Muslims around the world on Thursday night will celebrate Laylat al-Raghaib, Islam's blessed Night of Wishes, one of the holy nights in Islam.

Laylat al-Raghaib or Regaip Kandili is one of the five blessed Kandil nights in Islam. Raghaib is derived from the root "ra-gha-ba" meaning "to desire" or "to tend toward".

Laylat al-Raghaib marks the beginning of the "Three holy months" (Rajab, Sha'ban, and leading to Ramazan) in the Hijri calendar.

As Islamic holidays begin the night before, Laylat al-Raghaib is celebrated on a Thursday night preceding the first Friday of the month of Rajab.

Muslims traditionally recite a special set of prayers and read from the Quran on this night, which is based on the oft-quoted passage attributed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

“It is most important, however, that none of you should neglect the first Thursday night in Rajab, for it is the night that the angels call the Night of Wishes. This is because, by the time the first third of the night has elapsed, there will not be a single angel still at large in the heavens, nor in any region of the earth bar one. They will all be gathered together in the Ka'ba and the area immediately surrounding it. Allah will condescend to notice that they have assembled there, and He will say: 'My angels, ask Me for whatever you wish!' Their response to this will be: 'Our Lord, the request we wish to make is that You grant forgiveness to those who faithfully keep the fast in Rajab,' whereupon Allah will tell them: 'That I have already done!'”

It is believed that Allah, the Supreme, endows upon people His mercy, offers, and aids on that night.

It is reported that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to practice a recommendable rite that brings about remarkable rewards at this night, which is a prayer with a special formula. (ILKHA)