Gümülcine Mufti İbrahim Şerif issues message for Berat Night

The Mufti of Gümülcine, İbrahim Şerif, has issued a message on the occasion of Berat Kandili (The Night of Absolution), which will be observed on Monday evening, February 2, 2026.

In his message, Mufti Şerif emphasized that Berat Kandili is a sacred night when Allah’s forgiveness, mercy, and compassion manifest, offering believers a profound opportunity for repentance, spiritual purification, and renewal.

Religious Programs Held Across Rhodope Mosques

Mufti Şerif noted that the Mufti’s Office has organized special Berat Kandili programs in various mosques across the Rhodope region, expressing his hope that the holy night will bring goodness, peace, and blessings to the entire community.

“Berat Means Liberation From Sin”

In his address, Mufti Şerif explained the religious and linguistic meaning of Berat Kandili, stating that the word “Berat”—derived from “Beraet”—signifies liberation from debt, illness, punishment, and sin.

“As a religious concept, Berat means purification from sins, being absolved, and attaining divine forgiveness and mercy,” he said.

He underlined that the night is referred to as the “Night of Deliverance” because believers who sincerely acknowledge their mistakes, seek forgiveness, and turn to Allah with repentance are hoped to be granted absolution.

A Night Long Revered by Muslims

Mufti Şerif highlighted that Berat Kandili has been revered by Muslims for centuries and that within the Muslim Turkish minority of Western Thrace, it is traditionally observed with increased worship, prayer, and reflection.

Citing prophetic traditions (hadiths), he recalled narrations emphasizing the unique spiritual significance of the 15th night of Sha’ban, during which divine mercy is believed to encompass those who seek forgiveness and reconciliation.

Repentance as the Path to Hope and Peace

Mufti Şerif stressed that Islam recognizes human fallibility and presents repentance (tawbah) as a central means of spiritual healing and moral restoration.

“A believer should never fall into despair because of their sins, nor lose hope in Allah’s mercy,” he stated, quoting verses from the Qur’an that affirm Allah’s boundless forgiveness.

He reminded worshippers that repentance is a direct relationship between Allah and the believer, requiring no intermediary, and that sincere repentance leads to inner peace and spiritual balance.

Call for Unity, Brotherhood, and Social Harmony

In the concluding part of his message, Mufti Şerif called on the community to use the spiritual light of Berat Kandili as an opportunity to:

• Reevaluate personal conduct 
• Strengthen relationships with others
• Eliminate resentment, division, and hostility 
• Reinforce unity, brotherhood, and social harmony 
• “By cleansing our hearts through repentance and filling them with love for Allah, humanity, and الوطن (the homeland), we can strive to become better believers and better individuals,” he said.

Mufti Şerif concluded by praying that Berat Kandili may be a source of blessings, peace, and الخير (goodness) for the entire community.