What is Berat Kandili? The Night of Forgiveness and Mercy
Berat Kandili, observed on the 14th night of Sha'ban, is a sacred Islamic night of forgiveness, mercy, and divine decree. This article explains its significance, recommended prayers, and acts of worship.
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What is Berat Kandili? The Night of Forgiveness and Mercy
Berat Kandili is one of the holiest nights in Islam, holding great spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Observed on the 14th night of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, this night is regarded as a time of divine mercy, forgiveness, and purification from sins.
The term "Berat" originates from Arabic and means "to be freed, to be absolved, or to be purified." Islamic teachings emphasize that this night is a blessed occasion when sincere repentance is accepted, sins are forgiven, and divine blessings are bestowed upon believers.
The Importance of Berat Kandili
In Islamic belief, Berat Night is a time when destinies are determined, prayers are accepted, and sins are forgiven. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described the night as follows:
"On the night of the 15th of Sha'ban, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and forgives more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of the Banu Kalb tribe."
(Tirmidhi, "Sawm", 39; Ibn Majah, "Iqamat al-Salat", 191)
Muslims observe this sacred night by seeking forgiveness, performing prayers, and engaging in acts of worship and charity to attain Allah’s mercy.
When is Berat Kandili in 2025?
Berat Kandili is observed on the 14th night of Sha’ban each year. In 2025, this special night falls on Sunday, February 13. As per the Islamic calendar, the date moves slightly earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Acts of Worship for Berat Kandili
Muslims commemorate Berat Kandili by engaging in various acts of devotion, including:
- Reciting the Holy Qur’an
- Fasting during the daytime
- Praying extra (nafl) prayers
- Reciting Surah Yasin and other chapters from the Qur’an
- Seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and repenting for past sins
- Sending Salawat (blessings) upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Giving charity to those in need
Observing these practices on Berat Night strengthens one's faith and brings immense spiritual rewards.
Special Prayers for Berat Night
Islamic scholars and traditions encourage Muslims to engage in additional voluntary prayers (nafl salah) on this night, including:
- Tahajjud Prayer – A special night prayer performed in the last third of the night
- Salat al-Tasbih – A prayer for forgiveness that involves repeated glorification of Allah
- Salat al-Hajat – A prayer seeking divine help and guidance
Although there is no specific prayer known as the "Berat Kandili Prayer," Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship and spiritual reflection on this night.
Recommended Supplications (Duas) and Remembrances (Dhikr)
On this holy night, Muslims engage in dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and supplications, including:
- La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah)
- Astaghfirullah al-Azim (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty)
- Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, Praise be to Allah, Allah is the Greatest)
- Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
- Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal-wakeel (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs)
The Connection Between Berat Kandili and the Qur’an
Some Islamic scholars believe that the entire Qur’an was sent down from the Preserved Tablet (Luh Mahfuz) to the lowest heaven on this night, a process known as "Inzal."
This is based on the following verses from Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:1-4):
"Ha, Meem. By the clear Book! We sent it down during a blessed night. Surely We are ever warning. In this night, every matter of wisdom is ordained."
These verses are interpreted by some scholars as a reference to Laylat al-Barat (Berat Night), marking the divine decree for the coming year.
Charity and Good Deeds on Berat Kandili
Muslims are encouraged to perform acts of kindness and charity on this night, including:
- Helping the poor and needy
- Supporting orphans and widows
- Providing financial assistance to those in debt
- Visiting the sick and elderly
These deeds align with the spirit of mercy and generosity emphasized on Berat Night.
Fasting on Berat Kandili
Although there is no specific "Berat Kandili Fast," fasting on the 14th and 15th days of Sha’ban is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is known to have fasted frequently during this month, making it a blessed practice.
Is Berat Kandili Mentioned in the Qur’an?
The term "Berat Kandili" is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an. However, some scholars believe that the "blessed night" mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan refers to this occasion.
A Night of Divine Mercy and Forgiveness
Berat Kandili serves as a reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and the importance of seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal. It is a night for self-reflection, repentance, and drawing closer to Allah through sincere worship and good deeds.
May this blessed night bring peace, forgiveness, and countless blessings to all believers.
