor, and supporting the oppressed, as there can be no better way to observe this great night under the current circumstances.
