The Islamic community around the world prepares to observe Kadir Gecesi on March 26, 2025, a night deeply revered for its spiritual significance and outlined in the Quran as a moment when the heavens open to accept prayers and repentance. Kadir Gecesi, considered more blessed than a thousand months, marks the occasion when the Quran began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
On March 25, 2025, Hakan Moral, the President of Religious Affairs, extended his heartfelt congratulations on this auspicious night, specifically addressing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the entire Islamic world. He emphasized the profound importance of unity, compassion, and support for those in need during these challenging times.
“Aziz Milletim, kıymetli kardeşlerim, Kadir Gecesine erdiren kadri yüce Rabbimize şükür! Şükür ki, zamanı bereketlendirene, dua ve yöneliş bilinciyle biz kullarını kuşatarak iyiliğe ve güzelliğe sevk edene!” he stated in his message, which urged people to seek the blessings of the night.
Kadir Gecesi is described in the Quran as a night when “the gates of heaven are opened and prayers and repentance are accepted.” The sacred text specifically points out its unique significance. As mentioned in the Quran, “Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” This encapsulates the essence of Kadir Gecesi as a precious time for worship.
Observed on the night which falls between the 26th and 27th days of Ramadan every year, in 2025, Kadir Gecesi will be honored on the evening of March 26. Many Muslims traditionally engage in increased worship during the final ten days of Ramadan, with the peak of this devotion culminating on Kadir Gecesi.
As per the religious calendar published by the Directorate of Religious Affairs in Turkey, Kadir Gecesi is a key highlight among the holy nights, with other important dates including the beginning of Ramadan on March 1 and the subsequent celebration of Eid al-Fitr at the end of the month.
“Bu gece vesilesiyle Rabbimize yönelmeli, dua ve niyazlarımızla hem kendimiz hem de tüm İslam âlemi için barış, huzur ve esenlik dilemeli,” Moral encouraged, urging people to pray for peace and tranquility not just for themselves but for the entire Islamic community.
For the spiritually engaged, Kadir Gecesi is described as a beautiful opportunity for seeking divine mercy. Activities commonly associated with this night include reading the Quran, performing additional prayers (kaza namazı for those who may have missed them), and engaging in good deeds such as charity. These are ways to honor the night that is recognized for providing a pathway to spiritual resurrection and renewal.
Believers are also encouraged to recite specific prayers and Quranic texts, such as the Surah Al-Qadr, and to reflect on the wider blessings of Ramadan. Hakan Moral articulated this sentiment well, noting, “Gönüllerimizi kin, nefret ve hasetten arındırıp, sevgi, merhamet ve dayanışma duygularını çoğaltmalıyız.” He advocated for fostering feelings of love, compassion, and cooperation during this blessed time.
Kadir Gecesi is increasingly recognized not only for its devotional aspects but also for the sense of community it fosters among Muslims. It brings individuals together in collective prayer and reflection. As individuals and families come together to observe the night, the emphasis on helping neighbors and the needy becomes more pronounced, reinforcing the importance of charity as a manifestation of faith.
“Rahmet, bereket ve mağfiret ayı olan Ramazan’ın son günlerine yaklaşırken, Yüce Rabbimizin bizlere bahşettiği mübarek Kadir Gecesi’ni idrak etmenin huzurunu ve sevincini yaşıyoruz,” said Moral, reminding everyone of the spiritual upliftment that this night brings to the hearts of believers.
In conclusion, Kadir Gecesi stands as a beacon of hope in the Islamic faith, representing a night of profound spiritual significance that resonates within the hearts of Muslims worldwide. As March 26 approaches, believers are invited to embrace the opportunity it presents for increased prayer, reflection, and communal solidarity, reinforcing the bonds of faith and humanity just as much as the solemn observance underscores the need for compassion in our world.
