Laylat al-Raghaib

History and scholarly debates

According to the scholar Abu Bakr al-Turtushi, gatherings for Raghaib prayers began in eleventh-century Jerusalem. During the thirteenth century, the observance gained immense popularity across the Middle East, even as religious jurists debated whether Muhammad had ever sanctioned the practice. In Damascus, scholars such as Izz ad-Din and Ibn al-Salah argued whether it constituted a forbidden or a meritorious innovation. The Ayyubid authorities briefly outlawed the prayer in 1235 before public enthusiasm forced its return. Ottoman scholars later defended the evening, and by the late sixteenth century, mosques were regularly illuminated with lamps on minarets.

Observance and night prayers

Worshippers mark the day by fasting on Thursday or Friday and gathering after sunset for devotional acts. Congregants perform repeated units of prayer incorporating Surah al-Qadr and Surah al-Ikhlas, followed by specific invocations blessing the Prophet Muhammad. Beyond communal services, the night is dedicated to repentance, Quran reading, and voluntary almsgiving. In Turkish tradition, where it is counted among the five major Kandil nights, communities developed musical praise poems called Regaibiyye during the eighteenth century to honor the Prophet alongside the lighting of mosque minarets.

Spiritual beliefs and customs

Traditional narratives recount that the night received its name from heavenly hosts who assemble around the Kaaba to plead for the forgiveness of those who fast. Ottoman lore also associated this time with Amina learning she was carrying Muhammad. In daily community life, especially across Turkish towns, families observe the night by preparing fried lokma pastries and sharing small round loaves of bread with neighbors.

How Laylat al-Raghaib is kept

Observants fast during the day before coming together at night in brightly lit mosques. They perform sets of voluntary prayers featuring specific Quranic chapters, followed by repeated salutations upon the Prophet. People spend hours seeking forgiveness through personal supplication, reading the Quran, and offering charitable donations to those in need, often sharing freshly baked breads and sweets.

When and where

It takes place annually on the Thursday evening that precedes the first Friday of Rajab, which is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The tradition is especially prominent in Turkey and among Muslim communities in the Balkans, as well as among Shia Muslims and groups influenced by Sufism.

What Laylat al-Raghaib means

The observance represents an opening to the three sacred months preceding Ramadan. Believers see it as a moment of divine grace when angels gather to seek pardon for the faithful, encouraging worshippers to purify their intentions, ask for forgiveness, and direct their hopes toward God.

Questions people ask about Laylat al-Raghaib

See also

Eid al-FitrThe feast that ends Ramadan, opened with morning prayers, sweets and visits homeRamadan in TurkeyA holy month of fasting, prayer, and community meals, observed across Turkey with unique local customs.Mid-Sha'banAn Islamic night of prayer, remembrance, and seeking divine forgiveness.Mid-Sha'banAn Islamic night of prayer, forgiveness, ancestral remembrance and sweet offerings

Good reading and sources

• Laylat al-Raghaib on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.