Those Sins Which Stop Forgiveness Even In Shab Bara'at

Shab Bara'at is verily a night of mercy and forgiveness.  In this night, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) forgives each and every worshipper of His and forgives the sins of all, but some people are bereft of this special mercy and absolute forgiveness of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).  They are:

 

Mushrik, those who hold the wrong 'Aqida, those who harbor malice and enmity, those who loot people, those who are disobedient to parents, those who commit adultery, magician, sorcerer, those who drink wine and those who accept usury (Sud). 

 

In other Hadith, the following are mentioned: except Mushrik, those who harbor enmity, dacoit and those who disobey their parents, as given in Shu'abul Iman, Hadith No: 3285

 

Mushrik and Adulterous Woman:

 

Translation of Hadith: Hadhrat Uthman bin Abul A'as (May Allah Ta’ala be well pleased with him) narrates from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that:  When the 15^th night of Sha'aban comes, a caller calls out: Is there anyone who wants forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there any who asks that I may grant?  Each person who asks is granted what he (or she) asks for except an adulterous woman and a Mushrik.

 

(Baihaqi, Shu'abul Iman, Hadith No: 3676, Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No: 35178, Tafseer Durre Manthur, Surah Dukhan-1)

 

Those Who Hold the Wrong 'Aqida and Those Who Disobey Their Parents

 

Translation of Hadith: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Ummul Momineen Hadhrat Aisha Siddiqa (May Allah Ta’ala be well pleased with her) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Jibrail Ameen (Peace be upon him) came to Me and said:  Tonight is the 15^th night of Sha'aban and in this night, due to the benevolence of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), countless people like the hair of the goats of the clan of Kalb are freed from hell.  Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) does not even look with mercy at a Mushrik, those who hold the wrong 'Aqida, those who break relations with their relatives, those who let their lower garments fall below their ankles (out of pride), those who disobey their parents and those who habitually drink wine. 

 

(Shu'abul Iman, Hadith No: 3678, Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No: 35184)

 

Those Who Break Relationships With Relatives and Adulterous Women Will Not Be Forgiven

 

Hadhrat Ghouse A'adham (May Allah Ta’ala be well pleased with him) narrates from his Shaykh with a continuous chain of narration:

 

Translation: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) graces the skies of this world with His presence on the 15^th night of Sha'aban and except Mushrik, hateful, those who hold the wrong 'Aqida, those who break relationships with relatives and the lady who does not guard their private parts forgives everybody. 

 

(Al Ghunya Li Talibi tariqil haqqi, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 190)

 

This Hadith shows the importance of maintaining good relations with one's relatives.  Breaking relations with them, refusing to talk with them, not helping them in their difficulties or not consoling them in distress, all these practices take one away from the Mercy of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). 

 

If any relative breaks relations or does not treat one nicely, even then the ruling for that Muslim is that he/she should remain in contact with them even though those may not even talk properly.  They should meet them cheerfully, should give them gifts etc.  Gradually their misunderstanding will clear.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has specially urged us to meet and treat those relatives nicely who want to break away. 

 

Translation of Hadith: Attach yourself to those who break relations with you and forgive those who oppress you. 

 

(Mustadrak 'Alas Sahihain, Hadith No: 3873; Musnad Ahmed, Hadith No: 15065)

 

As far as the criminals are concerned, it has been clarified that if they repent before Shab Bara'at or even in Shab Bara'at, they will be forgiven.