Ramadan 2025: Start date announced for Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - The holy month of Ramadan is set to begin on March 1, 2025, in Kazakhstan.
The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK) has released a calendar of religious holidays, highlighting key dates for Ramadan and other significant events.
Key Details About Ramadan
Ramadan is a month dedicated to spiritual purification, fasting, and prayer. During this time, Muslims deepen their faith through spiritual practices, charity, and self-reflection. The month lasts 29-30 days, depending on the lunar calendar, and concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, known as Oraz Ait, which will be observed on March 30, 2025.
Exemptions from Fasting
Certain groups are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, including pregnant and nursing women, the elderly, the sick, children under seven, and those who cannot fast due to specific circumstances such as travel or military service.
Laylat al-Qadr in Kazakhstan
One of the most significant nights of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Decree, believed to be the night when the first revelation of the Quran was sent to the Prophet Muhammad. In 2025, Laylat al-Qadr will be observed on the night of March 26-27. On this special night, Muslims spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah.
What to Avoid During Ramadan
Muslims observing Ramadan fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from several actions, including:

Eating and Drinking: Consuming food and drinks during daylight is prohibited.
Smoking: Smoking during daylight hours breaks the fast.
Negative Behavior: Avoid actions like lying, gossiping, or using offensive language.
Sexual Relations: Abstaining from sexual relations during fasting hours is required.
Aggression and Hostility: Maintaining calm and avoiding conflict is important.
Vanity and Idle Talk: Muslims are encouraged to avoid vanity, pride, and unnecessary conversations.
Excess Consumption: Practicing moderation in food consumption and material pursuits is advised.

These guidelines aim to strengthen spiritual experience and self-control throughout the month.
For those not observing the fast, it is advisable to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours out of respect.
Preparing for Ramadan
To make the most of Ramadan, SAMK recommends:

Setting intentions to perform good deeds.
Planning activities and goals for the month, including both obligatory and voluntary acts.
Compensating for missed fasts from the previous year, if necessary.
Gradually preparing physically, such as reducing intake of fried, spicy foods, coffee, and soda to ease into the fasting period.
Learning about the rules and benefits of Ramadan to enhance understanding and practice.

Eid al-Fitr, or Oraz Ait, marks the end of Ramadan, and in 2025 it will be celebrated on March 30.
Eid al-Adha Dates in 2025
Another important religious event, Eid al-Adha (Kurban Ait), will take place from June 6 to 8, 2025. During this holiday, Muslims traditionally perform animal sacrifices, sharing the meat with family, friends, and those in need, commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
Ramadan Calendar 2025
SAMK noted that the dates for Islamic holidays may change based on the actual sighting of the new moon.

"The start of the Hijri months is determined based on data from international astronomical research centers. Scholars caution that the exact dates for religious holidays may be adjusted depending on the sighting of the new moon," the administration stated.

Earlier this year, there was a scheduling issue regarding the date of Eid al-Adha. Initially, SAMK announced the holiday would be on June 17, with a planned holiday on Monday for a three-day weekend. However, 10 days before the date, the holiday was rescheduled to June 16 (Sunday), prompting the Ministry of Labor to cancel the planned holiday on Monday, disrupting travel and event plans for many Kazakh residents. Labor Minister Svetlana Zhakupova later explained that while she understood the public’s concerns, rules must be followed.