Taraweeh Prayer
The first day of the month of Orozо begins with the taraweeh prayer, which is held on the night before the start of the fast. On February 18, after the evening prayer, taraweeh will be performed in all mosques across the country. This prayer is special and is performed exclusively during the fast. Throughout the month of Orozо, Muslims can perform taraweeh both in mosques and privately at home.Fast: Start and End
The fast will begin at dawn on February 19. For the convenience of Muslims in Bishkek and throughout Kyrgyzstan, an Orozо calendar is available, indicating the time for the start of the fast and the time for breaking the fast. The fast will last until March 19 or 20, depending on the lunar calendar; the exact date will be announced by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK).Main Rules for Observing the Fast
The fast begins with suhoor/saarlyk — the morning meal that must be completed before dawn. If a person oversleeps suhoor but intended to fast, their fast remains valid. During the day until iftar/oоз бекитуу time, believers abstain from food, drink, smoking, and intimate relations. Iftar begins after the evening prayer, and traditionally it starts with water and dates.It is important to remember that fasting involves not only physical abstinence but also control over one's behavior: quarrels, foul language, gossip, and deceit are strictly prohibited.The fast is broken if a person intentionally eats or drinks, or engages in intimate relations during the daytime. However, if someone eats or drinks out of forgetfulness, they should stop and continue fasting — in this case, the fast is not considered broken. After the time for breaking the fast, eating, smoking, and intimate relations are allowed, but after intimacy, full ablution is required; smoking is not encouraged in Islam as it is harmful to health.
Important Points During Orozо
- Fitr-sadaqa — mandatory charity that is only applicable during the month of Orozо. Its amount depends on the income of the Muslim and is expressed in the weight equivalent of wheat, raisins, flour, barley, or dates. The DUMK and the Council of Ulema of Kyrgyzstan set the amount of fitr-sadaqa annually. (After the announcement by the muftiate regarding the amount of fitr-sadaqa, Kaktus.media will update the information.) You can learn more about fitr-sadaqa here.
- Kadir Tun (Laylat al-Qadr) — the Night of Decree, which falls on one of the last ten nights of the month of Orozо. In Kyrgyzstan, it is celebrated on the night of the 26th to the 27th day of the fast. It is believed that on this night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. On this night, Muslims dedicate time to prayers for forgiveness and supplications, avoiding entertainment and unworthy actions. It is recommended to spend it in a mosque or at home, alone or with the community. More detailed information about Kadir Tun can be found here.
Advice from Medical Professionals
To make fasting easier, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugar, salt, and fatty foods. Avoid spicy and salty foods that may increase thirst. It is important to maintain hydration: after iftar and during suhoor, try to drink enough water, approximately 30-35 ml per 1 kg of body weight. Eat a balanced diet, adding more vegetables and fruits, and start iftar gradually — beginning with water and light food, avoiding overeating. More information about proper nutrition during fasting can be found here and here.
