How Allah Turned My Life Around on the 15th of Sha'ban

Assalamu alaikum. I wanted to share this because today is the 14th of Sha‘ban and tonight is the 15th, and what happened on this night changed everything for me. I battled depression for a very long time. I did lots of worship - fasting, reading Qur’an, constant dhikr, all the extra nawafil - but I still felt crushed inside. Things eased a bit but the real pain stayed. Looking back, the issue was my salah. I prayed, but there was no khushu, no true humility. Deep down I felt like I deserved relief because of all the deeds I was doing. I hadn’t truly understood what prayer should do in a heart. I even left Islam for a while. Then, on the 15th of Sha‘ban, I returned. That night I prayed like I never had before. I came with nothing to bargain with - no pride, no good deeds to show off, no expectations. I stood before Allah admitting my weakness and need. For the first time my du’a was from the heart, not just my tongue. After that night I had a dream I still remember: I was given a cure for my depression. Later I realized the cure didn’t come after piling up extra acts; it came after one sincere, humble prayer. The Prophet ﷺ said a servant is closest to his Lord in sujood, so increase supplication. I used to rush my prostration like it was a task. That night I stayed in sujood because I had nowhere else to go. I’ve never looked back. Salah became my guide and kept me through things I’m sure would have broken me. It hasn’t failed me. There’s a report about the middle night of Sha‘ban where Allah forgives His creation except those who associate partners with Him or hold hatred in their hearts. Whether or how people emphasize this night, I know what Allah did for me on it. If you can, fast today and tomorrow - the Prophet ﷺ used to fast a lot in Sha‘ban. If you’re really struggling, I’m not telling you to fix everything. Just pray once - one sincere prayer. Pray like you truly need Allah. Ask Him to help you be present, to teach you khushu, even if just for a moment. I’ll keep you all in my du’as tonight. May Allah meet us with mercy when we come to Him with empty hands.