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Kandil

Kandil, also known as Kandil nights (Turkish: ''Kandil geceleri''), refers to five special nights in the that hold particular religious significance, especially among Turkish and Balkan Muslim communities. The term "Kandil" derives from the ''qindīl'', meaning "lamp" or "oil lamp," alluding to the tradition, initiated during the reign of in the , of lighting candles on minarets to announce these holy nights. 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:
  • 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).

Overview and Etymology

Definition

Kandil refers to a set of five mübarek (blessed) nights observed on the , primarily within Turkish Sunni Muslim communities and those influenced by traditions in the and parts of the . These nights—known as Regaib, Mi‘rac, , , and Mevlid—center on spiritual reflection, intensified prayer, recitation, and commemoration of pivotal events in the life of Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic history. The term "kandil," derived from qindīl meaning lamp or candle, originates from the practice of illuminating mosques with oil lamps during these occasions, symbolizing divine light and guidance. At their core, Kandil nights emphasize personal devotion and communal worship, encouraging believers to seek forgiveness, perform good deeds, and strengthen faith through acts like attending special prayers (teravih or nafl) and sharing meals such as simit (sesame rings). Unlike broader Islamic holy periods like Ramadan, which are universally mandated in the Quran and Sunnah, Kandil represents a culturally specific compilation rooted in Ottoman customs rather than core prophetic practices, and it is not observed across all Muslim sects or regions. Some classical scholars, such as Ibnü’l-Hâc, have critiqued certain Kandil rituals as innovations (bid‘ah), while others like Süyûtî praised them for fostering piety. This tradition underscores the interplay between religious observance and regional heritage in shaping Islamic expressions of sanctity.

Origin of the Term

The term "Kandil" derives from the Arabic word qandīl (قنديل), which refers to an , , or , symbolizing light and illumination. This root entered the through usage, where it retained its connotation of a device used in religious contexts. The association of "Kandil" with specific holy nights in Islamic tradition gained prominence during the in the , particularly under Sultan (r. 1566–1574). During his reign, minarets and mosques were illuminated with candles on these occasions to highlight their sanctity, a practice supported by the , the empire's chief jurisconsult. This illumination ritual marked a key development in linking the term directly to the observance of these nights across and beyond. Over time, the nomenclature evolved from referring to these events simply as individual "holy nights" (mübarek geceler) to collectively designating them as "Kandil" nights, with the practice serving as a for divine guidance and . This shift emphasized the symbolic role of in Islamic , transforming a descriptive term for illumination into a standardized label for the five key observances in Turkish-speaking Muslim communities.

Religious Significance

Place in Islamic Calendar

The Kandil nights are integral to the Islamic lunar calendar, or Hijri calendar, which follows the moon's phases and comprises twelve months beginning with Muharram. These five nights occur across four distinct Hijri months—Rabi' al-Awwal (the third month), Rajab (the seventh), Sha'ban (the eighth), and Ramadan (the ninth)—marking key spiritual intervals that encourage reflection and devotion throughout the annual cycle. This positioning reflects the calendar's emphasis on lunar observations, with dates shifting approximately 10–11 days earlier each Gregorian year due to the 354-day Hijri structure. In terms of specific timing, Regaib Kandili falls on the night preceding the first Friday of Rajab, while Mirac Kandili is observed on the 27th of Rajab; Berat Kandili on the 15th of Sha'ban; Kadir Kandili on the 27th of Ramadan; and Mevlid Kandili on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. This arrangement spans much of the Hijri year, beginning with Mevlid early in the calendar year, followed by Regaib, Mirac, and Berat leading into Ramadan, allowing the nights to punctuate the calendar with opportunities for heightened worship. The Kandil nights particularly align with pre-Ramadan spiritual preparation, as three of them—Regaib, Mirac, and Berat—herald the sacred months of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan, fostering a gradual intensification of piety leading into the fasting period. Mevlid, occurring earlier in the Hijri year in Rabi' al-Awwal, commemorates the Prophet's birth and sets a tone of reflection on prophethood at the outset of the year's progression. Overall, they relate to broader Islamic observances by serving as precursors to Ramadan's obligations, underscoring themes of mercy, ascension, forgiveness, revelation, and prophethood woven into the Hijri months' narrative.

Theological Role

In certain Islamic traditions, particularly among Hanafi Sunni communities in Turkish and Balkan regions, the Kandil nights hold significance as periods of heightened , , and spiritual elevation, drawing from Quranic and Hadith-based foundations where applicable. The grouping of these nights as "Kandil" originates from practices, emphasizing their cultural and devotional role. The most explicit scriptural basis is found in the 's description of Laylat al-Qadr (), one of the Kandil nights, as a night better than a thousand months, during which the was revealed and angels descend with divine decrees, emphasizing profound spiritual rewards for worship. This Quranic reference establishes the concept of "blessed nights" (layali mubarakah) characterized by increased efficacy of prayers, repentance, and good deeds. Prophetic traditions extend this framework to some of the other Kandil nights, portraying them as occasions when grants and multiplies rewards; for instance, a in Jami' at-Tirmidhi describes the night of ( Kandili) as a time when forgives His servants in vast numbers, akin to the sheep of the Kalb . Collectively, these nights underscore themes of and , encouraging believers to reflect on their lives, atone for sins, and draw closer to the divine through intensified worship. narrations highlight amplified rewards, such as prayers being multiplied and gates of mercy opening, fostering a sense of communal piety and spiritual renewal across the Islamic year. This emphasis promotes the idea that these nights serve as opportunities for divine proximity, where sincere devotion leads to purification and elevated status in the hereafter, aligning with broader Islamic teachings on the value of night vigils (qiyam al-layl). In terms of sectarian observance, Kandil nights hold particular prominence in Hanafi Sunni traditions, especially within Turkish and Balkan Muslim communities, where they are integrated into religious practice as extensions of prophetic mercy. Other Sunni madhabs, such as Shafi'i and Maliki, place less doctrinal weight on these specific nights beyond Laylat al-Qadr, viewing elaborate observances as potentially innovative. In Shia traditions, emphasis varies, with some nights like debated or unobserved due to differing authentications and historical interpretations.

The Five Kandil Nights

These observances, while prominent in Turkish and Balkan Muslim communities, are viewed as meritorious innovations (bid'ah hasanah) by some and impermissible bid'ah by Salafi scholars due to lack of early Islamic precedent beyond Laylat al-Qadr.

Regaib Kandili

Regaib Kandili, known in Arabic as Laylat al-Raghaib, is observed on the first Thursday night of Rajab (the eve of the first Friday of the month in the Islamic lunar calendar). This night commemorates the conception of Prophet Muhammad in Mecca, when angels announced the event to his parents, Abdullah and Amina, heralding the divine favor that would lead to the birth of the final prophet. The observance holds unique significance as it symbolizes the inception of prophethood, marking the moment when the light of guidance began to manifest in the world. The term "Regaib" derives from the root meaning "abundance" or "desires," reflecting traditions that describe this night as one rich in divine rewards, where sincere supplications and wishes are believed to be granted through and . This emphasis on abundance underscores the night's role in fostering spiritual renewal and connection to God's mercy at the outset of the prophetic era. Although not explicitly referenced in the primary Islamic texts, Regaib Kandili is associated in tradition with the themes of mercy and divine benevolence found in Surah Al-Isra (17:1-8), which highlights God's compassionate guidance and protection over humanity. This interpretive link reinforces the night's theological importance as a prelude to the broader mission of prophethood, inviting believers to reflect on mercy as a foundational element of faith.

Mirac Kandili

Mirac Kandili, observed on the 27th night of the Islamic month of , commemorates the Muhammad's miraculous night journey known as al-Isra' and . This event, referenced in the as a divine journey from the Sacred Mosque in to the Farthest Mosque () in , followed by an ascension through the heavens, underscores a pivotal moment in Islamic history. The journey is detailed in authentic narrations, where the was transported by the angel Jibril on the winged steed , highlighting the physical and spiritual dimensions of the miracle. During al-Mi'raj, the Prophet ascended through the seven heavens, encountering previous prophets such as Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Abraham at successive levels, each greeting him and affirming his prophethood. At the highest realm, known as Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary), he received the initial command from Allah for fifty daily prayers, which was later reduced to five upon the intercession of Moses, with the reward equivalent to fifty. This establishment of salah as one of the five pillars of Islam marks the unique significance of Mirac Kandili, emphasizing prayer's role as a direct link between the believer and the divine. The Hadith describes the event as a profound spiritual elevation, affirming the Prophet's status and the ummah's favored position. The miracle's symbolic elements further highlight divine favor, as the returned to before dawn, completing the entire journey in a single night, which served to strengthen his resolve amid persecution in . This rapid traversal of vast distances and realms symbolizes Allah's and the transcendence of Islamic faith beyond earthly limitations, as narrated in Sahih Bukhari.

Berat Kandili

Berat Kandili, the third of the five Kandil nights in the Islamic tradition, is observed on the 15th night of the month of , the eighth month of the lunar Hijri calendar. This night, also known as Laylat al-Bara'ah or the Night of Freedom, is regarded as a time when individuals are exonerated from the burdens of and granted from through . It is believed that on this occasion, the destinies and provisions for the coming year—encompassing life events, sustenance, births, and deaths—are inscribed and finalized by angels under Allah's command, serving as a moment of annual decree similar to the broader concept of qadar in Islamic theology. The unique theological significance of Berat Kandili lies in its emphasis on widespread forgiveness and repentance, positioning it as a pivotal night for spiritual renewal. A hadith reported in Sunan at-Tirmidhi describes Allah descending to the lowest heaven on this night, proclaiming forgiveness for those who seek pardon, forgiving more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of the Banu Kalb tribe, except for polytheists or those harboring enmity. Another narration in Sunan Ibn Majah, graded hasan (fair) by Al-Albani, states that Allah gazes upon His creation during the middle of Sha'ban and forgives all servants except idolaters or those with rancor in their hearts. This night acts as a precursor to Ramadan, allowing believers to approach the fasting month with purified souls, as deeds are presented to Allah and opportunities for pardon abound before the obligatory worship intensifies. In cultural observance, particularly within Turkish Kandil traditions, Berat Kandili highlights the role of angels in meticulously recording human actions and divine decrees, underscoring themes of and . While known as Shab-e-Barat in South Asian Muslim communities, where it involves similar prayers for , the Turkish context emphasizes this angelic record-keeping as a reminder of the night's role in the cosmic order of fate and .

Kadir Kandili

Kadir Kandili, the fourth of the five Kandil nights, commemorates Laylat al-Qadr, known as the Night of Power or Decree, which falls on the 27th night of Ramadan according to widespread tradition. This night marks the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE, when the angel Jibril appeared to him in the Cave of Hira near Mecca, initiating the prophetic mission that builds upon themes of divine guidance first celebrated in Mevlid Kandili. The unique significance of Laylat al-Qadr is articulated in Surah Al-Qadr ( 97), which describes it as a night better than a thousand months, emphasizing its unparalleled spiritual value where acts of worship yield rewards exponentially greater than on ordinary nights. The surah further states that angels and the (Jibril) descend by Allah's permission to fulfill every decree, bringing peace until dawn, underscoring the night's role as a time of and . As the culmination of Ramadan's spiritual buildup, Kadir Kandili encourages intensified devotion, though the exact date remains debated among scholars, with possibilities limited to the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th) in the last ten days of the month to heighten anticipation and vigilance. This observance ties directly to the night's Quranic emphasis on and blessing, distinguishing it as the pinnacle of the lunar month's sacred events.

Mevlid Kandili

Mevlid Kandili, the fifth and final of the Kandil nights, is observed on the 12th day of in the Islamic , commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in 570 in . This event, known more broadly in as an-Nabi, marks the arrival of the Prophet as a pivotal moment in , linking back briefly to the conception celebrated during Regaib Kandili. The unique significance of Mevlid Kandili lies in its celebration of the Prophet Muhammad as the "mercy to the worlds," as described in 21:107, emphasizing his role in bringing divine guidance and compassion to humanity. In Turkish tradition, this observance prominently features the recitation of the Mevlid poem, composed by in 1409, a devotional work in that narrates the Prophet's birth and virtues, fostering communal reflection and spiritual devotion. Historically, the Prophet's birth occurred amid personal and societal challenges in , where he was orphaned shortly after—his father dying before birth and his mother when he was six—yet it symbolized profound hope and the dawn of mercy for a world in need. This observance has been embraced in Sufi and Ottoman-influenced Islamic communities as a means of expressing and gratitude for the Prophet's , though it faces in some Salafi circles, where it is viewed as an unauthorized innovation lacking direct precedent in early Islamic sources.

Customs and Observance

Prayers and Rituals

In traditions observing Kandil nights, such as in Turkish and Balkan Muslim communities, believers are encouraged to engage in increased voluntary (nafl) prayers as a means of drawing closer to God and seeking spiritual rewards, with no specific obligatory form but a general emphasis on additional rak'ahs throughout the night. These practices, while popular in certain regions, are not universally observed or prescribed in Islamic jurisprudence, with some scholars viewing dedicated celebrations as innovations. Recitation of the Quran holds particular significance, as these blessed nights are viewed as ideal for contemplation and internalizing its teachings to foster forgiveness and mercy. Dhikr, the rhythmic remembrance of God through phrases like "Subhanallah" and "Allahu Akbar," along with dua—personal supplications for forgiveness, protection, and blessings—are core practices that amplify devotion and repentance. Fasting is generally optional on these nights to enhance focus on worship, though it becomes obligatory during Kadir Kandili as part of the broader Ramadan observance; for other Kandils, fasting the following day is recommended based on prophetic traditions. Communally, these nights feature special congregational (cemaat) prayers in mosques, where believers gather for evening and night services, often extending into the late hours to foster and shared . Charity in the form of is highlighted as a virtuous act, with donations to the needy believed to multiply in reward during these auspicious times. Family gatherings complement these observances, providing opportunities for collective and, if applicable, breaking fast together in a spirit of gratitude. Spiritually, the guidelines stress abstaining from sins such as or to maximize the night's blessings, while invoking the Muhammad's in prayers, drawing from that urge heightened worship on mubarak nights like Berat, where the advised and for divine favor.

Regional Practices

In , Kandil nights are marked by the illumination of mosques, where minarets are adorned with lights to symbolize the traditional lighting of candles during these holy occasions, a practice rooted in customs. A key cultural element is the distribution of kandil simidi, a special sesame-seeded ring-shaped prepared and shared as gifts among and neighbors, continuing a tradition from the era where it is offered to elders or during visits. Television broadcasts play a significant role, particularly for Mevlid Kandili, with national channels like TRT airing live recitations of the Mevlid poem from major mosques such as Eyüp Sultan in , fostering widespread participation. While none of the Kandil nights are official public holidays, Mevlid Kandili is a significant religious observance allowing for communal activities and sometimes reduced work hours in certain sectors. Observances in the closely resemble those in due to shared heritage, featuring mosque illuminations and communal gatherings, but with local variations such as the incorporation of in , where celebrations often include concerts blending Qur'an recitations with traditional Bosnian melodies. In contrast, Arab countries in the place less emphasis on the collective "Kandil" framework, observing the individual nights—such as Laylat or Laylat al-Bara'ah—separately through personal prayers and family reflections rather than unified candle-lighting rituals or special breads. Among global Muslim diaspora communities, particularly Turkish populations in , Kandil observances are adapted to local contexts while preserving core elements like prayers; for instance, in and the , associations organize community iftars and Mevlid recitations in mosques during non-Ramadan Kandil nights, sometimes integrating with broader interfaith events to blend Islamic traditions with social norms. These gatherings emphasize unity and cultural continuity, often broadcast via Turkish media outlets to connect expatriates with homeland practices.

Historical Development

Ottoman Origins

The Kandil tradition, encompassing the five holy nights of Regaib, Mirac, , , and Mevlid, has roots in individual observances of these nights in Islamic practice dating back to around the in , before evolving during the into a more unified set of celebrated events by the . These nights, rooted in events from the life of Prophet Muhammad, gained prominence through the empire's religious culture. A pivotal development occurred under (r. 1566–1574), who institutionalized the lighting of candles on minarets during these nights to visually announce their significance to the public. This practice, supported by the Shaykh al-Islam, transformed the observances into empire-wide spectacles, with illuminations symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and drawing communities together. Imperial initiatives like these were part of broader efforts to promote religious celebrations through endorsements, embedding the into the state calendar. Such measures enhanced social cohesion across the empire's diverse populations, from urban centers like to provincial regions, by standardizing rituals that reinforced shared Islamic identity and imperial loyalty.

Modern Observance

Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's secular reforms significantly diminished state involvement in religious affairs, including the oversight of traditional observances like the Kandil nights, by separating religion from public institutions and promoting a laïcité-inspired model that prioritized over Islamic practices. Despite this shift, the Kandil nights retained cultural importance among the populace, with state-controlled mosques under the (Diyanet) continuing to host evening prayers and communal gatherings on these dates, reflecting a balance between secular governance and private religious expression. In contemporary , Kandil observances have adapted to digital platforms, particularly since the , with widespread use of for sharing greetings, inspirational messages, and virtual cards via applications like , especially during Mevlid Kandili. Online sermons and live-streamed recitations from mosques have also become common, enabling broader participation amid and busy lifestyles. Structured Kandil celebrations spark debates in conservative Islamic circles about whether they constitute (religious innovation), with some scholars viewing them as permissible hasanah (good innovation) while others argue they lack direct basis in early Islamic sources. The global spread of Kandil observances mirrors communities, particularly in , where over 3 million Turkish-origin residents (as of 2023) maintain traditions through community centers and mosques, as seen in sermons referencing events like Miraç Kandili, increasingly incorporating virtual events for remote participation during holidays. These adaptations highlight the nights' enduring role in fostering abroad, often blending with local customs while preserving core elements like collective prayer.

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