Kandil
Kandil, also known as Kandil nights (Turkish: ''Kandil geceleri''), refers to five special nights in the Islamic lunar calendar that hold particular religious significance, especially among Turkish and Balkan Muslim communities.[1] The term "Kandil" derives from the Arabic ''qindīl'', meaning "lamp" or "oil lamp," alluding to the Ottoman tradition, initiated during the reign of Sultan Selim II in the 16th century, of lighting candles on mosque minarets to announce these holy nights.[2][3] These nights commemorate key events in Islamic history related to the Prophet Muhammad and divine revelations. They are observed with enhanced prayers, fasting, charity, and visits to mosques, though their observance is more prominent in Sunni traditions in Turkey than universally across Islam. The five Kandil nights are:[4]- Regaib Kandili: The night of the Prophet's conception (first Thursday of Rajab).
- Mirac Kandili: The night of the Prophet's ascension (27 Rajab).
- Berat Kandili: The night of forgiveness and destiny (14–15 Sha'ban).
- Kadir Kandili: The night of power (27 Ramadan).
- Mevlid Kandili: The night of the Prophet's birth (12 Rabi' al-Awwal).