Turkey's top cleric celebrates Mid-Sha'ban

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate head Mehmet Gormez celebrated Saturday the Mid-Sha'ban, also known as Laylat al Bara’at, the night of the 15th of the eighth month of Sha'ban in the Islamic lunar calendar.

"A happy Laylat al Bara’at to our honorable nation, to our kin abroad, and to the whole world of Islam" said Gormez on his Twitter account.

Gormez published the message in Turkish, English and Arabic.

"I pray that Bara’at Night becomes a means to humanity’s finding true path and peace; and to purification and forgiveness of all believers," said Gormez in his message in English.

Bara'at Night is regarded as a night when the fortunes of men for the coming year are decided and when Allah may forgive sinners.

Bara'at is also known as sign of the coming of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast and seek forgiveness.