..   MID-SHA'BAN   ..     Mid-Sha`ban or Half of Sha`ban is a holiday observed by various Muslim communities  on the night between the 14th and 15th of Sha'aban,   the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.     ..     It is a night when the fortunes of men are decided for the coming year,   and when Allah may forgive sinners.     For some, this is also a night when one's deceased ancestors are honored.     ..     Shab-E-Barat (Translation: 'the night of forgiveness'),   is a Muslim holiday celebrated on the 14th night of the month of Sha'aban.     It is also known as Barat Night,   night of mid-Sha'aban,   Laylatul Bara’ah (Translation 'the night of records'),   Laylatun Nisfe min Sha’ban (Translation: 'the night of assignment')   or Shab-e-barat (Translation: 'the night of deliverance')     ..     It commemorates the entry of Muhammad into the city of Mecca.     It is a night of worship and salvation.     Most muslims observe the holiday with the exception of the Salafi.     ..                 ..   The birthday of Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Mahdī   ..     For Shia Muslims,   the 15th of Sha'aban is also the observed birthday of Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Mahdī,   who is belived by Shia to be the ultimate savior (Mahdi) of humankind   and the final Imām of the Twelve Imams   who will emerge with Isa (Jesus Christ)   in order to fulfill the mission of bringing peace  and justice to the world.     He was beleived to have been born in 869  on the 15th Sha‘bān 255 AH.     ..     Followers of Sunni Islam  and some minority Shias  beleive the ultimate Savior (Madhi) has not yet been born   and only Allah currently knows his true identity.     ..