Kandil

Kandil (from Latin: candēla) refers to five Islamic holy nights, celebrated in Turkey and Muslim Balkan communities, related to the life of Muhammad, when the minarets are illuminated and special prayers are made, a tradition dated back to the Ottoman Sultan Selim II of 16th century, who, with the support of the shaykh ul-Islam of the time, thought it was appropriate to light up the minarets on mosques for these blessed occasions.[1] The name "Kandil" derived from the Arabic qindīl meaning chandelier or candle.[2] The Kandil nights play a less significant role than the Bayram festivals.

This article is about the Islamic festival. For the Hindu lantern, see Kandeel. For other uses, see Qandil.

The five Kandil nights
  • Mevlid Kandili (Mawlid an-Nabi) – The birth of Muhammad
  • Regaip Kandili (Laylat al-Raghaib) – The night prayers are answered and Muhammad's conception
  • Miraç Kandili (Lailat al Miraj) – Muhammad's ascent to heaven
  • Berat Kandili (Mid-Sha'ban) – Forgiveness of sins and determining of destiny for the next year
  • Kadir Gecesi (Laylat al-Qadr) – First revelation of the Quran to Muhammad

References
  1. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/the-nights-of-kandil-47070
  2. İslâm Ansiklopedisi, s.v. KANDİL
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