Starting from February 19, Muslims begin the sacred fast of Orozо. The editorial team of Kaktus.media has prepared advice for those who are fasting for the first time and want to understand the basic rules and traditions of this time.
Taraweeh Prayer
The month of Orozо begins with the Taraweeh prayer, which takes place on the night before the start of the fast. On February 18, after the evening prayer, Taraweeh will be performed in mosques across the country. This prayer is conducted exclusively during the month of fasting. Although it is preferable to perform it in mosques, it is also permissible to recite it at home individually.
Start and End Times of the Fast
The fast will begin at dawn on February 19. The start time of the fast and iftar (the breaking of the fast) can be found in the Orozо calendar, which is available here. The fast will last until March 19 or 20, depending on the lunar cycle, which will be further communicated by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK).
Basic Rules of Fasting
The fast begins with suhoor/saarlyk — the morning meal that should be completed before dawn. If someone oversleeps suhoor but intended to fast, their fast is still considered valid. During the day until iftar, believers refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and intimate relations. Iftar begins after the evening prayer, and it is traditionally started with water and dates.
Remember that fasting is not only physical abstinence but also self-control: it is necessary to avoid quarrels, gossip, and deceit.
Breaking the fast occurs with the intentional consumption of food or water, as well as intimate relations during the day. If someone accidentally eats or drinks, remembering the fast, they should stop that action, and the fast is not considered broken. After iftar, it is allowed to eat, smoke, and have intimate relations, but intimacy requires full ablution, and smoking is not encouraged in Islam as it is harmful.
What to Know During Orozо
Fitr-sadaqa — a mandatory charity that is paid only during the month of Orozо. The amount depends on the income of each Muslim and is determined in weight equivalent of wheat, raisins, flour, barley, or dates. Every year, DUMK and the Council of Ulema of Kyrgyzstan set its amount. (When the Muftiyat announces the amount of fitr-sadaqa, Kaktus.media will update the information.) Details about fitr-sadaqa can be found here.
Kadir Tun (Laylat al-Qadr) — the Night of Decree, which is celebrated on one of the last ten nights of Orozо. In Kyrgyzstan, according to the Muftiyat, it is observed on the night of the 26th to the 27th day of fasting. It is believed that on this night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. On this night, Muslims dedicate time to prayers and requests for forgiveness, avoiding entertainment and inappropriate actions. It is recommended to spend it at home or in the mosque, both alone and in the community. Details about Kadir Tun can be found here.
Specialist Recommendations
To ease the fasting process, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of sugar, salt, and fatty foods. Avoid spicy and salty dishes that may cause thirst. Monitor your water balance: after iftar and during suhoor, drink enough water, approximately 30-35 ml for each kilogram of body weight. A balanced diet, focusing on vegetables and fruits, and a gradual breaking of the fast — starting with water and light food, without overeating — will help you. More information about balanced nutrition during fasting can be found here and here.
