Regaib Kandili, marking the onset of three holy months, is being commemorated across Turkey with messages of unity and prayers for peace. This sacred night holds special significance for Muslims, as various leaders and communities engage in prayers and reflections.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took to social media to express his wishes for Regaib Kandili, stating, "I pray this blessed night will lead to alleviation of suffering for our Palestinian brothers and bring peace and tranquility to all humanity." He emphasized the importance of this period, reminding the community of its role as the harbinger of the Holy Month of Ramadan. "The nights of Regaib Kandili serve as our guide to rejuvenate our faith and actions, leading us toward goodness," he added.
Reflecting similar sentiments, Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı also published a message for Regaib Kandili, urging for collective reflection during these significant days. He remarked, "The arrival of the three holy months offers us all important moral opportunities for purification. We should strive to reconsider our actions with the responsibility of faith and worship." He emphasized the relevance of this period not only for personal growth but as a collective support for the suffering of Muslims worldwide. Pekyatırmacı mentioned, "Let us not forget the suffering of our brothers and sisters under oppression, and may we always include them in our prayers. May Allah make these blessed nights be useful for the liberation of our sacred lands. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to my fellow citizens, our esteemed nation, and the entire Islamic community on this Regaib Kandili."
The significance of Regaib Kandili can be traced back to its derivation from the Arabic root "re-ğa-be," which encapsulates the desires and aspirations humans hold for high moral values and achievements. The term "Regaib" signifies something coveted and desired, with cultural practices rooted deeply within the Islamic tradition.
Communities across Turkey gathered to participate actively in local celebrations. For example, special programs were held at historical mosques such as the Sultan Selim Mosque in Konya, where local leaders and communities came together for prayer and recitations from the Quran. The event, led by Konya’s Provincial Mufti Ali Öge, included melodious recitations and religious songs, serving as both a communal gathering and a moment for contemplative reflection.
Uşak Province also marked the occasion with special programs held at Ulu Mosque, featuring sermons and Quranic readings delivered by İl Müftüsü Burhan Çakır. He urged attendees to embrace the essence of Regaib Kandili and its teachings, stating, "We wish all Uşak residents and the entire Muslim world blessings on this night." The atmosphere was filled with reverence, with communal prayers aimed at healing and unity echoing throughout the mosque.
The cultural essence of Regaib Kandili, along with its religious teachings, extends beyond mere observance. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to engage actively with their faith, reflect on their lives, and unite for the common good, particularly by remembering those who suffer injustices worldwide.
Different mosques and communities throughout Turkey held their own special prayers and observances during Regaib Kandili, heightening the night’s solemn spirit. Events involved reading passages from the Quran, congregational prayers, and delivering messages of hope and healing.
Not only is Regaib Kandili the first of the three holy months, it resonates with the start of many religious traditions, emphasizing moral responsibilities and the importance of community support. This unity and focus on faith serves as both solace and inspiration for believers, especially during challenging times filled with strife, such as those faced by people living under oppression.
Various leaders across Turkey have highlighted the importance of these nights as opportunities to strengthen bonds among community members and extend peace to those suffering globally. With the backdrop of current civil disturbances affecting many Muslim regions, leaders underscored the importance of compassion and cooperation, embodying the teachings inherent to Regaib Kandili.
Moving forward, the essence and messages of Regaib Kandili provide not only religious significance but also guide the actions and hearts of the faithful. It's about marking the start of deep introspection, peace, and collective prayers, forging paths toward unity and strength.
Through speeches and gatherings, the spirit of Regaib Kandili serves to remind Muslims of their shared humanity and the importance of standing together during difficult times.
This year's celebrations have set the tone for the forthcoming three months, and the messages of hope and peace continue to proliferate within and across communities. The collective prayer for alleviation of suffering and quest for tranquility echoes throughout the Islamic world, reinforcing the role of each night spent under the light of faith.
All celebrations reflect the poignant message of compassion and the call for unity among Muslims, reaffirming their collective responsibility toward one another.
Regaib Kandili is not just another religious observance; it is the inception of a transformative period of rain of blessings for those who embrace its principles and share its bounties with the world.