Month of Oraza begins in Turkmenistan: Muslims performed the first Tarawih prayer

On February 18, the holy month of Ramadan, known among local Muslims as the month of Oraza, began in Turkmenistan. Muslims gathered in mosques across the country to perform the first Tarawih prayer. This prayer is a special act of worship performed only during the month of Oraza.

The Tarawih prayer is a Sunnah prayer and is highly respected in Islamic traditions. It is performed after the mandatory (fard) night prayer and is usually carried out in congregation. The word "Tarawih" translates from Arabic as "rest" or "break" — a short break is taken after every four rak'ahs to recite prayers. It is customary to recite the entire Quran during Tarawih prayers throughout the month of Oraza.

At dawn on February 18, the fasting period began for Muslims in Turkmenistan: they abstain from food and water until sunset, dedicating their time to worship and spiritual purification.

This year, the month of Oraza will end on March 20. This day coincides with the traditional spring holiday — Nowruz. The end of the fasting is marked by the Oraza Bayramy holiday, which is an official state holiday in Turkmenistan and is considered a public holiday.