There are only a few days left before the start of the holy month of Ramadan. In Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, it will begin on April 2 and will last until May 1. The Night of Power, or Laylat al-Qadr, falls on the night between 27 and 28 April, said spokespeople for the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan at a briefing. According to them, the start date of the Islamic holy month was chosen jointly with representatives of the clergy of neighboring countries and in accordance with Sharia law and scientific research.
“Previously, there had been differences in the timing of religious holidays between the Central Asian countries for various reasons of a religious and scientific nature. It often happened that Muslims living in the neighboring countries began fasting and celebrated Eid on different days. This caused confusion among the believers. During a working trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, we comprehensively discussed this issue and agreed to come to a common decision. Based on the agreement, bilateral memorandums were adopted,” said Nauryzbai Kazhy Taganuly, Chair of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan and the Supreme Mufti.
In addition, representatives of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Kazakhstan urged citizens to hold more charity events, and businesses not to speculate on food prices. The speakers also announced the size of charitable payment Sadaqa - this year it will amount to 500 tenge. Fasting, refusing to eat during daylight hours during Ramadan is the sacred duty of every Muslim.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova and Saule Mukhamejanova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
