Chief imam of Nur Astana Mosque congratulates Muslims on Ramadan sacred month
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast during daylight hours.
There are a number of special practices which are only done during Ramadan.
Fasting the whole month long
Although Muslims fast during other times of the year, Ramadan is the only time when fasting is obligatory during the entire month for every able Muslim.
Ramadan is intended to increase self-control in all areas, including food, sleeping, sex and the use of time.
Taraweeh Prayers
These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended. Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers, which usually last for one and a half to two hours.
I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur'an.
"This year Ramadan starts July 29 to end August 18. It will last for 30 days," Chief imam Nur Astana Mosque, naib mufti Kalizhan Zankoyev told.