Muslim faith marks Quran anniversary

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Over five thousand mosques nationwide will be open to worship all night. AA photo

Turkey’s Muslims will be celebrating the Islamic faith’s “Night of Power” on the night of Aug. 3, in an event that will see many mosques across the country remain open all night.

Laylat al-Qadr, also known as Shab-e-Qadr, or the “Night of Power,” the “Night of Decree,” or the “Night of Measures,” is the anniversary of two important dates in Islam that occurred during the month of Ramadan. It is the anniversary of the night Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It is also the anniversary of the night in which the Quran is believed by Muslims to have been revealed in its entirety.

It is traditionally celebrated each year on the 27th night of Ramadan. Believers are encouraged to pray to Allah on the Night of Power, as Islamic belief states that the fate of the upcoming year is settled on that particular night.

An official statement from Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate condemned the ongoing violence in Islamic region and called for the end of “blood and tears” in countries experiencing violent conflicts.

This year, over 5,000 of the country’s mosques will remain open all night, accordng to officials.

Additional arrangements have also been made for the country’s mosques for easier access for believers with disabilities.

Those wishing to spend the remaining 10 days and nights of the holy month inside a mosque, in an act of faith called the itikaf, will be directed to one of the 1,694 mosques across the country that will be prepared to host them throughout this period.