Prayer TimesFrom a religious perspective, the previous day ends and a new day begins with sunset. The night precedes the day. (Qurtubi, al-Jami’, 14/15) For example, the month of Ramadan begins with the sunset on the last day of Sha’ban, so the tarawih prayer is performed that night. Similarly, since the month of Shawwal begins with the sunset on the last day of Ramadan, the tarawih prayer is not performed that night. Friday also begins with the onset of Thursday evening and continues until Friday evening. For instance, when it is said “the first Friday night of Rajab,” it refers to the night connecting Thursday to the first Friday (from sunset to dawn). Likewise, “the 15th night of Sha’ban” refers to the night connecting the 14th day to the 15th, and “the night of Eid” refers to the night connecting the day of Arafah to Eid.
Accordingly, while the main time for observing voluntary fasts for kandil nights is the day following the night, it is also permissible to fast together with the preceding day.
Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu
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