Mufti of Komotini İbrahim Şerif issues a message for Laylat al-Qadr and Eid al-Fitr
The Mufti of Komotini, İbrahim Şerif, has issued a written message on the occasion of Laylat al-Qadr and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr.
Quoting from the Quran, he highlighted the significance of Laylat al-Qadr:
"Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit [Gabriel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn." (Surah Al-Qadr)
Mufti İbrahim Şerif’s Message:
“Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The night connecting Wednesday, March 26, to Thursday, March 27, marks Laylat al-Qadr, while Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30.
Laylat al-Qadr, the 27th night of Ramadan, is considered the most blessed and significant night in Islam. As mentioned in the Quran, this is the night when the divine revelation of the Holy Qur’an began. The greatness of this night lies in its immense spiritual rewards, as it is said to be better than a thousand months.
On this sacred night, the decrees for the coming year are revealed to the angels, and the Angel Gabriel, along with other angels, descends to the earth to bring peace and blessings to believers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan, encouraging his followers to seek Laylat al-Qadr, particularly on the 27th night.
It is highly recommended to engage in prayers, supplications, and recitation of the Qur’an on this night. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Recite the Qur’an, for it will intercede for its readers on the Day of Judgment." (Muslim, Misafirîn, 252)
Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet, once asked him: "O Messenger of Allah! If I find Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say in supplication?" He replied: "Say: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me." (Tirmidhi, Deavât, 85)
Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Unity and Joy
Following Laylat al-Qadr, the Muslim community will observe Eid al-Fitr, a day of joy, unity, and gratitude. Eid is a time for reconciliation, generosity, and strengthening social bonds. It is an opportunity for believers to express gratitude for the blessings received during Ramadan and to support those in need through zakat al-fitr.
Religious festivals have always played a crucial role in societies, serving as moments of collective joy and spiritual renewal. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as occasions for both worship and permissible festivities.
Eid is neither solely a day of worship nor merely an occasion for entertainment—it is a blend of both. Celebrating within the bounds of Islamic values ensures that the essence of Eid is preserved.
May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds performed throughout Ramadan. May He grant us the honor of reaching Eid in a state of purity and forgiveness. I extend my heartfelt congratulations on Laylat al-Qadr and Eid al-Fitr, praying that these blessed occasions bring prosperity, peace, and unity to the Western Thrace Muslim Turkish minority, the entire Muslim world, and our fellow brothers and sisters abroad.”
