Taraweeh Prayer
The beginning of the month of Orozо will be marked by the Taraweeh prayer, which will be held on February 18, after the evening prayer. This prayer is performed exclusively during the month of fasting. During Orozо, Taraweeh is performed in mosques every evening, but individual recitation at home is also possible.Start and End Dates of the Fast
The fast will begin at dawn on February 19. A calendar indicating the start time of the fast and the iftar time for Bishkek and other regions of Kyrgyzstan can be found here. Orozо will last until March 19 or 20, depending on the lunar calendar, which will be announced by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK).Key Rules of the Fast
The start of the fast is associated with suhoor/saarlyk — the morning meal that must be completed before dawn. If a person oversleeps the time for suhoor but intended to fast, their fast remains valid. During the day, until the time of iftar/ooz bekituu, believers must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and intimate relations. Iftar begins after the evening prayer, traditionally starting with water and dates.It should be remembered that fasting is not only physical abstinence but also control over behavior: quarrels, gossip, foul language, and deceit are prohibited.The fast is broken in the case of intentional consumption of food or water, as well as intimate relations during the daytime. However, if a person accidentally eats or drinks and then remembers the fast, they should stop this action and continue fasting, which is not considered a violation. After iftar, eating, smoking, and intimate relations are allowed, although the latter requires full ablution, and smoking is considered harmful in Islam.
Important Points During Orozо
- Fitr-sadaqa — this is a mandatory charity paid only during the period of Orozо. Its amount depends on the income of the Muslim and is determined in weight equivalent of wheat, dates, barley, or flour. The amount of fitr-sadaqa is set annually by the DUMK and the Council of Ulema of Kyrgyzstan. (After the muftiyat announces the amount of fitr-sadaqa, Kaktus.media will update the information.) Additional information about fitr-sadaqa can be read here.
- Kadir Tun (Laylat al-Qadr) — this is the Night of Decree, celebrated on one of the last ten nights of Orozо. In Kyrgyzstan, it is officially celebrated from the 26th to the 27th day of fasting. It is believed that it was on this night that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. On this night, Muslims pray and seek forgiveness, avoiding entertainment and inappropriate behavior. It is recommended to spend it in a mosque or at home, either alone or in company. More details about Kadir Tun can be found here.
Medical Recommendations
To ease the fasting process, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugar, salt, and fatty foods. It is advisable to avoid spicy and salty foods that may cause thirst. It is important to maintain hydration: drink enough water after iftar and during suhoor, which is approximately 30-35 ml per 1 kg of body weight. Eat a balanced diet, adding more vegetables and fruits, and start iftar with light food, avoiding overeating. Additional tips for balanced nutrition during fasting can be found here and here.
