Emphasizing the need to increase worship, prayer, remembrance (dhikr), and good deeds during the months of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan, known as “The Three Holy Months,” Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören recalled the prayer of our Prophet (PBUH): “O Allah, make Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and enable us to reach Ramadan!”
Prof. Dr. Öngören also explained that Laylat al-Qadr, the most precious night of the month of Ramadan, is known as the night when the Holy Quran began to be revealed. He stated, “This night, considered the most important among the holy nights (Kandil nights), is one of the moments when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness reach their peak.”
Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören, a faculty member at Üsküdar University Institute for Sufi Studies, evaluated the spiritual significance of the months of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan, known as “The Three Holy Months” in the Islamic world.
Good Deeds Must Be Increased!
Emphasizing the need to increase worship, prayer, remembrance (dhikr), and good deeds during the months of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan, known as “The Three Holy Months,” Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören said, “In this blessed period when Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and benevolence reach their peak, we should not withhold our prayers, especially for regions suffering from oppression and pain. We must stand by our oppressed brothers and sisters in Gaza with our prayers for their salvation.”
The Spiritual Depth of the Three Holy Months
Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören noted that the months of Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan hold a special place in the Islamic calendar, stating that the inclusion of important holy nights (Kandils) such as Raghaib, Miraj, Bar'at, and Laylat al-Qadr in this period increases the spiritual value of The Three Holy Months. Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören recalled the prayer of our Prophet (PBUH): “O Allah, make Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and enable us to reach Ramadan!” He particularly drew attention to the fasting in the month of Sha'ban. Referring to the hadith, “The most virtuous fast, apart from Ramadan, is the fast observed in the month of Sha'ban,” Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören stated that the month of Sha'ban should be spent with more fasting compared to other months.
Kandils: Nights Where Divine Mercy Is Felt
Prof. Dr. Reşat Öngören stated that Raghaib and Miraj Kandils in the month of Rajab are the first spiritual stops of The Three Holy Months. He explained, “While Raghaib Kandili is celebrated to commemorate Allah’s favor upon His servants, Miraj Kandili is remembered as the night our Prophet ascended to the heavens. On this night, the five daily prayers were made obligatory and the last verses of Surah al-Baqarah were revealed. Moreover, the glad tidings that those who do not associate partners with Allah will be forgiven were also given on this night.”
Pointing out that Bar'at Kandili, celebrated in the month of Sha'ban, is known as the night of forgiveness and sustenance, Prof. Dr. Öngören recalled that our Prophet (PBUH) said, “Worship at night in the middle of Sha'ban and fast during the day. That night, as the sun sets, Allah manifests Himself in the sky of the world and says until dawn, ‘Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking sustenance that I may provide for him? Is there anyone afflicted by a calamity that I may grant him well-being?’’ He also noted that, considering that the annual decrees of destiny are determined on the night of Bar'at, repenting for sins, striving for good character, and asking Allah for abundant sustenance and healthy life in response to this divine address would lead to decisions in these matters being shaped in our favor throughout the year.
“Specifically, the ‘suspended decrees’ (qada' al-muallaq) in ‘Lawh al-Mahfuz,’ where the decrees of destiny are written – meaning decrees whose occurrence, whether in our favor or against us, is tied to our attitudes and actions – will come about in our favor,” said Prof. Dr. Öngören, adding that, according to narrations, the change of the Qibla from Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca also occurred on this night.
Laylat al-Qadr: The Pinnacle of Divine Grace
Prof. Dr. Öngören also explained that Laylat al-Qadr, the most precious night of the month of Ramadan, is known as the night when the Holy Quran began to be revealed, and he stated, “This night, considered the most important among the holy nights (Kandil nights), is one of the moments when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness reach their peak.”
The Power of Prayers
Prof. Dr. Öngören concluded his remarks by saying, “Prayers are a powerful tool not only for individual but also for societal peace and salvation. We must stand by our oppressed brothers and sisters in Gaza with our prayers. Our material aid capabilities may be limited, but supporting them with our prayers is within our reach. These blessed days are not only a spiritual renewal for individuals but also an opportunity to increase social solidarity. Making the best use of this special period, when the doors of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are wide open, is a means for both individual and societal peace.”