What Are the Kandil Nights? Meanings and Worship

The Kandil nights are blessed nights held in high spiritual regard in Islamic tradition. They took this name because oil lamps (kandil) were once lit in mosques to announce them. Believers try to spend these nights in worship, supplication and repentance.

What is a Kandil?

A kandil is originally an oil lamp used for lighting. During the Ottoman era, lamps were lit on the minarets on blessed nights, so these nights came to be known as Kandil nights. Today five important nights are known by this name.

The five nights and their meanings

Mevlid marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Regaib marks the start of the three holy months, and Mirac commemorates the Night Journey and Ascension. Berat is known as the night of forgiveness and mercy, while Laylat al-Qadr is the night the Quran began to be revealed. The Night of Power is described in the Quran as better than a thousand months (Al-Qadr 97:3).

Worship on these nights

On these nights it is recommended to pray, read the Quran, make supplication and repentance, and send blessings upon the Prophet. Making up missed prayers, giving charity and visiting relatives are also good deeds. What matters is to revive the night with a sincere heart rather than in heedlessness.

Etiquette of observing the nights

The best way to honour these nights is to worship sincerely, free of showing off. Repenting for past mistakes, mending broken ties and doing good suit the spirit of these nights. Our app's Islamic calendar feature reminds you of upcoming Kandil nights in advance so you can prepare.